Lactulose (Generlac®, Cholac®, Constilac®, Enulose®, Acilac®) occurs as synthetic sugar used in the treatment of constipation and liver disease. It consists of the monosaccharides fructose and galactose.

Constipation

In the coarse of action of chronic constipation, its metabolites draw water into the intestine, inducing a cathartic consequence across osmotic action.

Hepatic encephalopathy

Inside handling hepatic encephalopathy, lactulose helps "draw out" ammonia (NH₃) from either a system. A effectiveness of lactulose is somewhat controversial, & whether or even does'nt its results come across ammonia is besides controversial too. Lactulose is metabolized in the colon by bacterial flora to short chain fatty acids, acidifying the colonic contents. This favors a formation of the nonabsorbable NH_Quaternion⁺ from either NH_Tierce, trapping NH_Troika in the colon & profits reducing plasma NH_Three concentrations.

Side effects

Side results include diarrhea and resultant dehydration and high sodium levels.