| Item |
Information |
|
Drug Groups
|
approved |
|
Description
|
A synthetic disaccharide used in the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. It has also been used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p887) |
| Indication |
For the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. |
| Pharmacology |
Therapeutically, lactulose has laxative and ammonia-detoxifying actions. In treating constipation lactulose metabolites draw water into the bowel, causing a cathartic effect through osmotic action. |
| Toxicity |
LD50=18.2 g/kg (oral, rat). Side effects include diarrhea and resultant dehydration. |
| Affected Organisms |
| • |
Humans and other mammals |
|
| Biotransformation |
Lactulose is completely metabolized in the colon by enteric bacteria, and no lactulose is excreted in the feces. |
| Absorption |
Poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract as no human enzyme that is capable of hydrolysis of this disaccharide is present in human gastrointestinal tissue. |
| Half Life |
1.7-2 hours |
| Elimination |
The primary route of elimination is fecal. Urinary excretion has been determined to be 3% or less and is essentially complete within 24 hours. |
| External Links |
|