Lactulose is artificially synthesized stereoisomer lactose - milk sugar.Like it, lactulose molecule consists of residues of the molecules of fructose and galactose, but the nature of the substance was not found.
lactulose, soluble white powder was first obtained from lactose in 1929, but its medicinal properties are open much later.The results of its application were first described only thirty years.Currently formulations based on this material are among the most popular and effective laxatives.
Lactulose, the instructions for use which describes in detail its properties, belongs to a class of so-called prebiotics - substances that enter the body through food, but not absorbed and are not subject to digestion.Their value lies in the fact that they stimulate the growth of beneficial enteric microflora participating in digestion.In this - the main difference from the majority of prebiotics laxatives that have the appropriate action due to the effect on the smooth muscles of the intestine.Increased intestinal motility lactulose (product specification describes the preparation of its action) is due to increase in its osmotic pressure.A chair as a result of this process becomes more voluminous and liquid, and as a result there comes relief.
addition laxative action, lactulose also increases the secretion of bile, stimulates the liver and relieves the symptoms of liver toxicity.After its application significantly reduces the amount of toxic substances in the blood, in particular ammonia.Normally, they are detoxified by the liver cells - hepatocytes.However, in patients with liver failure, arising, for example, liver cirrhosis, toxic metabolites are absorbed from the intestine and exert toxic effects on the brain.As a result, the patient develops chronic portal systemic encephalopathy (PSE) - a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome.It is characterized by neuromuscular disorders, behavioral disorders and consciousness.Lactulose (instructions for use of the drug indicates this) is the most effective drug, which facilitate the patient's condition at the PSE: it provides rapid removal of ammonia from the body and prevents its absorption into the blood.
effect of lactulose on the intestinal microflora similar to the effect of dietary fiber, traditionally used to treat constipation.Studies have shown that as a result of its application in the intestine significantly increased the number of lactobacilli involved in the digestion of food.In addition, it is used in uncomplicated forms of intestinal infections: reducing the amount of pathogenic enteric bacteria - one of the results of the drug "Lactulose".Instructions for use of the funds says that it inhibits the proliferation of pathogens Salmonella and dysentery - Shigella.Because of these properties, lactulose used in the treatment of dysbacteriosis.
Today the world produces several dozen preparations based on lactulose "Duphalac", "Normase", "Livolak", "Laktofiltrum", "Lactusan" and others.Lactulose, instructions for use which describes in detail the possible side effects of the drug, is an ideal laxative for young children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating women.It works gently and carefully, almost without causing discomfort.Among the possible side effects - abdominal pain and flatulence.Sometimes there nausea and vomiting usually associated with individual intolerance to the drug.In this case, you need to stop taking it.
course of treatment with lactulose is, on average, about two months.For the treatment of constipation lactulose (instructions accurately indicates the recommended dose) is used for the first 15-45 ml per day (dose adjusted individually).After a few days pass to a maintenance dose - it will be somewhat less.Babies lactulose syrup (user points to it), it is recommended to receive a dose of 5 ml per day.At the beginning of therapy PSE it dissolves in water and is administered rectally 3-4 times per day.After stabilization of the patient the drug is taken orally at a dose prescribed by the doctor.
