Lactulose is an artificially synthesized stereoisomer of lactose - milk sugar. Like it, the lactulose molecule consists of the remains of the molecules of fructose and galactose, but in nature this substance does not occur.
Lactulose, a highly soluble white powder, was first obtained from lactose in 1929, but its therapeutic properties were discovered much later. The results of its application were first described only after thirty years. Currently, drugs based on this substance are among the most effective and popular laxatives.
Lactulose, the instruction for its use, describes in detail its properties, belongs to the class of so-called prebiotics - substances that enter the body together with food, but not absorbed and not subject to digestion. Their value lies in the fact that they stimulate the growth of useful microflora in the intestine, which takes part in digestion. In this - the main difference between prebiotics and most laxatives, which have a corresponding effect due to influence on the smooth musculature of the intestine. Strengthening the intestinal peristalsis of lactulose( instruction on the use of the drug describes its effect) causes due to an increase in its osmotic pressure. The chair as a result of this process becomes more voluminous and liquid, and as a result, there is an easing.
In addition to laxative action, lactulose also increases bile secretion, stimulates liver function and alleviates the symptoms of hepatic intoxication. After its use, the amount of toxic substances in the blood, in particular, ammonia, is significantly reduced. In norm they are rendered harmless by liver cells - hepatocytes. However, in patients with hepatic insufficiency, which occurs, for example, in liver cirrhosis, toxic metabolites are absorbed from the intestine and have a poisoning effect on the brain. As a result, the patient develops chronic portal systemic encephalopathy( PSE) - a complex neuropsychic syndrome. It is characterized by neuromuscular disorders, disorders of behavior and consciousness. Lactulose( the instruction for the use of the drug indicates this) is the most effective drug that makes it possible to alleviate the patient's condition in SES: it ensures the rapid removal of ammonia from the body and prevents its absorption into the blood.
The effect of lactulose on the intestinal microflora is similar to that of dietary fiber traditionally used to treat constipation. Studies have shown that as a result of its use in the intestine, the amount of lactobacilli participating in the digestion of food is significantly increased. In addition, it is used for uncomplicated forms of intestinal infections: a decrease in the amount of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine is one of the results of taking Lactulose. Instruction for the use of the drug suggests that it suppresses the reproduction of Salmonella and the causative agents of dysentery - Shigella. Due to these properties, lactulose is used in the treatment of dysbacteriosis.
To date, several dozen preparations based on lactulose are produced in the world: Dufalac, Normaze, Livolak, Lactofiltrum, Laktusan and others. Lactulose, the instruction for which describes in detail the possible side effects of the drug, is the ideal laxative for young children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating women. It acts gently and gently, practically without causing unpleasant sensations. Among the possible side effects are abdominal pain and flatulence. Sometimes there is nausea and vomiting, usually associated with an individual drug intolerance. In this case, its reception must be stopped.
The course of treatment with lactulose is, on average, about two months. For the treatment of constipation of lactulose( the instruction accurately indicates the recommended dose of the drug) first applied to 15-45 ml per day( the dose is adjusted individually).After a few days, they switch to a maintenance dose - it will be somewhat less. Children syrup lactulose( instruction indicates this) is recommended to be taken in a dose of 5 ml per day. When PSE at the beginning of therapy, it dissolves in water and is injected rectally 3-4 times a day. After stabilizing the patient's condition, the drug is taken orally at a dose prescribed by the doctor.