| Drug Name: | Lactulose |
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| Drug Class: | Osmotic laxative |
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| Mechanism of Action: | - Increases water content and softens stool by drawing water into the colon
- Promotes growth of beneficial gut bacteria that produce lactic acid and acetic acid, which lower colonic pH and inhibit growth of harmful bacteria
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| Use: | - Constipation
- Hepatic encephalopathy
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| Side Effects: | - Abdominal cramps
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
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| Contraindications: | - Galactosemia
- Intestinal obstruction
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| Specialty: | - Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
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