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Lactulose

Lactulose is a laxative and ammonia reduction drug that is taken orally as a 30 cc syrup once daily at 8pm. It works by being broken down by bacteria in the colon to produce organic acids that increase osmotic pressure and acidity in the colon, resulting in softer stools and increased water content. Lactulose is used to treat constipation and prevent or treat portal-systemic encephalopathy. Side effects include abdominal fullness, flatulence, and belching. Nursing responsibilities include assessing for allergies, diabetes, pregnancy or lactation and monitoring abdominal symptoms and electrolyte levels.

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Grace Iloreta RN
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12K views2 pages

Lactulose

Lactulose is a laxative and ammonia reduction drug that is taken orally as a 30 cc syrup once daily at 8pm. It works by being broken down by bacteria in the colon to produce organic acids that increase osmotic pressure and acidity in the colon, resulting in softer stools and increased water content. Lactulose is used to treat constipation and prevent or treat portal-systemic encephalopathy. Side effects include abdominal fullness, flatulence, and belching. Nursing responsibilities include assessing for allergies, diabetes, pregnancy or lactation and monitoring abdominal symptoms and electrolyte levels.

Uploaded by

Grace Iloreta RN
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Medication Table

DRUG, DOSAG E& ROUTE

Lactulos e 30 cc syrup OD HS 8pm Laxative, Ammoni a reductio n drug

MECHANI SM OF ACTION
The drug passes unchanged into the colon where bacteria break it down to organic acids that increase the osmotic pressure in the colon and slightly acidify the colonic contents, resulting in an increase in stool water content, stool softening, laxative action. This also results in migration of blood ammonia into the

INDICATIO NS
Treatment of constipation. Prevention and treatment of portalsystemic encephalopat hy.

CONTRAINDICATION S
Contraindicated with allergy to lactulose, lowgalactose diet. Use cautiously with diabetes, pregnancy, and lactation.

SIDE EFFECTS
Abdominal fullness, flatulence, belching.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
GI Transient flatulence, distention, intestinal cramps, belching, diarrhea, nausea. Other Acid-base imbalances

DRUG INTERACTI ONS


DRUGDRUG Do not administer other laxatives with lactulose. DRUGFOOD May be taken with fruit juice or milk to increase palatability.

NURSING RESPONSIBIL ITIES


History Allergy to lactulose, lowgalactose diet. diabetes, pregnancy, and lactation. Physical Abdominal examination, bowel sounds, serum electrolytes, serum ammonia levels. Do not freeze laxative form. Ask patient to report diarrhea, severe belching, abdominal fullness.

REMARKS

colon contents with subsequent trapping and expulsion of feces.

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