Lactulose (Lac)

Lactulose is a synthetic, non-digestible sugar used in the treatment of chronic constipation and hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of liver disease. It is a disaccharide (double-sugar) formed from one molecule each of the simple sugars (monosaccharides) fructose and galactose. It is produced commercially by isomerization of lactose. Lactulose is used in the treatment of chronic constipation. in patient of all ages as a long-term treatment. Its dosage is ajusted depending on the constipation severity, and in case of galactosemia as most preparation contain the monosaccharide galactose due to its synthesis process. This disaccharide is not absorbed in the intestine nor broken down by human enzymes, and thus stays in the digestive bolus though most of its course, causing retention of water though osmosis leading to softer, easier to pass stool.