User:Mr. Ibrahem/Lactulose

Lactulose is a non-absorbable sugar used in the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. It is used by mouth for constipation and either by mouth or in the rectum for hepatic encephalopathy. It generally begins working after 8–12 hours, but may take up to 2 days to improve constipation.

Common side effects include abdominal bloating and cramps. A potential exists for electrolyte problems as a result of the diarrhea it produces. No evidence of harm to the baby has been found when used during pregnancy. It is generally regarded as safe during breastfeeding. It is classified as an osmotic laxative.

Lactulose was first made in 1929, and has been used medically since the 1950s. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic and brand-name product. In various countries it is about US$0.16 per 15 ml of syrup (10 g of lactulose) in 2015. In the United States, the cost of this amount is about US$0.63. Lactulose is made from the milk sugar lactose, which is composed of two simple sugars, galactose and glucose.