Lactomed

Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide composed of galactose and fructose, specifically 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-fructofuranose, produced by the alkaline isomerization of lactose.[1][2] It is not naturally occurring and is primarily utilized in medicine as a non-absorbable osmotic laxative to treat chronic constipation in adults and elderly patients, as well as to manage hepatic encephalopathy associated with liver dysfunction.[3][4] Administered enterally, including orally in solution or crystalline form or via gastric tubes such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes (diluted well to prevent vomiting and possible aspiration pneumonia), lactulose passes undigested through the small intestine and is fermented by colonic bacteria, producing metabolites that promote its therapeutic effects.[5][6]