File:Lactulose_structure.svg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
β-lactulose
Also known as Chronulac, Cholac, Duphalac, Constilac, Cephulac Syrup, 4-O-beta-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-fructofuranose, 4-O-beta-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-fructose, D-Lactulose
Lactulose is a non-absorbable sugar used in the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. It is administered orally for constipation, and either orally or rectally for hepatic encephalopathy. It generally begins working after 8–12 hours, but may take up to 2 days to improve constipation.
Chemical data
- Formula
- C12H22O11
- Molecular weight
- 342.3 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- (2S,3R,4S,5R,6R)-2-[(2R,3S,4S,5R)-4,5-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-3-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol
- SMILES
- C([C@@H]1[C@@H]([C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H](O1)O[C@@H]2[C@H](O[C@@]([C@H]2O)(CO)O)CO)O)O)O)O
- InChIKey
- JCQLYHFGKNRPGE-FCVZTGTOSA-N
- XLogP
- -4.3
- Polar surface area
- 190 Ų
- H-bond donors
- 8
- H-bond acceptors
- 11
- Formal charge
- 0
via PubChem
Wikidata facts
~6 min read
Article
14 sectionsContents
- Medical uses
- Constipation
- Hyperammonemia
- Small intestine bacterial overgrowth
- Pregnancy
- Side effects
- Mechanism of action
- Chemistry
- Society and culture
- Name
- Availability
- Veterinary use
- References
- External links
Lactulose is a non-absorbable sugar used in the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. It is administered orally for constipation, and either orally or rectally 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 fetus has been found when used during pregnancy. It is generally regarded as safe during breastfeeding. It is classified as an osmotic laxative.