From 1980 to 1981, Leicier found that the limulus test agglutination reaction of lactulose inhibits endotoxin in vitro, alleviating the liver injury of rats induced by D-amino galactose. He believed that lactulose had anti-endotoxin activity, meaning that and it can be used in the treatment of liver and kidney syndrome. Medical uses
Constipation
Lactulose is used in the treatment of chronic constipation in patients of all ages as a long-term treatment. The dosage of lactulose for chronic idiopathic constipation is adjusted depending on the constipation severity and desired effect, from a mild stool softener to causing diarrhea. Lactulose is contraindicated in case of galactosemia, as most preparations contain the monosaccharide galactose due to its synthesis process.Lactulose may be used to counter the constipating effects of opioids, and in the symptomatic treatment of hemorrhoids as a stool softener.Lactulose is commonly prescribed for children who develop fear of their bowel movements and are withholders. This is because lactulose, when dosed in the proper amount, causes a bowel movement that is impossible to retain for very long. Lactulose is also used for the elderly because of its gentle and consistent results. Hyperammonemia
Lactulose is useful in treating hyperammonemia (high blood ammonia), which can lead to hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose helps trap the ammonia (NH3) in the colon and bind to it. It does this by using gut flora to acidify the colon, transforming the freely diffusible ammonia into ammonium ions (NH+4), which can no longer diffuse back into the blood.
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 Organizations List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic and brand-name product. Lactulose is made from the milk sugar lactose, which is composed of two simple sugars, galactose and glucose. History
In 1957, Peitele discovered that lactulose is a bifidobacterium proliferation factor. In 1964, Hoffman found that only bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus and Streptococcus could metabolise lactulose into lactic acid and acetic acid. In 1966, Baicier found that lactulose can promote the growth of basophilic gram-positive bacteria lacking urease (e.g. Escherichia coli) and reduce ammonia production. It has been proven that lactulose reduces blood ammonia, and it has been successfully used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. In 1979, Nianmoleyou treated viral hepatitis with lactulose and he found that lactulose has the effect of reducing plasma endotoxin.