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Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Lactulose

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Posted on Wed, 25 Jan 2017
Question: I was diagnosed with cirrhosis almost a year ago. I am 67 years old, and up to this point, had been healthy all my life. My gastro doctor prescribed Lactulose, and even though I am on an very low dose ( 1 tbsp, daily) the
pain is excruciating from the stomach issues ( nausea, vomiting, cramping and gas) and I am paralyzed by this medication. I understand the importance of the solution, although at the current dosage, it is not working as it should. However anything above the 1 tpsp will cause diarrhea all day. I'm not sure I can continue to endure the pain.
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Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You need motility agents and rifixamin

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible.

First of all, it is sad to know what you had been experiencing lately.

Based on the history you have shared, let me clarify that fix dose of lactulose isn't required. As long as you have stool or bowel movements for atleast 3 times a day. To avoid accumulation of ammonia and other toxins in blood and rapid bowel movement and lactulose binding decreases such incidences, and decrease incidences of hepatic coma. So if it is a dose vs response kind of thing. If you achieve 3 stools per day, their is no need of any extra lactulose unless comatose patient or in hepatic encephalopathy.

Also for other symptoms motility agents like domperidone as well as antacids like omeperazole can be used. However Avoiding high protien diets in large numbers or heavy greasy meals can decrease such symptoms and decrease the possibility of encephalopathy as well. Also discuss with your gastroentrologist for antibiotics for ammonia producing bacteria in gut like Rifixamin.

Wishing you a static health. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
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Answered by
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Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3941 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Lactulose

Brief Answer: You need motility agents and rifixamin Detailed Answer: Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had been experiencing lately. Based on the history you have shared, let me clarify that fix dose of lactulose isn't required. As long as you have stool or bowel movements for atleast 3 times a day. To avoid accumulation of ammonia and other toxins in blood and rapid bowel movement and lactulose binding decreases such incidences, and decrease incidences of hepatic coma. So if it is a dose vs response kind of thing. If you achieve 3 stools per day, their is no need of any extra lactulose unless comatose patient or in hepatic encephalopathy. Also for other symptoms motility agents like domperidone as well as antacids like omeperazole can be used. However Avoiding high protien diets in large numbers or heavy greasy meals can decrease such symptoms and decrease the possibility of encephalopathy as well. Also discuss with your gastroentrologist for antibiotics for ammonia producing bacteria in gut like Rifixamin. Wishing you a static health. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.