Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds  View the lesson: https://bit.ly/LactuloseGenerlacNursingConsiderations      Generic Name

lactulose

Trade Name

Kristalose

Indication

Constipation, portal-systemic encephalopathy

Action

draws water into the stool and softens stool, inhibits ammonia passing into the colon

Therapeutic Class

laxative

Pharmacologic Class

osmotic

Nursing Considerations

• use caution with DM • may cause cramps, abdominal distention, hyperglycemia • assess mental status, ammonia levels, abdominal distention • patient should average 2-3 bowel movements per day