Visit: https://nursing.com/140meds to request your free copy of "140 Must Know Meds"

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