Lactulose

Though lactulose does not occur in nature, it is an isomer of lactose, the natural milk sugar, and is produced directly from lactose. Lactulose is a disaccharide of the simple sugars galactose and fructose. Enzymes in the gut can split lactose, but not lactulose.

After oral intake, lactulose passes the stomach and small intestine unchanged. It reaches the colon where it can be used as an energy source by Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. This promotes growth of these gut bacteria. Due to its good tolerability, lactulose is also used as a food ingredient and is added to animal feed.

Chronic constipation quite often needs to be treated with a laxative. Degradation of lactulose by colonic bacteria yields an increase of bacterial mass and osmotic pressure, which in turn results in increased stool volume and enhancement of peristalsis. As a result lactulose alleviates bowel movement. This natural combination of prebiotic, osmotic and activating effects makes lactulose an effective laxative.

Another medical indication for lactulose is portal systemic encephalopathy (PSE), also known as hepatic encephalopathy. This is a disease state that results from liver damage, for example in advanced cirrhosis. The impaired liver function allows toxic substances, including ammonia, to accumulate in the bloodstream. Elevated blood ammonia interferes with brain functions, causing cognitive dysfunction and psychiatric disorders.

At high doses, lactulose promotes the excretion of ammonia and helps to restore normal neurological function. Hence lactulose is the treatment of choice for PSE.

Fresenius Kabi Austria is one of the leading lactulose suppliers, with more than 40 years of experience in its production and distribution. We supply lactulose in liquid and crystalline form manufactured at two production sites in Linz, Austria, and in Vicchio, Italy.

We distribute lactulose not only as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) but also as finished, packaged pharmaceutical products. Our production and filling lines are side by side and the finished product is made seamlessly after the bulk process.

For more information on our Lactulose product portfolio and services, please visit our websites www.lactulose.eu or www.fresenius-productpartnering.com.