What it means
An osmotic laxativeLAK-suh-tivA drug that loosens stool or helps the bowels move, used to treat or prevent constipation.Full entry that the body cannot digest. Gut bacteria break it down into acids, which pull water into the colon and trap ammonia so it leaves in the stool. It is used for long-term constipation and to treat and prevent hepatic encephalopathy, the confusion that liver disease can cause.
For the nurse
For liver disease the dose is adjusted to 2 to 3 soft stools a day; check mental status and ammonia levels. Watch for diarrhea, low potassium and dehydration. Mixing it with juice helps the very sweet taste.
At a glance
| Drug class | osmotic laxative; ammonia detoxicant |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Enulose, Constulose, Generlac |
| Also written | Enulose, Constulose, Generlac |
Related terms
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
laxative
A drug that loosens stool or helps the bowels move, used to treat or prevent constipation.