Paper II — 2024 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) — Q9

Paper II

2024 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)

Question

Lactulose in Hepatic encephalopathy

Q91 marksShort Answers★✓

Answer

Lactulose reaches the colon undigested, where colonic bacteria ferment it to lactic and acetic acid, acidifying the colonic lumen. This acidic environment converts absorbable ammonia (NH3) into non-absorbable ammonium ion (NH4+), trapping it in the gut lumen for excretion rather than allowing it to be absorbed into the portal circulation. Its osmotic laxative effect also speeds transit, further reducing ammonia absorption and production by gut bacteria — together lowering blood ammonia, the key contributor to hepatic encephalopathy in patients with impaired hepatic ammonia clearance.

Related Concepts

1. 1Drugs for Constipation and Diarrhoea

Other Years Asked

1. 1Describe the uses, adverse effects and contraindications of atropine and atropine substitutes. (4+2+2)2022 February (2019 Scheme)Short Essay · 10 marks
2. 2(2024 June (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Essay · 8 marks
3. 3Mention four atropine substitutes with respective clinical indications for the same.2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
4. 4Compare and contrast: loperamide and racecadotril.2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 4 marks
5. 5Assertion (A): Lactulose is used in hepatic encephalopathy. Reason (R): Lactulose is neither digested not absorbed in the small intestine, therefore retains water and produces soft formed stools by osmotic action.2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)MCQ · 1 mark
6. 6Prevention of constipation2013 April (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
7. 7Which anti-diarrhoeal drug acts by inhibiting intestinal motility via opioid receptors2025 March (Supplementary (SAY)) (2019 Scheme)MCQ · 1 mark
8. 8Octreotide is a long acting synthetic analogue of:2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)MCQ · 1 mark
9. 9Super ORS2014 March (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
10. 10Stimulant laxatives2018 February (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
11. 11The drugs widely preferred to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)2025 March (Supplementary (SAY)) (2019 Scheme)MCQ (Multi) · 1 mark
12. 12The following is the right composition of oral rehydration solution as per WHO standard formula:2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)MCQ · 1 mark
13. 13Irritable bowel syndrome.2014 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
14. 14Laxatives2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
15. 15Drugs given for constipation2024 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
16. 16Antimotility drugs used in nonspecific diarrhoeas2022 May (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
17. 17Laxatives2023 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
18. 18Newer insulins2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
19. 19Anti-secretory agents in diarrhea2019 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
20. 20Stimulant purgatives2021 December (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
21. 21Drugs to treat Constipation2024 June (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.2 marks
22. 22Laxative agents.2022 July (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.2 marks
23. 23Antidiarrhoeal agents2023 January (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.2 marks
24. 24Stimulant laxatives2024 March (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.2 marks