Lactulose-induced hypernatremia.
We describe severe hypernatremia in a patient with hepatic encephalopathy, who was treated with lactulose. Lactulose produces hypernatremia via its osmotic effect and its degradation to organic acids. We recommend that patients who receive large quantities of lactulose and who lack access to free water have their electrolytes monitored and the dose tapered as quickly as possible.
D000368:Aged; D004187:Disaccharides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004326:Drinking; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006955:Hypernatremia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007792:Lactulose / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male
D004187:Disaccharides; D007792:Lactulose