Abstract
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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 70-71 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Journal | Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1984 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)
- Pharmacology (medical)
PubMed: MeSH publication types
- Case Reports
- Journal Article