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I Have A Patient With Cirrhosis Who Takes Lactulose ,

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Posted on Sat, 1 Aug 2020
Question: I have a patient with cirrhosis who takes lactulose, of course diarrhea, he is living at home and this is a mess. can he take xifaxan 550 mg BID instead?
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Answered by Dr. AJEET SINGH (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Lactulose alone or with Rifaximin is FDA approved in cirrhosis treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi....
Welcome to "Ask a Doctor"service.
I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX

I have gone through your query and here is my opinion.

Lactulose is an integral part of management of cirrhosis and liver disease.
It decreases the ammonia levels in blood and thus helps to prevent hepatic encephalopathy.

It is a cost effective measure as compared to Rifaximin.
If the patient do not respond to Lactulose,Rifaximin is added to the treatment regimen.
Rifaximin alone is not approved by FDA for this indication.

Hope that I have answered your query.

Stay healthy and stay blessed.
Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. AJEET SINGH

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 2151 Questions

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I Have A Patient With Cirrhosis Who Takes Lactulose ,

Brief Answer: Lactulose alone or with Rifaximin is FDA approved in cirrhosis treatment Detailed Answer: Hi.... Welcome to "Ask a Doctor"service. I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX I have gone through your query and here is my opinion. Lactulose is an integral part of management of cirrhosis and liver disease. It decreases the ammonia levels in blood and thus helps to prevent hepatic encephalopathy. It is a cost effective measure as compared to Rifaximin. If the patient do not respond to Lactulose,Rifaximin is added to the treatment regimen. Rifaximin alone is not approved by FDA for this indication. Hope that I have answered your query. Stay healthy and stay blessed. Regards.