Taking Lactulose For Hepatic Encephalopathy, Tenofivir For Cirrhosis. Chances For Memory Improvement? Will Rifaximin Be More Effective?

Posted on Tue, 30 Apr 2013

Question: Hello,
One week ago my father was prescribed lactulose (30ml, twice per day) for hepatic encephalopathy, he was first diagnosed with cirossis two years ago and takes tenofivir. Lactulose treatment has successfully eliminated all signs of agitation, defiance, and agressive behaviour . Is there any chance his memory and cognition could improve and would rifaximin be more effective. Up until now we have been under the impression that dementia caused all his cognitive problems. He has never respoonded positively to psychiatric medications or dementia medications including Aricept and Exelon and is currently not on these drugs.

Answered by Dr. Maruti Karale (2 hours later)

Hello!

Thanks for posting your query.
Yes, rifaximin will be more effective.

For hepatic encephalopathy with cirrhosis syrup lactulose does help.
There can be improvement in memory and cognition with use of lactulose by decreasing the gastrointestinal microbial flora and decreasing the toxin production by bacteria.
Rifaximin also plays the same role and has definitive role in treatment and prevention of hepatic encephalopathy.

Hence there are chances of more improvement in cognition with use of rifaximin.

Hope that clarifies

Regards

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Mohammed Kappan