lactulose + rifaximin

A combination therapy consisting of lactulose (a nonabsorbable disaccharide) and rifaximin (a gastrointestinal-specific oral antimicrobial agent) used primarily for the treatment and prevention of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with liver cirrhosis. This combination works through complementary mechanisms to reduce ammonia production and absorption in the intestine. Lactulose creates an acidic environment in the colon that inhibits ammonia-producing bacteria and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. Rifaximin inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase, blocking bacterial protein synthesis and further reducing ammonia production.

Brand names

XifaxanDuphalacEnuloseGenerlacKristalose

Other names

lactulose + rifaximinlactulose and rifaximinrifaximin plus lactulose