“In previous studies with cirrhotic subjects administration of oral lactulose caused a reduction in the urea production rate associated with an increase in fecal nitrogen excretion.”
“Only lactulose caused a reduction in fecal pH. Magnesium sulfate had no significant effect on the urea production rate or urinary nitrogen excretion, whereas lactulose caused a 25% reduction in the urea production rate and an 18% reduction in urinary nitrogen excretion.”
“The change in urea production rate in response to lactulose therapy was an indirect measure of a reduction in total gut ammonia production.”