| Table 6: | |||
|
Commonly
Used Medications for Hepatic Encephalopathy
|
|||
|
Drug
|
Dose
(Acute)
|
Dose
(Chronic)
|
Side
Effects
|
| Lactulose (oral) | 45
mL PO Q1-2 hrs |
15-45
mL PO Q6-12 hrs |
Diarrhea, flatulence, cramps |
| Lactulose (enema) | 300
mL in 1 L of water Q4-6 hrs |
Not
used chronically |
Diarrhea, flatulence, cramps |
| Metronidazole | 250
mg PO Q8-12 hrs |
250
mg PO Q8-12 hrs |
Peripheral neuropathy |
| Neomycin | 1,000
mg PO Q4-8 hrs |
500-1,000
mg PO Q6-12 hrs |
Rare nephro- and ototoxicity |
|
Copyright
2005 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
|
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