Treatment Options For Asterixis

Use Of Laxatives

The use of laxatives can help patients excrete toxins from their body and reduce the dangerous buildup of minerals and chemicals. Many different forms of laxatives are available, and some can be purchased over-the-counter. Some patients may use fiber supplements and stool softeners before trying laxatives, and others may need chemical laxatives prescribed by a doctor. One of the most beneficial laxatives for asterixis patients is lactulose, which is available as an oral solution and a rectal solution. It is typically prescribed for patients who have portal-systemic encephalopathy as a result of severe liver disease. It can reduce ammonia levels that are too high. Lactulose may cause side effects such as burping, nausea, gas, and cramps, and in rare cases, severe diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. These patients should inform their healthcare team right away, and they may be instructed to take measures to prevent dehydration. If lactulose is not appropriate for an individual patient, doctors can prescribe other laxatives that may be equally effective.