Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

LACTULOSE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Synthetic disaccharide used in the treatment of constipation and in hepatic
encephalopathy. Lactulose is broken down by colonic bacteriamainly into acetic and lactic
acids which exert a local osmotic effect in the colon resulting in increased faecal bulk
and stimulation of peristalsis. When larger doses are given for hepatic encephalopathy the
pH of the colon is significantly reduced by this acid production and the absorption of
ammonium ions and other toxic nitrogenous compounds is decreased leading to a fall in
blood- ammonia concentrations.

SYNONYMS

C12-H22-O11, 4-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-D-fructofuranose, 4-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-D-
fructofuranose, 4-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-D-fructose, 4-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-D-
fructose, "isolactose D-lactulose", "isolactose D-lactulose", lactulosum, alpha-lactulose,
Bifiterol, Cephulac, Chronulac, Laevolac, Lattulosio

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may cause transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn). Slight abrasive damage may also result. The material may produce foreign body irritation in certain individuals.  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Open cuts, abraded or irritated skin should not be exposed to this material.  Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems.  Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e. pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.  Prolonged use may cause diarrhoea with excessive loss of electrolytes, particularly potassium.