Duphalac Syrup

About Duphalac Syrup

Duphalac Syrup Uses

• Relief of acute and chronic constipation by softening stool and promoting regular bowel movements.
• Treatment of hepatic encephalopathy reducing ammonia levels in liver disease patients.
• Prevention of portal systemic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.
• Management of straining and difficult defecation in elderly and post-operative patients.
• Bowel regulation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and functional constipation.

Duphalac Syrup Benefits

• Osmotic action draws water into the colon softening stool and increasing frequency of bowel movements.
• Non-absorbed disaccharide minimizes systemic side effects and allows safe long-term use.
• Gentle laxative action suitable for all age groups including children and elderly patients.
• Reduces ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy by altering colonic pH and flora.
• Well-tolerated with minimal serious adverse effects when used as directed.

What Experts Say

Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide composed of galactose and fructose that functions as an osmotic laxative. The drug is not absorbed in the small intestine but passes unchanged into the colon where colonic bacteria ferment it producing short-chain fatty acids and gases including hydrogen and methane. This fermentation increases colonic osmotic load drawing water into the bowel lumen which increases stool bulk and softness. Increased colonic content stimulates peristalsis promoting more frequent bowel movements and reducing straining.

Pharmacokinetically, lactulose demonstrates minimal systemic absorption with less than 3 percent reaching the bloodstream. The unabsorbed portion undergoes bacterial fermentation in the colon with action beginning within 24 to 48 hours of oral administration. The effects are dose-dependent with higher doses producing more frequent bowel movements. Lactulose also reduces colonic pH which inhibits ammonia-producing bacteria and increases ammonia diffusion from blood into the colonic lumen for elimination in stool. This ammonia-lowering effect is particularly beneficial in hepatic encephalopathy management.

Clinical efficacy studies demonstrate lactulose effectively relieves constipation across all age groups with sustained benefit with regular use. In hepatic encephalopathy, lactulose reduces ammonia levels and improves mental status in most patients. The drug is particularly valuable in elderly patients and post-operative patients who are prone to constipation. Long-term safety data supports its use for months to years without loss of efficacy or development of drug dependence. Patient acceptance is high due to mild action and minimal adverse effects.

Drug Class

• Osmotic Laxative, Disaccharide

Packaging and Quantity

• Bottle containing 120 ml or 240 ml of syrup containing 66.7g of lactulose per 100ml.

When Not to Use Duphalac

• Known hypersensitivity to lactulose or any component of the formulation.
• Acute abdomen with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever.
• Intestinal obstruction or suspected bowel perforation.
• Galactosemia or lactose intolerance.
• Inflammatory bowel disease with acute exacerbation.

Duphalac Syrup formula

• Lactulose

Available forms

• Syrup

How to use Duphalac Syrup?

• Take orally as directed by your healthcare provider using a measuring spoon or cup.
• For adults and adolescents, starting dose is 15 to 45 ml once or twice daily.
• Maintenance dose for adults is usually 15 to 30 ml once or twice daily.
• For children aged 7 to 14 years, starting dose is 15 ml once daily.
• For children aged 1 to 6 years, starting dose is 5 to 10 ml once daily.
• Can be taken with or without food mixed with juice water or milk.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to enhance effectiveness.

Drug Interactions

Duphalac may interact with various medications affecting efficacy or safety:

• Other laxatives: Concurrent use may cause excessive bowel movements and electrolyte imbalance; avoid combination.
• Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics reduce colonic bacterial flora reducing lactulose effectiveness; separate dosing.
• Oral medications: Increased colonic motility may reduce absorption of other oral medications; separate dosing.
• Antacids containing lactulose-degrading enzymes: May reduce lactulose efficacy; avoid concurrent use.

Risks and warnings

• Acute abdomen: Do not use if acute abdomen is suspected; may worsen underlying conditions.
• Dehydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Galactosemia: Contraindicated in patients with galactosemia due to galactose content.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Use with caution; avoid during acute exacerbations.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Generally safe; minimal systemic absorption expected.
• Elderly patients: Monitor for dehydration and electrolyte changes with regular use.
• Duration of therapy: Chronic use may require periodic monitoring of kidney function and electrolytes.

Duphalac Syrup Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and transient usually resolving with continued use. Following are commonly reported adverse effects:

• Flatulence and intestinal gas.
• Abdominal bloating and distension.
• Cramping or mild abdominal discomfort.
• Nausea or decreased appetite.
• Diarrhea with excessive dosing.

Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention:

• Severe allergic reaction with rash or angioedema.
• Severe dehydration with signs of electrolyte imbalance.
• Severe abdominal pain or bloody stools.
• Signs of megacolon or toxic dilatation.

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
• Protect from moisture in tightly sealed bottle.
• Keep bottle cap tightly closed after each use.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze the syrup.