Mechanism Of Action Of Lactulose:

• Lactulose is a medication that belongs to a class of medicines called “laxatives”. It is used to help relieve.
• constipation by making your stools softer and easier to pass. It works by drawing water into the intestines.
• It is also used for hepatic encephalopathy (a decline in brain function that occurs as a result of severe liver disease) by decreasing the amount of ammonia in the blood.

 

Therapeutic Indications Of Duphalac Syrup:

• Constipation is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week.
• Though occasional constipation is very common, some people experience chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability to go about their daily tasks. Chronic constipation may also cause people to strain excessively to have a bowel movement.

 

Method Of Administration Of Duphalac Syrup:

• Dosage in stool softening and constipation:

1. Adults and adolescents: Recommended starting dose is 15 – 45 ml (10 – 30 g) followed by a maintenance dose of 15 – 30 ml (10 – 20 g).
2. Children (7 – 14 years old): Recommended starting dose is 15 ml (10 g) followed by a maintenance dose of 10 – 15 ml (7 – 10 g).
3. Children (1 – 6 years old): Recommended starting and maintenance dose is 5 – 10 ml (3 – 7 g).
4. Infants under 1 year of age: Recommended starting and maintenance dose is up to 5 ml (up to 3 g).

• Dosage in hepatic encephalopathy (adults):

1. The recommended initial dose is 30 – 45 ml orally three to four times daily followed by a maintenance dose that is adjusted depending on your response until you start producing 2 – 3 stools daily.

• The dose may be taken as a single daily dose or may be divided into two daily doses.
• You can use the measuring cup provided with the bottle to measure your dose.
• It may take a few days for the medication to start giving effect. A maintenance dose is specified based on your response.
• You may take the medication without regard to meals.
• Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
• If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose.
• Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose.

 

Undesirable Side Effects Of Duphalac Syrup:

• Flatulence (usually resolves after a few days).
• Nausea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.

 

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Precautions While Taking Duphalac Syrup:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

 

Non-Pharmacological Treatments & Advice To Reduce Constipation:

• Drink more water.
• Eat more fiber, especially soluble, non-fermentable fiber.
• Exercise more.
• Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements.
• Bowel habit training.

 

Warnings & Special Precautions While Taking Duphalac Syrup:

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you develop allergic reactions such as shortness of breath,
• skin rash, swelling of the face or neck, decreased blood pressure, and dizziness.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you suffer from unexplained abdominal pain, if you have
• diabetes (high blood glucose levels) and if you have lactose intolerance (inability to digest lactose normally).
• Make sure to drink a lot of fluids (around 2 liters of water per day) during your intake of this medication. Contact your doctor if you do not feel relieved within several days of using the medication.
• You may need higher doses if you are taking this medication for hepatic encephalopathy (a decline in brain function that occurs as a result of severe liver disease). Therefore, your blood glucose levels may increase as a result of higher sugar amounts being absorbed into the blood.
• Make sure to tell your doctor if you have diabetes and liver problems to adjust the doses of your diabetes medications.
• Do not use the medication for longer than needed to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
• Administration of the medication should be decreased if you are experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, or abdominal distention.
• Do not give medication to patients less than 14 years of age without consulting the doctor for a prescription first.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking
• Avoid taking other oral medications within several hours before, during, or after intake of lactulose to prevent washout of the medication.
• Avoid taking other laxatives at the same time to prevent excessive gastrointestinal side effects.

 

Storage Conditions Of Duphalac Syrup:

• store below 25°c.
• Don’t refrigerate.
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.