About Duphalac Oral Solution
Duphalac Oral Solution contains Lactulose 10 g/15 ml. Lactulose is a laxative made from a sugar that the body does not absorb. It is used to treat constipation by softening the stools. It is also used, at doses set by a doctor, to help treat and prevent confusion caused by severe liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy). It can take one to two days to start working.
Uses of Duphalac Oral Solution
- Constipation
- Hepatic encephalopathy (confusion caused by liver disease), as prescribed by a doctor
Benefits
In constipation
It draws water into the bowel to soften stools and make them easier to pass.
In liver disease
It lowers the amount of ammonia absorbed from the bowel. This helps reduce the confusion and drowsiness that can happen in severe liver disease.
Side effects
Gas and bloating are common in the first few days and often settle. Tell your doctor if diarrhoea occurs, as the dose may need changing.
Common
- Wind (gas)
- Bloating
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
Get medical help if you notice
- Severe or ongoing diarrhoea, especially with dizziness, weakness or very little urine (dehydration or salt imbalance) — contact your doctor
- Severe stomach pain or vomiting — seek medical help
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor or the label advises. Measure the dose with the cup or spoon provided. It can be taken on its own or mixed with water or fruit juice. Drink plenty of fluids during the day.
How it works
Bacteria in the large bowel break lactulose down into acids. These draw water into the bowel, soften the stool and help it move. The acidic conditions also reduce how much ammonia the body absorbs.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
No direct interaction is known. If you take it for liver disease, avoid alcohol as your doctor advises.
Pregnancy Safe
Product labelling states it can be used during pregnancy, because very little enters the body. Still tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breastfeeding Safe
Product labelling states it can be used during breastfeeding.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Limited information is available. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Safe
It is commonly prescribed for people with liver disease and is not known to harm the liver. Follow your doctor's instructions.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- It may take one to two days to work for constipation, so be patient.
- Drink plenty of fluids while taking it.
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, galactosaemia or lactose intolerance; the syrup contains some sugars.
- If you have liver disease, take it regularly as prescribed even if you feel well.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Synthetic disaccharide (sugar)
- Therapeutic class
- Gastrointestinal
- Action class
- Osmotic laxative
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other laxatives | Can lead to too much diarrhoea |
| Water tablets (diuretics) and steroid medicines | If diarrhoea occurs, potassium levels may fall further |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Lactulose prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); Lactulose Summary of Product Characteristics (EMC)). Pharmacist review pending.