Duphalac

Constipation, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Hepatic Encephalopathy

Treatment

6 FDA approvals

17 Active Studies for Duphalac

What is Duphalac

Lactulose

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Lactulose is a synthetic sugar used to treat constipation. It was developed in 1929 but didn't become a common treatment until the 1960s. Lactulose became an FDA-approved drug in 1977 and is now available over-the-counter. It is considered a safe and effective medicine according to the World Health Organization. Lactulose is usually prescribed after lifestyle and dietary changes have failed to help constipation. While it is a common treatment for constipation and portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE), its effectiveness in treating PSE has not been scientifically proven.

Lactulose

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Duphalac Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Lactulose

Lactulose

1966

63

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Lactulose, also known as Lactulose, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses which include Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) and prophylaxis of Hepatic encephalopathy .

Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE)

prophylaxis of Hepatic encephalopathy

Constipation

Constipation

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Effectiveness

How Duphalac Affects Patients

Lactulose is usually taken by mouth or by rectal administration. Since it is not absorbed by the gut, it stays in the gastrointestinal tract and has its main effects in the gut. These effects include improved bowel movements and softer stools. Taking lactulose can also lead to increased bowel sounds, feeling bloated, belching, passing gas more often, and diarrhea.

How Duphalac works in the body

Lactulose is a sugar-based medication that helps soften stool and increase bowel movements. It also works to reduce the amount of ammonia in the body by making the contents of the colon more acidic. This causes ammonia present in the bloodstream to move into the colon, where it is ionized and unable to be absorbed back into the blood. Bacteria in the colon then use the ammonia as a source of protein for synthesis. All of these effects help reduce the amount of ammonia in the body, which can help treat portal-systemic encephalopathy. It can take up to 48 hours for this medication to take effect.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested dosage of Duphalac is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Hepatic Encephalopathy, Chronic Constipation and Hepatic Encephalopathy. The quantity of dosage may differ, in accordance with the delivery system (e.g. Oral or Solution) demonstrated in the table hereunder.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Constipation

, 1000.0 mg/mL, 2000.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mg, 667.0 mg, 667.0 mg/mL, 3300.0 mg/mL, 0.95 mg/mg

, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Oral; Rectal, Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution - Oral, Powder, for solution, Liquid, Syrup, Powder, Liquid - Oral; Rectal, Syrup - Oral, Syrup - Oral; Rectal, Powder - Oral, Liquid - Oral

Hepatic Encephalopathy

, 1000.0 mg/mL, 2000.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mg, 667.0 mg, 667.0 mg/mL, 3300.0 mg/mL, 0.95 mg/mg

, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Oral; Rectal, Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution - Oral, Powder, for solution, Liquid, Syrup, Powder, Liquid - Oral; Rectal, Syrup - Oral, Syrup - Oral; Rectal, Powder - Oral, Liquid - Oral

Hepatic Encephalopathy

, 1000.0 mg/mL, 2000.0 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mg, 667.0 mg, 667.0 mg/mL, 3300.0 mg/mL, 0.95 mg/mg

, Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Solution - Oral; Rectal, Oral; Rectal, Powder, for solution - Oral, Powder, for solution, Liquid, Syrup, Powder, Liquid - Oral; Rectal, Syrup - Oral, Syrup - Oral; Rectal, Powder - Oral, Liquid - Oral

Warnings

Duphalac Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

low galactose diet

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Duphalac.

Common Duphalac Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Alloin

Minor

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lactulose is combined with Alloin.

Bisacodyl

Minor

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lactulose is combined with Bisacodyl.

Bisoxatin

Minor

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lactulose is combined with Bisoxatin.

Calcium polycarbophil

Minor

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lactulose is combined with Calcium polycarbophil.

Carboxymethylcellulose

Minor

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Lactulose is combined with Carboxymethylcellulose.

Duphalac Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The toxic dose of lactulose in mice is 48.8mL/kg and higher than 30mL/kg in rats. Taking too much lactulose can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea, so it's important to stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes. The effects of lactulose in pregnant or breastfeeding women are not known, so caution should be used in these cases. Animal studies have not shown any effects on fertility, but there is not enough data to assess the safety and efficacy of lactulose in children. The long-term effects of lactulose on mutagenicity or cancer in humans is unknown.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Duphalac Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Duphalac?

25 active clinical trials are currently exploring the potential of Duphalac to ameliorate Hepatic Encephalopathy, Chronic Constipation and Hepatic Encephalopathy-related conditions.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Hepatic Encephalopathy

0 Actively Recruiting

Constipation

17 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3

Hepatic Encephalopathy

0 Actively Recruiting

Duphalac Reviews: What are patients saying about Duphalac?

5

Patient Review

8/26/2015

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

I used Duphalac during pregnancy, and it was a lifesaver- especially during the first and third trimesters.

5

Patient Review

9/13/2012

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

I experienced some nausea and gas about an hour after consuming the solution, but it eventually passed. Once it did, I was able to use the restroom three and a half hours later. I only took 30 mL; as a pregnant woman weighing in at 140 pounds, I appreciate that this is a more natural option than some of the harsher laxatives on the market. In the future, I'll take 15 mL instead.

5

Patient Review

10/27/2013

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

I have found this to be an effective constipation treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease. A majority of patients who have tried it have seen positive results.

5

Patient Review

4/8/2008

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

5

Patient Review

1/3/2010

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

4.7

Patient Review

7/11/2013

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

I've had issues with constipation for my entire life, but this medication finally offers me some relief. It's been a game-changer and has helped me avoid any further hospitalizations.

4.7

Patient Review

12/29/2007

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

4.7

Patient Review

11/27/2008

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

4

Patient Review

1/11/2008

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

4

Patient Review

6/30/2011

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

4

Patient Review

11/8/2022

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

After my bypass surgery, I used Duphalac syrup to help with constipation. It was quite effective and I would recommend it to others in a similar situation.

2.7

Patient Review

11/22/2013

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

I'm not sure if this will have long-term effects on white blood cell count.

2.7

Patient Review

4/8/2014

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

This medication didn't do much for my constipation.

1.3

Patient Review

9/26/2021

Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements

I had excruciating abdominal pain an hour after consuming this solution. I was up all night in agony, and it was only getting worse. The pharmacist suggested this to me, but I will never take it again. Heed my warning and get a GP's opinion first.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about duphalac

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is the side effects of DUPHALAC?

"Duphalac Oral Solution Lemon can cause some pretty common side effects like diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. However, these side effects are mostly due to taking too high of a dose. So, if you experience any of these symptoms, reduce your dose."

Answered by AI

What is DUPHALAC used for?

"This medication is a laxative used to treat constipation. It may help you to have bowel movements more often and make them easier to pass. Lactulose is a colonic acidifier that works by increasing stool water content and softening the stool. It is a man-made sugar solution."

Answered by AI

When should DUPHALAC be taken?

"The dosage should be adjusted according to the individual needs of the patient. In case of a single daily dose, it should be taken at the same time, for example during breakfast. During therapy with laxatives, it is recommended to drink enough fluids during the day (1.5-2 liters, equal to 6-8 glasses)."

Answered by AI

Is DUPHALAC harmful?

"If you use Duphalac for a long time, your doctor may want you to get blood tests occasionally."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Duphalac

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Image of University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.

Pelvic Health Rehabilitation for Breast and Gynecologic Cancer

18+
Female
Edmonton, Canada

The GYVE study aims at testing an online program (eModule) to help people who have had breast or gynecologic cancer and are experiencing pelvic health issues like urinary incontinence and pain during sex. These cancers and their treatments can cause significant pelvic health problems, affecting daily life and quality of life. Physiotherapy can help, but access is often limited due to costs and other barriers. The study will involve 20 participants from Quebec and Edmonton, who will take part in a 12-week program with weekly online group sessions led by a physiotherapist. Topics include pelvic floor muscle training, use of vaginal moisturizers, hydration, diet, and pain management. Led by experts in cancer rehabilitation and pelvic health, the study aims to provide valuable information on the feasibility and effectiveness of the eModule, potentially leading to broader implementation to help more people with lived experience of cancer.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

University of Alberta (+1 Sites)

Have you considered Duphalac clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Duphalac, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials

Have you considered Duphalac clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Duphalac, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials