Duphalac
Constipation, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Hepatic Encephalopathy
Treatment
6 FDA approvals
17 Active Studies for Duphalac
Treatment for
Constipation
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
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.
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
5
Patient Review
9/13/2012
Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements
5
Patient Review
10/27/2013
Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements
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
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
2.7
Patient Review
11/22/2013
Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements
2.7
Patient Review
4/8/2014
Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements
1.3
Patient Review
9/26/2021
Duphalac for Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements
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