7 Dec 2025

Duphalac (Lactulose) Syrup: Uses, Dosage, Benefits & Side Effects – Complete Guide

If you're searching for a gentle yet effective solution for constipation or a doctor-recommended treatment for hepatic encephalopathy, Duphalac (Lactulose) syrup is one of the most trusted medicines worldwide. In this SEO-optimized guide, we’ll walk you through everything about Duphalac—its uses, dosage, safety guidelines, benefits, and side effects—in clean, easy-to-understand language.


What Is Duphalac (Lactulose) Syrup?

Duphalac syrup contains Lactulose 66.7g per 100 ml, a non-absorbable synthetic sugar. Instead of being digested in your stomach, it reaches the colon where it helps soften stools and reduces toxic ammonia levels in patients with liver disease.

Primary Uses of Duphalac

Duphalac syrup is safe for adults, children, and even infants (with medical guidance).


How Duphalac Syrup Works (Mechanism Explained)

1. Relieves Constipation Naturally

Lactulose pulls extra water into the large intestine, softening the stool and stimulating natural bowel movement. It acts gently—without irritating the bowels like stimulant laxatives.

2. Reduces Ammonia Levels in Liver Patients

For people with liver failure, toxins like ammonia accumulate in the blood and affect brain function.
Duphalac lowers ammonia levels by:

  • trapping ammonia in the colon
  • converting it into non-toxic compounds
  • removing it through increased bowel movements

This makes it a crucial part of hepatic encephalopathy treatment.


Who Should Use Duphalac?

Duphalac syrup is recommended for:

Constipation Treatment

  • Chronic constipation
  • Post-surgical bowel difficulty
  • Constipation linked with hemorrhoids
  • Maintaining soft stool consistency

Hepatic Encephalopathy (Adults)


Duphalac Dosage Guide (Age-Wise)

Tip: Drink 1.5–2 liters of water daily while using Duphalac for best results.

💧 For Constipation

Adults & Teenagers (14+ years)

  • Starting dose: 15–45 ml daily
  • Maintenance dose: 15–30 ml daily

Children (7–14 years)

  • Starting: 15 ml
  • Maintenance: 10–15 ml

Children (1–6 years)

  • 5–10 ml daily

Infants (Under 1 year)

  • 1.5–5 ml daily
    (Only with doctor’s advice)

💧 For Hepatic Encephalopathy (Adults)

  • 30–45 ml, three times daily
  • The goal is to achieve 2–3 soft stools per day
  • Dose may be increased or decreased based on stool frequency

If the patient cannot take syrup orally, doctors may use rectal administration in hospitals.


How to Take Duphalac (Correct Method)

  • Can be taken with or without food
  • May be mixed with water or juice
  • Swallow directly—don’t keep it in your mouth too long
  • Take daily at the same time for consistent results

Who Should NOT Take Duphalac? (Contraindications)

Avoid Duphalac if you have:

  • Blocked intestines (ileus)
  • Gastrointestinal perforation
  • Galactosemia
  • Allergic reaction to lactulose
  • Rare sugar digestion problems

Precautions Before Using Duphalac

Consult your doctor if you experience:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Sudden change in bowel habits
  • No improvement in constipation
  • Long-term laxative dependence
  • Diabetes (because lactulose is sugar-based)
  • Chronic diarrhea or dehydration

Duphalac in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Good news—Duphalac is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding because lactulose is not absorbed into the bloodstream.
Still, always discuss with your healthcare provider before using any medication.


Possible Side Effects of Duphalac Syrup

Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Very Common

  • Gas (flatulence)

Common

  • Bloating
  • Soft stools
  • Mild diarrhea
  • Stomach rumbling

Uncommon

  • Electrolyte imbalance (due to severe diarrhea)
  • Nausea
  • Rare allergy (skin rash, itching)

If diarrhea becomes intense, reduce the dose or contact your doctor.


Overdose Symptoms (What to Watch For)

Taking too much Duphalac may cause:

  • Severe diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Dehydration
  • Electrolyte imbalance

Medical attention is recommended if symptoms persist.


How to Store Duphalac Syrup Properly

  • Keep below 25°C
  • Protect from sunlight
  • Do not freeze
  • Normal color change does not affect effectiveness
  • Keep out of reach of children

Duphalac vs Other Laxatives: Why It’s a Safer Choice

Compared to stimulant laxatives, Duphalac is gentle, non-irritating, and safe for long-term use under medical guidance.
It also promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria (prebiotic effect), improving digestive health over time.


Final Verdict: Should You Use Duphalac?

If you’re dealing with chronic constipation or managing symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, Duphalac syrup is one of the safest and most effective options available.
Its natural mechanism, low risk of serious side effects, and widespread medical acceptance make it a top choice worldwide.

 

No comments:

Post a Comment