Problems with bowel movements in your baby? Duphalac for newborns - a remedy that will get rid of troubles

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The drug has a hyperosmatic effect, while exhibiting a laxative effect. The active component promotes the removal of ammonium ions from the body, improves peristalsis, and increases the absorption capacity for calcium salts and phosphates. The active substance undergoes metabolic processes due to the microflora of the large intestine.

In this case, lactulose will break down into organic acids, which help reduce acidity levels.

Due to the increase in osmotic pressure, there is a significant increase in the volume of intestinal contents. Thanks to a similar mechanism, intestinal motility improves, a change (liquefaction) in the consistency of the stool occurs, as a result of which the natural processes of emptying the large intestine are improved.

This effect is observed with the development of hepatic encephalopathy and precoma (or coma). The process is due to an increase in the number of acidophilic bacteria that suppress the action of proteolytic microorganisms, as well as due to the acidification of the contents of the large intestine. As a result, the intestines are emptied and the level of toxic substances in the body decreases.

The drug suppresses the development and activity of salmonella, and also helps to reduce the period of elimination of bacterial waste products. The level of absorption of the active component is low. When it enters the large intestine, it undergoes metabolic processes caused by the action of intestinal microflora.

The period of complete disintegration is achieved at a dosage of 45-70 ml. When consuming higher doses, active metabolites are excreted partially unchanged.

Indications for use

Duphalac for newborns for constipation and other functional intestinal disorders is used only after a confirmed diagnosis and consultation with a doctor. The drug is used for various functional intestinal disorders. Can be used as monotherapy. However, it is recommended to prescribe the medicine in combination with other medications.

Indications:

• constipation – restoration and regulation of bowel movements;
• stool liquefaction, carried out as preparatory measures before medical procedures - surgery, examination of hemorrhoids;
• hepatic encephalopathy, including prevention of hepatic coma (precoma);
• dysbacterial damage to the intestines;
• enteritis caused by the activity of salmonella, shigella;
• salmonellosis during periods of high risk of infection;

The drug is highly effective in the treatment of putrefactive dyspepsia caused by acute food poisoning in children. The drug can also be used as a prophylactic to prevent the development of constipation.

Reviews

Many mothers are satisfied with the laxative effect. In addition, it is a natural product suitable for use by infants.

There are also negative reviews. But here you need to understand that without correcting the diet of a nursing mother or replacing the formula used for feeding newborns, nothing will work. There is now enough information on proper nutrition for infants and nursing mothers. Change your diet and everything will get better.

The use of Lactulose usually gives quick, good results

Anna: We gave Duphalac to a child from three weeks of age every day for two months. The stool improved, there was no addiction, since then they have never given water again.

Katya: The medicine helps well against constipation, but it causes gas formation and thereby worsens colic.

Natasha: After a week of taking Duphalac, the child began to go to the toilet normally, but in addition to the drug, we gave apple juice every day, which we prepared ourselves.

Instructions for use, dosage

The treatment regimen is developed by the treating specialist according to the established form of the pathological process and the patient’s age. Thus, children under 3 years of age are prescribed 5 ml once a day for the treatment of constipation or softening of stools. Use the medicine according to this scheme for 2 days. In the absence of a therapeutic effect, the dosage may be increased according to the doctor's indications.

The daily dosage for children from 3 to 6 years of age in the treatment of constipation and softening of stools is 5-10 ml once a day. Treatment is carried out according to a similar scheme. The duration of therapy in both cases is determined individually. Hepatic coma (precoma). Treatment regimen: the initial dosage is 40 to 45 ml 3 times a day. Further maintenance therapy is determined in each case separately.

In this case, the dosage of the medicine is selected in such a way that the regularity of stool is at least 2-3 times a day. In severe cases, the drug can be administered in the form of enemas. It is recommended to maintain the correct ratio of components - 0.3 liters of the drug and 0.7 liters of clean water.

Intestinal dysbiosis. Newborns and infants under 1 year of age are prescribed 1.5-3 ml once a day; children from 1 to 3 years of age should receive a maximum daily dosage of 3 ml. In children aged 4 to 7 years, 5 ml of the drug is prescribed daily. The duration of therapy is determined individually according to the clinical picture.

Bacterial carriage (Shigella, Salmonella). The drug is used according to the following scheme: in the first 10-12 days it is recommended to use the drug 3 times per dose, 15 ml each. Then you need to take a break for at least 7 days. After which treatment should be continued. The dosage should be 15 ml. Take the drug at least 5 times a day. The duration of the course is determined by the attending physician.

Recommendations

To enhance and prolong the therapeutic effect of taking Duphalac, it is recommended to follow the following rules:

• It is recommended to combine the drug with massage and special exercises that stimulate the passage of feces;
• If a newborn child has been prescribed other drugs besides Duphalac, then an interval between doses of at least 2 hours should be observed;
• In the case when the child is breastfed, the nursing mother is advised to exclude or minimize foods that cause fermentation and flatulence from her diet. These products include legumes, cabbage, baked goods, etc. This way the effect of treatment with the drug is prolonged;
• If a newborn baby is bottle-fed, it is necessary to select an adapted formula to prevent constipation from occurring again;
• When taking Duphalac for more than 6 months, it is necessary to monitor the level of electrolytes in the body.

Duphalac copes with constipation in infants and in the fight against dysbiosis gently and effectively. But in order not to be disappointed with treatment with this drug and reduce the risk of side effects and overdose, you must follow the doctor’s clear recommendations and not take the drug without its prescription.

Side effects

Duphalac rarely causes adverse reactions in newborns. With systematic and long-term use aimed at eliminating constipation and other functional disorders, the drug can cause the development of undesirable manifestations. In the first days of therapy, pain in the abdominal area may develop.

Duphalac for newborns for constipation can cause side effects such as abdominal pain.

However, the symptoms go away on their own and do not require medical attention or discontinuation of the drug. If pain persists or diarrhea develops, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. This requires dosage adjustment. In rare cases, diarrhea syndrome may develop, leading to water and electrolyte imbalance.

Occasionally, the development of dyspeptic disorders in the form of flatulence, nausea, and vomiting is noted.

Features of digestion in newborns

When a baby is born, the newborn’s digestive system is still very weak. During the first three months, the intestines are actively populated with beneficial bacteria. But this does not exclude cases of indigestion in the baby.

Errors in the nutrition of a nursing mother, incorrectly selected artificial formula, and disturbances in the fermentation process in a child are common causes of constipation in a newborn.

In addition to problems with bowel movements, the baby experiences colic and bloating. The child himself becomes restless, which undoubtedly begins to worry the parents.

special instructions

If there are no results after 2 days, drug therapy should be discontinued and consult a specialist. If diarrhea occurs after completion of therapy, it is recommended to consult a doctor for possible additional tests.

Patients with congenital lactose intolerance should take into account that the concentration of the substance in the drug is up to 0.9 g per 15 ml of product. For patients with diabetes mellitus, the dosage is usually lower than for patients with hepatic encephalopathy. In this connection, it is recommended to clarify the diagnosis when prescribing a medication.

Long-term therapy (more than six months) requires constant monitoring of the level of water and electrolyte balance. The drug does not have a negative effect on the speed of the patient’s psychomotor reactions or performance of work that requires increased concentration.

How to store Duphalac?

To maintain the effectiveness of the drug, Duphalac must be stored correctly. The product does not tolerate direct sunlight and exposure to high temperatures. The ideal place to store syrup is in the refrigerator.

Duphalac in an unopened bottle is good for 3 years. Once the bottle is opened, the medicine must be used within 1 month. It should be borne in mind that the longer the drug is open, the more its effectiveness decreases.

Analogs

Duphalac for constipation in newborns is approved for use only if there are no contraindications for the child. If there is a high sensitivity to the components, the drug can be replaced with other drugs that are similar in pharmacological group or active substance.

Analogues:

• Portalak. A Croatian-made medical product based on lactulose. Available in the form of syrup for oral administration. Belongs to the group of laxatives that have a stimulating effect on intestinal motility. It is prescribed in the complex therapy of hepatic encephalopathy, with dysbacterial damage, during constipation, and also as an adjuvant to help dilute the stool, necessary for examinations and in the preoperative period. The product is approved for use in childhood and pregnancy. The dosage and duration of therapy may vary depending on the pathological process and the age of the patient. The treatment regimen is developed by a specialist in each case separately. The cost of a bottle (500 ml) is from 397 rubles.

  

• Lactusan . Pharmacological drug of domestic production. It is produced in the form of syrup for oral administration and enteric capsules. The main components of the product are lactulose, galactose and fructose. The action of the active substances is aimed at strengthening and improving intestinal motility and restoring natural bowel movements. The drug is used for constipation, dysbiosis, liver dysfunction, salmonellosis, allergic reactions associated with the gastrointestinal tract. The product also increases local immunity and promotes the elimination of toxic substances. Contraindication is intolerance to the components - fructose, galactose. Children are prescribed 1 tsp. 2 times a day during meals. The duration of treatment is from 7 to 14 days. The dosage can be changed according to the doctor's indications. The cost of the product (100 g) is from 170 rubles.
• Normaze . Medicine based on lactulose. Produced in the form of syrup for internal use. The drug belongs to the group of hypoammonemic and laxatives. It has a stimulating effect, improving and enhancing intestinal motility and regulating stool. The medicine is effective in the treatment of constipation, hepatic encephalopathy, dysbacteriosis, salmonellosis, putrefactive dyspepsia in children. Can be used in childhood, including newborns, as well as during pregnancy. In childhood, for constipation in the first days of therapy, 15-40 ml of the drug is prescribed once a day. Subsequent treatment is carried out at a dosage of 10-25 ml per day. The duration of treatment and repeated courses are determined only by the attending physician. The product has contraindications, which is why you should consult a specialist before use. Cost (bottle, 100 ml) – from 245 to 268 rubles.
• Poslabin. The drug is dispensed in the form of enteric tablets or syrup for oral administration. The medication helps normalize intestinal motility, has a mild laxative effect, and restores the natural microflora. The medicine is prescribed for the treatment of chronic constipation, severe liver dysfunction, salmonellosis, as well as for functional intestinal disorders - putrefactive dyspepsia in newborns and infants. The drug is contraindicated in the presence of high sensitivity to the components and galactosemia. The treatment regimen is determined by the treating specialist, taking into account the patient’s condition and age. The duration of treatment for severe disorders can be several months. Cost – from 88 rub.

  

• Prelaxan . A drug available in the form of an oral syrup or powder. The main substance of the product is lactulose. It is prescribed for various types and forms of constipation, dysbacterial damage to the intestines, salmonellosis, and also as a means of helping to dilute stool, necessary for medical procedures. The drug has a stimulating effect on intestinal motility, eliminates signs of constipation, strengthens local immunity, and restores microflora. For children from 1 to 3 years old, the recommended dosage is 2.5-5 ml of the product once a day. The duration of the course is determined by the attending physician. If necessary or according to the indications of a specialist, the dosage can be adjusted. The drug is contraindicated in cases of lactose intolerance, the development of galactosemia, or hypersensitivity to lactulose. Cost – from 210 rub.

The selection and prescription of a substitute should only be carried out by the attending specialist, taking into account the nature of the disease and the individual (physiological) characteristics of the patient’s body.

When should the medicine not be given?

The drug is not recommended for use if you have increased sensitivity to substances such as fructose, galactose, lactuose and lactose. For diseases associated with impaired digestion of these substances – galactosemia. If a child has an intestinal obstruction, then taking the drug can only worsen the child’s condition, since the cause of its occurrence should first be found out. If you have a history of diabetes, you should use the drug very carefully, preferably under the control of blood glucose.

Price in pharmacies in Moscow, St. Petersburg, regions

Prices for medicines may vary slightly depending on the region of sale and the nominal volume of the bottle.

The cost is also affected by the manufacturing company and the pharmacy chain:

Before using Duphalac for infants or newborns, parents should carefully read the official instructions and consult a doctor. Additionally, it is recommended to study reviews of patients who used the drug in the treatment of functional intestinal disorders - dysbiosis, constipation, salmonellosis.