Use of Duphalac® in children

Characteristics of the children's laxative Duphalac

The laxative is available in syrup form. It has a viscous consistency and light yellow color. The manufacturer packages the drug in plastic containers with a volume of 200 to 1000 ml. A measuring cap is included for ease of use.

The travel version is medicine in 15 ml plastic bags.

The product includes:

• lactulose;
• water.

The absence of additional ingredients gives the medicine a mild and safe effect.

After taking the drug, lactulose enters the intestines, but is not absorbed into the bloodstream due to the lack of enzymes to break it down. Help with constipation is based on the following principles of action of lactulose:

• Increases osmotic pressure, which leads to fluid retention in the intestines.
• Liquefies and increases the amount of feces.
• Increases the acidity of the lower intestines, which creates unacceptable conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Strengthens the contraction of intestinal smooth muscles.
• Reduces the absorption of ammonium salts into the bloodstream.
• Slows down decay and the formation of toxic substances.
• Improves nutrient absorption.
• Removes waste and toxins.

Duphalac gives a laxative effect and creates favorable conditions for the development of beneficial microflora in the gastrointestinal tract.

After taking Duphalac, the therapeutic effect lasts 2-3 days. But in infants it lasts from 4 to 12 hours, taking into account the speed of metabolic processes.

The rate of bowel movement is influenced by the amount of the drug taken, how long constipation lasts and the severity of its occurrence.

Duphalac for constipation for children

Taking a laxative is indicated in the following cases:

• For constipation of functional origin.
• To increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
• To normalize peristalsis.
• In the presence of hemorrhoids in order to soften the stool.
• If there are cracks in the rectum.
• If dysbiosis is diagnosed.
• For food poisoning in children.

Treatment of constipation in childhood is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. This is especially true in cases where the baby suffers from stool retention all the time.

Duphalac

Duphalac is a medicine based on a component of natural origin called lactulose. This substance is obtained by heat treatment of cow's milk whey. The composition of the drug includes only purified water and lactulose, so the drug is safe in the absence of contraindications. It is suitable for treating children, pregnant and lactating women.

Duphalac is prescribed for:

• Constipation;
• Dysbacteriosis;
• Hepatic encephalopathy;
• For salmonellosis and shigellosis.

For a 2-year-old child, Duphalac is mainly used to treat dysbiosis and normalize stool.

Although the drug has a small list of contraindications and side effects, Duphalac should be given to children aged two years after consultation with a doctor.

How to take the product

Laxative for children Duphalac helps to establish bowel movements in a short period of time. Despite its safety, treating constipation with the drug in children should only be done after consulting a doctor or carefully studying the instructions. The recommendations are:

1. The drug takes effect some time after administration, so do not rush to give your baby the next dose if there is no stool after an hour or an hour and a half after the first.
2. If your child does not like the taste or aroma of the medicine, then dilute it with clean water or fruit juice. Its properties will not be affected by this. Doctors even recommend drinking more; with liquid the effect will come faster.
3. Do not give the drug under any circumstances if the expiration date has not passed, but the syrup has changed color and consistency.
4. It is better to give Duphalac in the morning during meals. But it's okay if you give the medicine before bed.

Duphalac helps eliminate stool retention, but does not act instantly. Lactulose gradually improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, so it will not be possible to quickly achieve lasting improvement. For chronic constipation, you will have to give the baby the drug for a long time; the course of therapy is at least three weeks, but in each case the duration of treatment is determined by the doctor, as well as the dosage.

How to take for babies under one year old

The safety of the drug can quickly disappear if mothers do not follow the dose prescribed by the doctor and give the drug more than normal, trying to speed up bowel movements. Do not risk the health of your babies and follow the following dosages for children under one year of age:

• Give a newborn baby 1 ml of the drug on the first day, double the dose on the second day, and in subsequent days the volume of the medicine will be 5 ml.
• From one month of age to one year, the daily dosage is 5 ml.

If a baby is given the entire permitted amount at once on the first day of use, the drug can provoke increased gas formation and increased abdominal pain. To avoid this, start treatment with minimal doses.

If the doctor prescribes taking Duphalac for prophylaxis, then the dosage for infants is reduced to 1.5–3 ml per day.

If a mother experiences frequent constipation in a breastfed baby, she needs to carefully review the diet. More often than not, it is the cause of bowel dysfunction in newborns.

How much to give Duphalac to a 2 year old child

A laxative for children aged 2 years with problems with stool can be given in an amount of 5 ml once a day. The appointment is done at the same time. Mom should not increase the dosage on her own; if there is no effect, it is better to consult a doctor.

At this age, the baby is given more liquid to increase the effect of the drug. Give your child a tummy massage and bowel cleansing will speed up.

It is also possible to prevent constipation in children with the help of this drug, then give 5 ml of syrup, but check with your doctor for the duration of the course.

Duphalac for children three years and older

You can take a laxative after three years in the following dosage:

• Laxative for children from 3 years to six years old, it is recommended to give 10 ml of the product per day. If desired, divide the amount into two doses and take in the morning and evening.
• From seven to fourteen years of age, the instructions recommend taking the drug in an amount of 15 ml.
• If the child is over 14, then you can safely give him the adult dosage, which ranges from 15 to 45 ml.

Considering that laxatives for children 4–5 years of age do not act immediately, the course of treatment may last several weeks until the gastrointestinal tract is completely normalized.

If a child takes a baby laxative correctly for more than three days and there is no effect, then contact your pediatrician. You will have to review the dosage or change the medicine.

How to use Duphalac

To achieve a high therapeutic effect, you must adhere to the following rules:

• Regardless of the prescribed frequency of administration, the drug should be given to the child at the same time. Preferably in the morning after a night's sleep or breakfast;
• If Duphalac is used to relieve constipation, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids throughout the treatment;
• It is necessary to ensure that the child immediately swallows the medicine and does not hold it in his mouth, otherwise the therapeutic effect may be reduced;
• Duphalac acts by increasing the osmotic pressure in the intestinal lumen, so in the first days after administration, increased gas formation may be observed. To reduce the risk of this side effect, you can start taking the drug with an amount of 2.5 ml, and then, depending on the reaction, gradually increase the dose to 5 ml;
• If the drug does not work within 3 days, then you must inform your pediatrician. The doctor will adjust the dosage or replace the drug with another drug;
• If a child takes other medications in addition to Duphalac, then an interval between doses of at least 2 hours should be observed;
• The medicine is taken with food. But if a child experiences increased gas production or refuses to take the drug after eating, then taking Duphalac on an empty stomach is acceptable. After taking the drug, you must feed the child and give him at least 1 glass of liquid;
• You can give Duphalac to a child aged 2 years in the form of syrup. But if the baby refuses to take the drug, then it is diluted in boiled water.

Duphalac is an excellent treatment for a 2-year-old child. But in order to achieve the desired result, you should not exceed the prescribed dosage, otherwise the opposite effect may occur in the form of diarrhea.

Side effects and contraindications

If you give the drug to your baby correctly, then no side effects will appear, but in practice, some parents note the following manifestations after taking the medicine in the first days:

• increased gas formation;
• pain;
• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• vomit.

These side effects occur when the dosage is not observed or the individual characteristics of the child’s body. Everything returns to normal after a couple of days, when the intestines adapt to lactulose. If the symptoms continue to bother you, do not delay your visit to the doctor - perhaps the syrup is not suitable for your baby, or you have violated the dosage.

Despite its safety, Duphalac has contraindications, such as:

• hypersensitivity to lactulose;
• intestinal obstruction;
• galactosemia;
• perforation of the intestinal walls;
• fructose or galactose intolerance;
• lack of lactase in the body.

Be careful if your baby has diabetes. Strictly follow the dosage and doctor's recommendations when treating constipation.

Remember, any laxative drug, no matter how safe it may be, with prolonged use leads to a disorder of the bowel movement reflex. Do not give such medications to children unless necessary.

Duphalac does not help with constipation, what should I do?

It is impossible to name a medicine that would suit everyone. This can be said about Duphalac. The product is mild, but this does not mean that the intestines of all children will react equally to the effects of lactulose.

If a child’s stool does not return to normal after a course of taking the drug and the problem persists, then three conclusions arise:

1. The medicine is not suitable for your baby.
2. While taking the drug, you gave the drug without following the dosage.
3. There are serious pathologies that cause constipation and require medical intervention.

If several days have passed after starting to take a laxative, and the child continues to suffer, do not delay visiting the doctor.

Duphalac®

The drug is intended for oral administration and also for rectal administration.

Lactulose solution can be taken either diluted or undiluted.

All dosages must be selected individually.

It is necessary to immediately swallow the single dose taken without holding it in the mouth.

If a single daily dose is prescribed, it must be taken at the same time, for example, during breakfast.

During laxative therapy, it is recommended to take a sufficient amount of fluid (1.5-2 liters, equal to 6-8 glasses) per day.

To accurately dose the drug in vials, use the included measuring cup. When using the drug in sachets, you must tear off the corner of the sachet and immediately take the contents.

Dose for treating constipation or for stool softening for medical purposes

The daily dose of lactulose can be taken once, or divided into two using a measuring cup.

After a few days, the initial dose may be adjusted to a maintenance dose depending on the response to the drug. The laxative effect may appear 2-3 days after starting the drug.

*If the maintenance daily dose is less than 15 ml, it is recommended to use the drug in vials.

For precise dosing in children under 7 years of age, it is recommended to use the drug in vials.

Dose for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (adults)

For oral administration:

Initial dose: 3-4 times a day, 30-45 ml (2-3 sachets).

Then they switch to an individually selected maintenance dose so that soft stools are produced 2-3 times a day maximum.

For rectal administration:

In case of precomatosis or coma, the drug can be prescribed as a retention enema (300 ml of drug/700 ml of water). The enema should be held for 30 - 60 minutes, the procedure should be repeated every 4-6 hours, until it becomes possible to prescribe the drug orally.

The safety and effectiveness of the drug in children (under 18 years of age) with hepatic encephalopathy has not been established due to a lack of data.

Elderly patients and patients with renal or hepatic impairment

There are no specific dosing recommendations since systemic exposure to lactulose is negligible.

Safe and effective analogues of Duphalac

Any drug has analogues containing the same active ingredient. Duphalac also has them, these include:

• Lactulose. Produced in the form of syrup or dry powder. Not recommended for chronic constipation.
• Normaze. Available in liquid form.
• Goodluck syrup.
• Romphalac in the form of syrup.

It is better to replace laxatives for children 6–9 years old or infants with an analogue after consulting a doctor. Despite the identical composition, they may have different effects on the child’s body.

Use of Duphalac® in children

Duphalac® is a popular and affordable medicine used for constipation in children and adults. Its peculiarity is its mild action and the absence of age restrictions. Duphalac® can be given to children of any age, from newborns to teenagers.

The medicine is available in the most convenient form for children - in the form of syrup. Each package includes a bottle and a convenient measuring cup.

Required dosage

The active ingredient of Duphalac®1 is lactulose. It has osmotic properties, that is, it acts on the intestinal walls and feces: changing their consistency and stimulating the process of excretion of feces, and also helps restore the physiological rhythm of bowel cleansing. The medicine is not absorbed ahead of time, but goes directly into the large intestine, where it begins to break down.

When prescribing a laxative to children, it is important to ensure compliance with the dosage. Detailed instructions for the drug Duphalac® contain all the necessary information on proper use.

The dosage of the laxative depends on the age of the child1:

The dose of the drug is also determined by the doctor, it is indicated in the instructions and depends on age:

Duphalac®

Before giving Duphalac® to your child, carefully read the instructions.

The dose of the drug may vary depending on the stage of treatment. To maintain the achieved result, the dosage of Duphalac® for children under 6 years of age is not reduced, but for a school-age child it is reduced by 5 ml (to 10 ml).

In most cases, after a few days the initial dose can be reduced to a maintenance daily dose.

The daily dose of the drug can be taken once or several times a day. For a single dose, it is advisable to give the child syrup at approximately the same time. With proper treatment, the drug helps regulate the rhythm of the intestines and ensures the normalization of intestinal flora.

Effect of the drug Duphalac®

Duphalac® allows you to gently and effectively solve the problem of constipation in children of any age. Whatever the main reasons for stool retention - eating disorders or psychological problems - the drug helps remove unpleasant symptoms and relieve the child from discomfort.

Along with eliminating constipation itself, the medicine will help improve the microflora of the large intestine and establish a natural stool pattern. The drug is easy and pleasant to take: even the most stubborn little patient will not refuse the tasty syrup.

Duphalac® has no restrictions on the timing of use: it can be given as much as necessary. However, this does not eliminate the need to consult a doctor. If constipation systematically bothers your child, and the reasons for regular bowel retention are not clear, you should contact your pediatrician. The doctor will determine the main causes of the problem, give recommendations for taking the drug and talk about effective measures to prevent constipation.

The material was developed with the support of Abbott to improve patient health awareness. The information in the material does not replace consultation with a healthcare professional. Contact your doctor.

Co-author of articles, editor - Shimbaretsky Georgy Alekseevich.