How to drink Duphalac - features of use in children and pregnant women

What is Duphalac used for?

The probiotic contained in the medicine stimulates intestinal peristalsis, increases the volume of feces and affects the metabolism of minerals: phosphorus, nitrogen salts and calcium. As a result, the absorption of toxic substances is reduced, internal microflora is normalized and defecation is facilitated.

Duphalac is indicated to eliminate intestinal dysfunction:

• acute and chronic constipation;
• slowing down the physiological emptying of the colon;
• excessively dense feces;
• various types of intestinal dysbacteriosis;
• dyspeptic syndrome;
• increased fermentation process;
• acute symptoms of hemorrhoids;
• hepatic encephalopathy and stool disorders caused by it

In some cases, Duphalac is used to prevent complications and to cleanse the intestinal lumen before abdominal surgery.

How does the product work?

The active ingredient of the drug is milk lactulose. Purified water is used as an auxiliary. There are no other components in the syrup. The principle of action of the medicine is determined precisely by its composition. After taking the drug, lactulose enters the stomach. Then, unchanged, the substance descends first into the small intestine, then into the large intestine.

Lactulose increases osmotic pressure in the intestine. The collected liquid helps soften the hard stool balls and increase their volume. As a result, irritation of the intestinal walls and the act of defecation occurs. Microorganisms living in the large intestine break down lactulose into amino acids necessary for the reproduction of lacto- and bifidobacteria.

Duphalac is often used for constipation, as it solves the problem not only quickly, but also gently. In this case, no disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract occur, since Duphalac “works” only in the lumen of the colon. This selective effect of the drug is explained by the fact that the bacteria necessary for the breakdown of lactulose do not live in other parts of the intestine.

Who is Duphalac contraindicated for?

Treatment with the drug is excluded:

• in case of individual intolerance to components;
• rectal and other internal bleeding;
• intestinal obstruction;
• acute pain syndrome of unknown origin;
• suspected development of appendicitis;
• galactosemia.

The medicine is used with caution in cases of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and diabetes mellitus.

Duphalac during pregnancy

Duphalac is characterized by a good laxative effect due to stimulation of intestinal motility. A course of taking lactulose, which is the main active substance of the drug, minimizes the risk of developing repeated problems with bowel movement.

Duphalac can be used while carrying a child - it does not cause any harm to the developing fetus, since it does not penetrate into the general bloodstream

Is it possible to use Duphalac during pregnancy? The drug belongs to the group of medications that are approved for use during gestation and breastfeeding. The syrup is not absorbed by the intestinal walls and does not penetrate into the general bloodstream, which completely eliminates the risk of negative effects on the developing fetus.

Before starting to take Duphalac, you should consult a gynecologist. In some cases, the problem of constipation is solved by introducing foods containing a high percentage of fiber into the menu. The dosage of the laxative is selected individually. The average daily dose is 15–45 ml. It is not recommended to exceed the recommended norms, since in this case the development of side symptoms is possible.

Bowel movement occurs after 48 hours. The duration of treatment is 3 weeks. If necessary, Duphalac can be used to normalize intestinal microflora, since lactulose serves as an excellent breeding ground for lactobacilli.

How to take Duphalac correctly

The syrup is recommended for oral use: ingested, diluting with water if necessary. It is undesirable to retain the substrate in the mouth; you need to drink it quickly, in one sip, at regular intervals. Usually - 1 time per day.

Dosages depend on the severity of the physical condition. General recommendation: 15–45 ml of product per day. In this case, the initial dose is usually higher: 30–45 ml, and the maintenance dose: 15–25 ml. During the treatment period, you should drink at least 2 liters of liquid.

Use of the product in adults

How should adults take Duphalac for constipation? The medicine is intended for oral administration. If necessary, a single dose can be diluted with clean water. The average dosage of syrup for adult patients is 15–40 ml. It should be selected by the attending doctor on an individual basis, based on the severity of the patient’s condition.

To get the expected laxative result, you need to drink Duphalac at the same time

Sometimes taking laxative syrup twice a day may be recommended, in particular for very severe constipation. But this is a rare case, since a single use of the drug is enough to eliminate constipation and normalize stool.

How long will it take for the product to start working? The therapeutic effect appears on the second or third day from the start of treatment, since Duphalac does not have a classic laxative effect. After the first bowel movement, the dosage of the medicine should be reduced, but the use should be continued further. The course of treatment is 2–3 weeks.

Important! For the drug to start working, you need to drink as much water as possible. Mineral water is best.

If in the first three days while taking the drug the patient develops intestinal pain, nausea or symptoms of an allergic reaction, then treatment should be stopped immediately. Such a reaction indicates lactulose intolerance.

At the beginning of treatment for constipation with Duphalac, almost all patients are faced with the problem of increased gas formation. This intestinal behavior is a physiological norm and is not a reason to discontinue the laxative. Symptoms of bloating go away on their own after one to two days.

When does Duphalac start to work?

This medicine is not an instant-acting medicine. It works gently without disturbing your overall well-being. For minor digestive disorders, the effect occurs within 4–8 hours. For persistent constipation, relief may take 1 to 3 days.

Positive signs:

• reducing the feeling of heaviness in the intestines;
• disappearance of spasms;
• softening of stool;
• defecation without difficulty.

Duphalac in childhood

The use of the drug is permitted in children from birth. During the first few weeks, newborn babies may have stools up to 10 times a day. A little later, this number is reduced to one to three times a day. If the baby does not have stool for two to three days, or the feces released are dense and dry, then we can talk about the development of constipation.

Duphalac can be given even to infants

Most often, the pathology is diagnosed in babies who are bottle-fed. The cause may be a violation of the drinking regime or intolerance to the component composition of the milk formula. Sometimes constipation also occurs in infants receiving breast milk.

To eliminate the problem, it is also allowed to use Duphalac, since lactulose does not pose a danger to the child’s incompletely formed digestive system. In addition, the substance is unable to penetrate into the general bloodstream.

How to take Duphalac correctly for constipation during the first year of a child’s life:

• The syrup has a rather pleasant taste, so it can be drunk in its pure form. If the baby refuses to drink it, then it is allowed to dilute the product with water or add it to food.
• You need to take the laxative once. Daily dosage – 5 ml. Sometimes it is allowed to be divided into two times.
• The baby does not have bowel movements right away. The laxative effect is observed after about 2 hours. In some cases, days pass.
• Duphalac should be given at the same time. It is best to do this in the morning after waking up or after the first feeding. Then bowel movements will occur during the daytime and the baby will sleep peacefully throughout the night.
• To eliminate increased formation of gases, the daily dosage should be increased gradually. Treatment should begin by taking 1 ml of syrup, increasing the dose by 1 ml daily and bringing it to the required 5 ml.

If the laxative effect does not occur within two to three days from the start of treatment with syrup, then the drug should be discontinued and the baby should be shown to the pediatrician. How to take Duphalac for constipation in children aged 1 year and older:

• 1–6 years. The daily norm is 5–10 ml.
• 7–14 years old. The treatment period involves taking 15 ml per day. Maintenance doses of 10–15 ml per day.
• Over 14 years old. The initial dosage is 15–45 ml (determined individually). Then it is possible to reduce it to 15–30 ml.

Duphalac for children

Duphalac for infants is used in the form of syrup.

The only remedy approved by Russian pediatricians to relieve constipation in infants is Duphalac. Stool disorders are very common in children, and especially in babies in the first year of life.

Immature intestines and fragile unstable microflora are constantly at risk of imbalance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria.

Digestive disorders, improper feeding, and poor quality food can disrupt the child’s well-being and cause constipation. The use of an enema is not advisable, since it causes reverse peristalsis and perpetuates hypotension of weak intestinal muscles.

Duphalac is not addictive, does not upset the electrolyte balance, and is not absorbed into the child’s blood. For children, especially infants, only one form of this laxative is applicable - syrup. Rules for taking Duphalac for children:

• Child from 0 to 12 months – dose is 5 ml.
• Child from one to 6 years of age - the initial dose is 10 ml, the maintenance dose is 5 ml.
• Child from 6 to 14 years old - the initial dose is 15 m. The maintenance dose is 10 ml.

It is best to take this anti-constipation remedy in the morning, immediately after a night's sleep. For infants, you can mix the required dose with milk or formula and administer the drug using a disposable syringe, after removing the needle. To achieve the best effect, you should not limit your child's fluid intake. On the contrary, it must be given in large quantities.

You can expect normalization of stool already on the second day from the start of taking the drug, although stool is possible after 2-6 hours. Any bloating should go away within 1-2 days without any additional measures. The dosage should be carefully observed to avoid side effects: diarrhea, intestinal colic. Before using Duphalac, consultation with a pediatrician is required, especially in order to eliminate constipation in infants and newborns.

Contraindications and side effects

Duphalac helps well against constipation and can be used in all age categories of patients, but there are contraindications for using the product. Contraindications for treatment with Duphalac are: intolerance to lactulose, galactose, fructose, gastrointestinal obstruction, galactosemia, diabetes mellitus (with caution). After taking Duphalac, various side effects can sometimes occur.

These are:

• flatulence;
• pain in the intestines;
• diarrhea;
• nausea, vomiting.

Increased gas formation goes away on its own two to three days after starting to take the drug. Pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting indicate an incorrect dosage. To correct the situation, you need to reduce the daily dosage of the medication.

Duphalac is a good and fairly safe remedy for constipation. But it is not recommended to use it without a doctor's recommendation. Only a specialist can select the required dosage that is unable to provoke unpleasant side symptoms.

Taking Duphalac during pregnancy and lactation

Pregnant women may experience bloating when using laxatives.

A frequent companion to pregnancy is chronic constipation. Since this condition negatively affects the condition of a pregnant woman, they require a mild laxative that is absolutely safe for the health of the unborn child.