Duphalac syrup 667 mg/mL, 15 mL sachets, 10 sachets

Duphalac Syrup 667 mg/mL, 15 mL Sachets: Uses, Directions, and Safety Information

Duphalac syrup 667 mg/mL is an oral medicine containing lactulose, a synthetic sugar used primarily to relieve constipation. This presentation contains 15 mL single-use sachets, with 10 sachets supplied in the pack. The convenient sachet format may be useful for travel, work, or situations where measuring liquid from a bottle is not practical. This article explains what Duphalac is, how it works, how it is commonly taken, and the important precautions to consider before use.

What Is Duphalac Syrup 667 mg/mL?

Duphalac contains lactulose, an osmotic laxative. Lactulose passes through the stomach and small intestine without being significantly absorbed. In the colon, natural bacteria break it down into organic acids. These acids draw water into the bowel, helping to soften stools and encourage normal bowel movements.

Each millilitre contains 667 mg of lactulose. A 15 mL sachet therefore contains approximately 10 grams of lactulose. The liquid can be taken directly from the sachet or mixed with water, juice, or another suitable drink if preferred. Always check the product packaging and leaflet supplied in your country, as instructions and availability may vary.

What Is Duphalac Used For?

Relief of constipation

Duphalac is commonly used to treat constipation, including hard or difficult-to-pass stools. It works by increasing the water content of the stool, making bowel movements softer and easier. Unlike stimulant laxatives, lactulose generally works gradually rather than producing an immediate bowel movement.

The time required to work varies between individuals. Some people may notice an effect within one or two days, while others may require longer. Drinking enough fluid and maintaining regular physical activity can support the treatment of occasional constipation.

Other medical uses

In some circumstances, lactulose is prescribed by healthcare professionals for hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of severe liver disease. For this use, the dose and treatment goals are different from those used for constipation. Patients taking lactulose for liver disease should follow their clinician’s instructions carefully and should not change the dose without medical advice.

How to Take the 15 mL Sachets

Use Duphalac according to the package leaflet, a pharmacist’s directions, or your healthcare professional’s instructions. The dose depends on age, symptoms, medical history, and the reason for treatment. For constipation, adults are often advised to begin with a prescribed or recommended daily dose and then adjust it according to response. Children and older adults may require different advice.

• Open one sachet by tearing at the indicated notch.
• Swallow the contents directly, or mix them with water or another suitable liquid.
• Take the medicine at the same time each day if regular use has been recommended.
• Drink plenty of fluids unless a healthcare professional has advised you to restrict fluids.
• Do not take more than the recommended amount in an attempt to obtain faster relief.

The 15 mL sachet is intended to make dosing simple, but it should not automatically be treated as the correct dose for every person. Do not share sachets with other people, even if they have similar symptoms.

When Should You Avoid Duphalac?

Do not use lactulose if you have an allergy to lactulose or any ingredient in the product. Speak with a doctor before use if you have unexplained abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, severe bloating, or a suspected bowel blockage. Duphalac may not be suitable for people with certain digestive disorders, including galactosaemia or other conditions requiring strict dietary control of specific sugars.

Seek medical advice for constipation accompanied by blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness, fever, or a sudden change in bowel habits. Medical assessment is also important when constipation lasts for a prolonged period or repeatedly returns without an identified cause.

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects of Duphalac are digestive and are often more noticeable when treatment begins or when the dose is higher than needed. These effects may improve as the body adjusts.

• Wind or increased flatulence
• Bloating or abdominal discomfort
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea or loose stools

Taking too much lactulose can cause significant diarrhoea and may lead to dehydration or changes in the body’s salt balance. Contact a healthcare professional if severe diarrhoea continues, especially in children, older adults, or people with kidney or heart problems. Urgent help is required for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or widespread rash.

Important Precautions and Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you use. Severe or prolonged diarrhoea caused by excessive lactulose may affect the balance of electrolytes and can influence medicines that depend on stable electrolyte levels. People taking diuretics, corticosteroids, or certain heart medicines may need particular caution.

If you have diabetes, ask a healthcare professional whether the product is appropriate for you, especially when large doses are needed for liver disease. Although lactulose is only minimally absorbed, some formulations may contain small amounts of related sugars. People with lactose intolerance or other carbohydrate intolerances should check the ingredients and obtain professional advice.

Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Lactulose is often considered suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding because very little is absorbed into the body. However, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should still consult a doctor, midwife, or pharmacist before starting treatment. Persistent constipation during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare professional rather than treated repeatedly without review.

Storage and Pack Information

Keep Duphalac sachets in their original packaging and store them according to the instructions on the label. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use sachets after the expiry date, or if the packaging is damaged. Each pack described here contains 10 single-use sachets, with 15 mL of 667 mg/mL lactulose solution in each sachet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does Duphalac work?

Duphalac usually works gradually and may take one or two days to produce the desired effect. If symptoms do not improve after several days, or if they worsen, ask a healthcare professional for advice.

Can Duphalac be taken with food?

It can generally be taken with or without food. Taking it with a drink may make the sweet taste easier to manage. Follow the instructions provided with your specific product.

Is Duphalac suitable for children?

Lactulose may be used in children when recommended by a healthcare professional. The appropriate amount depends on the child’s age and condition, so children should not be given an adult sachet dose without professional guidance.

Summary

Duphalac syrup 667 mg/mL in 15 mL sachets is a lactulose-based osmotic laxative used mainly to soften stools and relieve constipation. The pack contains 10 convenient single-use sachets. Use it with adequate fluids, follow the recommended directions, and allow time for it to work. Avoid self-treatment when constipation is severe, unusual, or associated with warning symptoms. A pharmacist or doctor can help determine whether Duphalac is appropriate for your individual needs.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.