Constipation can be bothering at any age. Pathology is associated with violations in the diet, inactive lifestyle and disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract.
To eliminate the problem, laxatives can be used, but not all of them are safe for the patient’s health, so it is important to obtain the approval of a doctor and read the instructions for the selected remedies.
"Dufalac" is well known to many people who have problems with stools, in addition, the medication is approved for use in childhood. The popularity is due to relative safety, a gentle effect on the intestines and effectiveness. The active component of the drug acts only on the intestinal wall and does not penetrate the bloodstream.
Features of the composition and form of release
"Dufalac" composition is natural, therefore it is often used in pediatric practice. The main active ingredient is lactulose, which has an irritating effect on the intestinal wall. As a supplement, specially prepared water is used.
In plastic bottles, Duphalac is offered. The composition of the syrup is completely harmless, so even the parents of the kids trust the remedy. Packages can be purchased in different volumes - from 200 ml to 1 liter. This variation helps to choose the optimal bottle, depending on the severity of the problem and the age of the patient. The suspension may be light yellow in color or completely colorless. For ease of dispensing, a measuring cup is attached.
In pharmacies, you can also find a different form of release - disposable bags. Each sachet contains 15 g of finished syrup and is packed in cardboard boxes of 10 pieces. This form is convenient for traveling and carrying in a purse. With a chronic problem, you can always have a ready-made dose of medicine on hand.
How does the remedy work?
Instructions for "Dufalac" helps the patient to deal with the effect. The drug has a pronounced laxative effect, as well as:
- promotes the best absorption of phosphates and calcium salts;
- enhances peristalsis of the intestinal wall;
- removes ammonium ions from the body, which have a toxic effect on the body.
Once in the intestine, lactulose is broken down into organic acids by the action of local flora. As a result, the osmotic pressure rises, and the pH level decreases. Under the influence of ongoing processes, the volume of the contents of the colon increases and peristalsis is stimulated.
Patient reviews confirm that Dufalac quickly eliminates constipation and helps restore the physiological rhythm of emptying.
Additional effect
A lot of useful information contains instructions for Dufalac. So, in the annotation it is indicated that the drug can be used as a prebiotic agent.
The medication stimulates the growth of beneficial microflora in the intestine. After administration, the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli increases, which beneficially affect the entire gastrointestinal tract.
At the same time, the laxative inhibits and inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms that have a pathogenic effect on the body. As a result, the drug improves the intestinal mucosa and helps get rid of dysbiosis.
Expediency of reception
To eliminate severe constipation, Dufalac is used. A syrup is also prescribed to soften feces if the patient has hemorrhoids. It can be used as a preventive measure in preparation for planned surgical intervention.
But not only such unambiguous testimony has "Dufalac." Syrup is recommended in the following cases:
- enteritis caused by salmonellosis;
- intestinal dysbiosis;
- prevention of constipation in hepatic encephalopathy;
- manifestations of putrefactive dyspepsia, which is possible with acute poisoning;
- polyps and colitis progressing in the large intestine.
"Dufalac" indications is extensive, used in the treatment of adults and young patients.
No admission
Like any medicine, even having a natural composition "Dufalac" is prohibited for use in some cases. The instructions indicate the following contraindications:
- intestinal obstruction of various etiologies;
- galactosemia;
- acute appendicitis and suspicions on it;
- colostomy;
- acquired or hereditary intolerance of the constituent components;
- increased reaction to the drug;
- rectal bleeding.
With caution, you must use the medicine for diabetes.
During pregnancy and lactation, the product is not prohibited, but it should be used only when absolutely necessary, when natural methods do not help. It is known that the incoming components do not have a harmful effect on the condition of the fetus, but increased peristalsis can provoke uterine tone.
Treatment regimen
To get rid of constipation and softening feces, "Dufalac" is prescribed. The dosage differs depending on the purpose of use, the age of the patient and the severity of the problem. If the medication is taken for medical purposes, then you should focus on the following data:
- Up to three years - 5 ml as an initial dose. In the case of maintenance therapy, it is allowed to take another 5 ml of syrup.
- From three to six - the treatment regimen is the same, but the dosage can be increased to 10 ml.
- From seven to ten years - the initial dose is 10 ml. If additional administration is required, then 10 ml is also used.
- Adult patients. In the first dose should drink from 15 to 45 ml of syrup. The maintenance norm is 10-25 ml.
It should be understood that Dufalac does not help from the first dose. The dosage is reduced after two days, but the doctor will focus on the patient's condition. The effect is usually noticeable after two days. This is due to the properties of lactulose and its effect on the intestines.
How to take Dufalac - before or after meals
The instructions say that it is advisable to use the drug in the morning, during breakfast. The frequency of administration and the norm of the drunk syrup can be increased only in the absence of improvement after two days of treatment.
A slightly different scheme is recommended in the treatment of hepatic coma. In this case, an adult patient is prescribed 35-40 ml of suspension three times a day. Next, you must use the individually calculated "Dufalac" rate. Before or after a meal? This question is asked by many. Syrup must be used during meals to ensure maximum effect of lactulose.
Sometimes doctors can use the drug as an enema if the patient's condition is acute. For this, 700 ml of pure water and 300 ml of suspension are taken.
When to wait for the effect
Many patients who suffer from constipation are interested in how long Dufalac works. In this case, it all depends on the degree of problem and the dosage used. Experts emphasize that syrup stands out among other laxatives with a mild action. Therefore, you should not expect from taking a lightning effect.
So how long does Dufalac work? The desired effect may occur after 4 hours, but many see the result after 12 hours. There are reviews that it took more than a day to get rid of constipation. However, the data apply exclusively to adult patients. In young children, all metabolic processes proceed much faster. Therefore, parents can see the effect of taking it after a couple of hours.
Side effects
After taking "Dufalac" has a mild effect on the body, and pronounced side effects are absent. However, lactulose has an irritating effect on the intestines, so sometimes you can notice the following phenomena:
- In the first days of admission, gas formation may increase. This is due to increased intestinal motility. After 2-3 days, the symptoms go away on their own.
- Headaches, dizziness, and cramps may occur.
- Sometimes allergic reactions are recorded.
- There may be symptoms of arrhythmia, weakness and fatigue can occur.
It is worth noting that such problems are usually associated with an individual reaction or uncontrolled reception.
Age restrictions
It has no age restrictions "Dufalac". For children up to a year, the drug is prescribed quite often. But syrup is not a remedy for eliminating infant colic. And it can not be used for any problems with the chair. Before use in infants, it is important to get a competent specialist advice.
It is worth noting that the drug in individual sachets can be used after seven years. The fact is that the dosage is suitable only for this age group, and it is not recommended to store the syrup after opening it. But if a child over seven years of age is prescribed a lower dosage, then the drug from the bottle should be used.
How to replace
Dufalac has analogues, but when choosing it is worth focusing on the composition. You can replace the medicine with a drug that also contains lactulose and has a similar principle of action. The following medicines contribute to the softening of feces:
- "Lactulose." It is considered one of the best analogues. It can be purchased in the form of a ready-made syrup or powder, which must be diluted. It is forbidden to take with suspected appendicitis and with bowel obstruction.
- Normase. Colorless syrup with a pleasant taste. Available in glass bottles with a dispensing spoon.
- "Good luck". Syrup with a pleasant caramel flavor. Intended for infants, but doctor's permission required. May cause an allergic reaction, because there are fragrances in the composition.
From the above list it is clear that there is something to replace "Dufalac". Analogs also have a pronounced laxative effect, but should be recommended by a specialist.
A few caveats
The drug does not have a quick effect. If after two days the emptying has not occurred, then a doctor’s consultation is required. In addition, there are several warnings in the manual that are important to be aware of:
- It is not recommended to take syrup for nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain of unknown origin.
- In the inflammatory process in the colon, the drug is used with caution.
- If the patient has diabetes, then the dosage should be calculated individually with complete control of blood sugar.
- Sometimes treatment involves a long period (more than six months). In this case, it is important to regularly take tests and monitor indicators such as the rate of chlorine and potassium in the blood.
- With fructose and galactose intolerance, syrup is prohibited.
- To eliminate constipation in a newborn, syrup can be used. But you need the supervision of a pediatrician.
- If the patient suffers from increased gas formation, then treatment begins with small doses, gradually increasing the rate.
If diarrhea appears during administration, then administration should be completely stopped.
Conclusion
Before taking any laxative, you must study the instructions. "Dufalac" refers to soft preparations, but it must be used correctly and only according to indications. Overdose cases are known when the patient has diarrhea. This condition is especially dangerous for babies, because they quickly develop dehydration.
However, the syrup has many positive reviews. It is safe and easy to use. Suspension is easy to offer to small children, and adults are satisfied with the opportunity to purchase the drug in individual bags. The medicine is praised for the ease of dosing and the ability to offer newborns.
There are also negative responses. In some cases, the medicine was ineffective, so I had to switch to other drugs. If you take the syrup for a long time, then addiction can occur.