This information is not intended for US residents
GASTROENTEROLOGY
DUPHALAC® (lactulose)
Solvay Pharmaceuticals is the largest manufacturer of lactulose worldwide. Solvay Pharmaceuticals’ DUPHALAC® is a product for constipation, but also for more serious conditions like hepatic encephalopathy and salmonellosis. Constipation is one of the most common gastroenterological disorders. Up to 20% of the westernized population suffers from it, but only a small proportion consult their doctor. Many sufferers self-medicate with irritant laxatives, that give quick relief, but harm the bowel function in the long run. DUPHALAC® stimulates the natural bacteria in the bowels to do their work. That helps relieve constipation, without the loss of normal bowel function. DUPHALAC® is extremely well tolerated, and no rebound constipation occurs when treatment is stopped. It can be given during pregnancy and to a nursing mother. This is an advantage because pregnant women often suffer from constipation, and this may lead to complications such as elevated blood pressure.
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| brandnames | |
| product description | |
| indications | |
| description of indications | |
| worldwide availability | |
| date and country of first launch | |
| average dosages | |
| links |
generic name
lactulose
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brandnames
DUPHALAC®, BIFITERAL®, DUPHALAC DRY®, CEPHULAC®, CHRONULAC®, PORTALAC®, BETULAC®, MONILAC®, AVILAC®
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product description
DUPHALAC® (lactulose) is a synthetic disaccharide. It stimulates the growth of natural bacteria in the bowels, that help the proper digestion of food.
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indications
Constipation
Hepatic Coma (hepatic encephalopathy)
Salmonellosis
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description of indications
Constipation
High protein and low-fiber diets, a sedentary lifestyle, a high-stress lifestyle, abuse of irritant laxatives, pregnancy, certain medications, and several medical conditions may all cause constipation.
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Hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a range of neuropsychiatric disorders occurring in acute or chronic liver diseases. The symptoms of HE are concentration difficulties, lethargy, disorientation, personality changes and inappropriate behavior. In its final stage it can lead to coma. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy have an excess amount of ammonia in the gut flora. DUPHALAC® works in several ways: it inhibits the bacteria that cause the excess ammonia and it helps the ammonia to be excreted faster instead of being absorbed through the intestinal wall.
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Salmonellosis
Non typhoid salmonellosis is a relatively common cause of gastroenteritis in some countries. DUPHALAC® reduces the duration of Salmonella excretion, which decreases the risk of contamination. DUPHALAC® also increases acid levels in the bowel, which help to limit the growth of Salmonella. Additionally DUPHALAC® stimulates the growth of certain bacteria that compete with the Salmonella for nutrients.
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worldwide availability
DUPHALAC® (Lactulose) is available in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the US and Japan.
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date and country of first launch
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average dosages
Dosages of DUPHALAC® (lactulose) depend on the indication. While for constipation the dosages vary from 5 ml daily for children to 15-30 ml daily for adults, the dosages for the more serious conditions like hepatic encephalopathy can be as high as three times 30-50 ml daily.
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Links
Spanish constipation site: http://www.solvay.com/pharma-es/cide/