What is Dhactulose?
Dhactulose is a type of sugar. It is broken down in the large intestine into mild acids that draw water into the colon, which helps soften the stools.
Dhactulose is used to treat chronic constipation.
Dhactulose is sometimes used to treat or prevent certain conditions of the brain that are caused by liver failure, which can lead to confusion, problems with memory or thinking, behavior changes, tremors, feeling irritable, sleep problems, loss of coordination, and loss of consciousness.
Dhactulose may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Dhactulose indications
For the prevention and treatment of portal-systemic encephalopathy, including the stages of hepatic pre-coma and coma.
Controlled studies have shown that Dhactulose therapy reduces the blood ammonia levels by 25–50%; this is generally paralleled by an improvement in the patients' mental state and by an improvement in EEG patterns. The clinical response has been observed in about 75% of patients, which is at least as satisfactory as that resulting from neomycin therapy. An increase in patients' protein tolerance is also frequently observed with Dhactulose solution therapy. In the treatment of chronic portal-systemic encephalopathy, Dhactulose solution has been given for over 2 years in controlled studies.
How should I use Dhactulose?
Use Dhactulose crystals as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Dhactulose crystals may be mixed with food, fruit juice, water, or milk. It also may be taken dry from a spoon and washed down with water, juice, or milk.
- Drink one or more 8-ounce glasses of liquid with each dose.
- If you miss a dose of Dhactulose crystals and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dhactulose crystals.
Uses of Dhactulose in details
This medication is a laxative used to treat constipation. It may help to increase the number of bowel movements per day and the number of days you have a bowel movement. Dhactulose is a colonic acidifier that works by increasing stool water content and softening the stool. It is a man-made sugar solution.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug, but may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug is also used to treat or prevent complications of liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy).
How to use Dhactulose
Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily for constipation, or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking the solution, to improve the taste, you may mix it into fruit juice, water, milk, or a soft dessert. If you are using the crystals in packets, dissolve the contents of the packet in half a glass of water (4 ounces or 120 milliliters), or as directed by your doctor.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
It may take up to 48 hours to have a bowel movement. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Dhactulose description
Dhactulose syrup, which contains Lactulose with other sugars eg, galactose and lactose, is used in the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. Dhactulose is a disaccharide, a sugar molecule composed of 2 smaller sugar molecules bonded together, in this case, fructose and galactose. Dhactulose is a solid substance that is very soluble in water and has a sweet taste. It is sweeter than lactose but not as sweet as fructose. Chemically, Dhactulose is also known as 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-fructofuranose. The molecular formula is C12H22O11 with a molecular weight of 342.3 daltons.
Dhactulose dosage
Dhactulose Dosage
Generic name: Dhactulose 10g in 15mL
Dosage form: oral solution
The information at Drugs.com is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Oral
Adult
The usual adult oral dosage is 30 to 45 mL (2 to 3 tablespoonfuls, containing 20 g to 30 g of Dhactulose Solution) three or four times daily. The dosage may be adjusted every day or two to produce 2 or 3 soft stools daily.
Hourly doses of 30 to 45 mL of Dhactulose Solution may be used to induce the rapid laxation indicated in the initial phase of the therapy of portal-systemic encephalopathy. When the laxative effect has been achieved, the dose of Dhactulose Solution may then be reduced to the recommended daily dose. Improvement in the patient's condition may occur within 24 hours but may not begin before 48 hours or even later.
Continuous long-term therapy is indicated to lessen the severity and prevent the recurrence of portal-systemic encephalopathy. The dose of Dhactulose Solution for this purpose is the same as the recommended daily dose.
Pediatric
Very little information on the use of Dhactulose in pediatric patients has been recorded. As with adults, the subjective goal in proper treatment is to produce 2 to 3 soft stools daily. On the basis of information available, the recommended initial daily oral dose in infants is 2.5 to 10 mL in divided doses. For older pediatric patients, the total daily dose is 40 to 90 mL. If the initial dose causes diarrhea, the dose should be reduced immediately. If diarrhea persists, Dhactulose Solution should be discontinued.
Rectal
When the adult patient is in the impending coma or coma stage of portal-systemic encephalopathy and the danger of aspiration exists, or when the necessary endoscopic or intubation procedures physically interfere with the administration of the recommended oral doses, Dhactulose Solution may be given as a retention enema via a rectal balloon catheter. Cleansing enemas containing soapsuds or other alkaline agents should not be used.
Three hundred mL of Dhactulose Solution should be mixed with 700 mL of water or physiologic saline and retained for 30 to 60 minutes. Dhactulose Solution enema may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours. If the enema is inadvertently evacuated too promptly, it may be repeated immediately.
The goal of treatment is reversal of the coma stage in order that the patient may be able to take oral medication. Reversal of coma may take place within 2 hours of the first enema in some patients. Dhactulose Solution, given orally in the recommended doses, should be started before Dhactulose Solution by enema is stopped entirely.
More about Dhactulose (Dhactulose)
- Side Effects
- During Pregnancy
- Dosage Information
- Drug Interactions
- Support Group
- Pricing & Coupons
- 3 Reviews - Add your own review/rating
Consumer resources
- Dhactulose solution
- Other brands: Enulose, Kristalose, Constulose
Professional resources
- Dhactulose (FDA)
- Dhactulose (AHFS Monograph)
Related treatment guides
- Constipation, Chronic
- Constipation, Acute
- Hepatic Encephalopathy
Dhactulose interactions
See also:
What other drugs will affect Dhactulose?
No laxative should be taken within 2 hrs of another medication because the desired effect of the other medication may be reduced.
Antacids: Antacids given concurrently with Dhactulose may inhibit the desired Dhactulose-induced drop in colonic pH. Therefore, a possible lack of desired effect of treatment should be taken into consideration before such drugs are given concomitantly with Dhactulose.
Neomycin: In some situations, neomycin administered together with Dhactulose is more effective than either one alone.
Although, theoretically, the elimination of certain colonic bacteria by neomycin and possibly other anti-infective agents may interfere with the desired degradation of Dhactulose and thus prevent the acidification of colonic contents. There have been some reports that Dhactulose-fermenting bacteria are relatively resistant to neomycin, which may explain why a combination could work in some cases. The status of the Dhactulose-treated patients should be closely monitored in the event of concomitant oral antibiotic therapy.
Dhactulose side effects
See also:
What are the possible side effects of Dhactulose?
Summary of the Safety Profile: Flatulence may occur during the 1st few days of treatment. As a rule, it disappears after a few days. When dosages higher than instructed are used, abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur. In such cases, the dosage should be decreased.
If high doses (normally only associated with, hepatic encephalopathy or portal systemic encephalopathy) are used for an extended period of time, the patient may experience an electrolyte imbalance due to diarrhea.
List of Adverse Reactions: The following undesirable effects have been experienced with the following indicated frequencies in Dhactulose-treated patients in placebo-controlled clinical trials: Very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1000); very rare (<1/10,000). Gastrointestinal Disorders: Very Common: Diarrhea. Common: Flatulence, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.
Investigations: Uncommon: Electrolyte imbalance due to diarrhea.
Paediatric Population: The safety profile in children is expected to be similar as in adults.
Dhactulose contraindications
See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Dhactulose?
Since KRISTALOSEā¢ (D-Dhactulose) for
Oral Solution contains galactose (less than 0.3 g/10 g as a total sum with lactose), it is contraindicated in patients who require a low galactose diet.
Active ingredient matches for Dhactulose:
Lactulose in Malaysia, Singapore.
Unit description / dosage (Manufacturer) | Price, USD |
Dhactulose 3.35 g/5 mL x 200 mL x 1's | |
Dhactulose 3.35 g/5 mL x 1 L x 1's | |
Dhactulose 3.35 g/5 mL x 200 mL | |
Dhactulose 3.35 g/5 mL x 1 L | |
Dhactulose syr 3.35 g/5 mL 200 mL x 1's (DHA) | |
Dhactulose syr 3.35 g/5 mL 1 L x 1's (DHA) | |
Dhactulose syr 3.35 g/5 mL 500 mL x 1's (DHA) | |
List of Dhactulose substitutes (brand and generic names): | |
Detoxicol (Myanmar) | |
Dia Colon (Italy, Malta) | |
Dia-Colon (Italy) | |
Dicelax (Chile) | |
Solution; Oral; Lactulose 650 mg / ml | |
Digelac (Peru) | |
Dilax (Bangladesh) | |
Dilax 5 mg x 1's | |
Disac (Pakistan) | |
Dismam (Chile, Peru) | |
Solution; Oral; Lactulose 670 mg / ml (Merck) | |
Dismam-L (Peru) | |
Dufadin | |
Dufadin 100 ml Syrup (Ethics Health-Care Pvt. Ltd.) | $ 0.05 |
Dulax (Ireland) | |
DULAX SYRUP 1 bottle / 200 ML syrup each (Antigen) | $ 0.92 |
Dulax NA Syrup (Antigen) | $ 0.92 |
Dulcolactol (Indonesia) | |
Dulcolactol 10 g/15 mL x 60 mL x 1's (Boehringer ingelheim) | $ 4.94 |
Dulose (Australia) | |
Duolax (Spain) | |
Duphalac (Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegowina, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Croatia (Hrvatska), Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vietnam) | |
Powder; Oral; Lactulose 95 g / 100 g (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
Solution; Oral; Lactulose 10 g / 15 ml (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
Syrup; Oral; Lactulose 10 g / 15 ml (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
Duphalac 15ml - 10 Syrup (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 20.80 |
Duphalac 6.7g/10ml-200ml - 1 Syrup (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 22.90 |
Duphalac 6.7g/10ml-500ml - 1 Syrup (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 39.60 |
DUPHALAC Liquid / 10gm per 15ml / 200ml units (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 1.79 |
DUPHALAC Liquid / 10gm per 15ml / 100ml units (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 0.95 |
DUPHALAC Liquid / 10gm per 15ml / 60ml units (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 0.55 |
DUPHALAC Liquid / 10gm per 15ml / 450ml units (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 3.74 |
Duphalac 3.35g/5ml LIQD / 100ml (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 0.99 |
Duphalac 3.35g/5ml LIQD / 200ml (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 1.86 |
Duphalac 3.35g/5ml LIQD / 450ml (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 3.89 |
Duphalac 15 mL x 20 Packs (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
Duphalac 1 Bottle 200 mL (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
Duphalac 1 Bottle 500 mL (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
Duphalac 10 g/15 mL x 300 mL (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
Duphalac 10 g/15 mL x 1 L (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
Duphalac 10 g/15 mL x 1 mL (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
Duphalac 10 g/15 mL x 200 mL (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
Duphalac 10 g/15 mL x 500 mL (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
Duphalac 10 g/15 mL x 1000 mL (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
3.35 g x 5 mL x 100ml (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 0.99 |
3.35 g x 5 mL x 200ml (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 1.86 |
3.35 g x 5 mL x 450ml (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 3.89 |
Duphalac 3.3 g/5 mL x 45 mL (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | |
Duphalac 3.3 g/5 mL x 120 mL (Solvay Pharma India Pvt Ltd) | $ 6.11 |
See 1218 substitutes for Dhactulose |
References
- DailyMed. "LACTULOSE: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailyme... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- PubChem. "lactulose". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/com... (accessed September 17, 2018).
- DrugBank. "lactulose". http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00581 (accessed September 17, 2018).
Reviews
The results of a survey conducted on ndrugs.com for Dhactulose are given in detail below. The results of the survey conducted are based on the impressions and views of the website users and consumers taking Dhactulose. We implore you to kindly base your medical condition or therapeutic choices on the result or test conducted by a physician or licensed medical practitioners.User reports
Consumer reported useful
No survey data has been collected yetConsumer reported price estimates
No survey data has been collected yet1 consumer reported time for results
To what extent do I have to use Dhactulose before I begin to see changes in my health conditions?As part of the reports released by ndrugs.com website users, it takes 2 weeks and a few days before you notice an improvement in your health conditions.
Please note, it doesn't mean you will start to notice such health improvement in the same time frame as other users. There are many factors to consider, and we implore you to visit your doctor to know how long before you can see improvements in your health while taking Dhactulose. To get the time effectiveness of using Dhactulose drug by other patients, please click here.
Users | % | ||
---|---|---|---|
2 weeks | 1 | 100.0% |
4 consumers reported age
Users | % | ||
---|---|---|---|
1-5 | 1 | 25.0% | |
6-15 | 1 | 25.0% | |
> 60 | 1 | 25.0% | |
16-29 | 1 | 25.0% |
Consumer reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first to write one! |
Information checked by Dr. Sachin Kumar, MD Pharmacology