Duphalac 3.35g/5ml Syrup

Lactulose is an osmotic laxative. It draws water into your bowel, which makes poo softer and easier to pass.

It is used to:

• treat constipation
• treat hepatic encephalopathy, a brain problem caused by liver disease

Take it as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, or as the pack says.

• Measure each dose with the spoon or cup provided.
• Take it at regular times, with or without food. You can mix it with a drink such as squash to improve the taste.
• Drink plenty of fluids while you take it.
• It can take 2 to 3 days to work. See a doctor if there is no improvement after 3 days or you feel worse.
• If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next one as normal. Do not take two doses together.

Common side effects include:

• wind (usually eases after a few days)
• bloating and tummy ache
• feeling or being sick
• diarrhoea

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• swelling of the throat or tongue, an itchy raised rash or trouble breathing
• muscle weakness, tiredness, needing to pass urine often, or an irregular heartbeat, which can be signs of low potassium after a lot of diarrhoea

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had a reaction to lactulose before
• are lactose intolerant, or have galactose or fructose intolerance or galactosaemia
• have a bowel condition such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease or Crohn's disease, or a bowel blockage
• have diabetes and need it for hepatic encephalopathy, as high doses can affect blood sugar
• take other medicines or supplements

Children under 14 need it to be prescribed.

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Pregnancy: it can be used, but speak to a pharmacist or doctor first.

Breastfeeding: it can be used while breastfeeding.

Driving: it does not usually affect your ability to drive.