Laxatives Duphalac and Forlax have much in common, but their active ingredients are different. We looked at the features of the drugs in order to understand which one is better.

General description of Duphalac

Laxative Duphalac is available in the form of a syrup. Contains lactulose. Manufacturer: Solvay Pharma. Sold in disposable sachets of 15 ml and bottles of 200, 500 and 1000 ml.

The medicine gives a hyperosmotic laxative effect. Lactulose activates the motor function of the intestinal walls, improving the absorption of calcium and phosphates. The active substance is cleaved into organic acids, which leads to an increase in osmotic pressure and a decrease in pH. As a result, there is an increase in the contents of the intestine.

Lactulose is a prebiotic that enhances the growth of natural intestinal bacteria while suppressing the activity of pathogenic microorganisms.

Research and effectiveness

Duphalac not only has a laxative effect, but also exhibits an antagonistic effect on toxic substances. The drug reduces the production of endotoxins and their absorption. There are a lot of indications for the use of Dufalac. There are data on the use of lactulose for the prevention of colon cancer. The substance accelerates the passage of secondary bile acids through the intestines, which are carcinogens.

Source: I.G. Fedorov. «Clinical aspects of the use of lactulose in the practice of a gastroenterologist». Difficult patient, Journal for doctors, 2012.

Duphalac is safe and effective in the treatment of constipation in the elderly with CVD pathologies. It does not change the biochemical parameters of the blood and is metabolically neutral. A study with older people showed good results. Already on the 3rd day from the start of treatment, the manifestations of chronic constipation decreased, which led to a general improvement in well-being.

Source: A.V. Timofeev. «Duphalac in the treatment of constipation in elderly patients with CV disease». RMJ, 2007.

Contraindications

A laxative is not prescribed for patients with intestinal obstruction.

Other contraindications to the use of Duphalac:

1. lactulose intolerance;

2. tendency to intestinal bleeding;

3. diabetes;

4. hepatic encephalopathy.

The drug does not adversely affect the fetus, which allows its use during pregnancy. Lactulose is not excreted in breast milk, so Duphalac is allowed during lactation.

Side effects

At the beginning of taking the remedy, a natural reaction to the laxative occurs — increased gas formation. After a couple of days of treatment, the problem goes away. Rarely, the reception may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In general, the drug is well tolerated.

Dosage

Duphalac is taken orally. It can be drunk in concentrated form and diluted with water. It is recommended to take the medicine in the morning before breakfast. The initial dosage for adults is 15-45 ml daily. After the main course, when the stool normalizes, you need a maintenance drug in a lower dosage.

In the treatment of children from 7 to 14 years, 10-15 ml of the drug is prescribed per day, from 1 to 6 years — 5-10 ml, up to a year — 5 ml per day. A single dosage in preparation for the study is 100-150 ml.

Who suits

Duphalac is well suited in the complex treatment of chronic constipation. It regulates the rhythms of emptying. It is used to soften the stool for hemorrhoids and after operations. Also, the tool is used in the treatment of dysbacteriosis, enteritis, salmonellosis.

General description of Forlax

Forlax is an osmotic laxative. Produced in the form of a powder for the preparation of a solution. It is taken orally. The main active ingredient is macrogol. Manufacturer — Bofur Ipsen Industry, France. Sold in bags of 10 g.

Macrogol mixes with the contents of the intestine, increasing the content of fluid in it. It has a pronounced osmotic effect. The laxative effect occurs the next day. It is used to eliminate constipation of a non-systemic nature.

The therapeutic effect of the drug is due to the ability to accumulate water in the intestines, which is drawn from the plasma of adipose tissue and blood. Hydrogen bonds allow it to hold. An increase in osmotic pressure leads to normal defecation.

After use, the product does not change the internal environment. The increase in gas formation, which is typical for Dufalac, is minimal when using Forlax.

Research and effectiveness

Due to the high efficacy and safety, in many cases, Forlax should be preferred, especially in elderly patients. The use of the drug allows you to achieve a long and stable effect with constipation of various origins.

Forlax can be used as an independent remedy in the treatment of functional constipation. In this case, the dosage and duration of treatment should be selected by the doctor.

When using laxatives, you need to remember the negative side. Prolonged use of the drug leads to addiction of the receptors, which reduces its effectiveness.

Source: O.N. Minushkin. Forlax in the treatment of chronic constipation. RMJ, 2006.

Contraindications

The drug Forlax is not prescribed to patients under 8 years of age.

Other contraindications to the use of laxatives:

1. macrogol intolerance;

2. megacolon with stenosis;

3. perforation and the threat of perforation of the intestine;

4. abdominal pain of unknown origin;

5. severe inflammatory bowel disease;

6. intestinal obstruction and suspicion of it.

Forlax can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Experimental animal studies have not shown a teratogenic effect of the drug.

Side effects

There is a possibility of allergic reactions, namely a temporary rash, itching, swelling of the face, urticaria, anaphylactic shock, Quincke’s edema.

Other possible side effects:

1. stomach ache;

2. diarrhea;

3. nausea;

4. flatulence;

5. hyponatremia, hypokalemia;

6. dehydration.

In adults, diarrhea can occur, which leads to electrolyte imbalance. As a result, there is a deficiency of sodium and potassium, or dehydration occurs.

Dosage

A laxative is taken in the morning, 1-2 sachets. The dosage is adjusted depending on the effect. More than 2 sachets per day is extremely rare.

The powder dissolves in a glass of water before taking. The effect develops within 1-2 days. The recommended course of therapy is up to 3 months. If there is no result of treatment, you need to undergo a second examination with a doctor.

In case of an overdose, diarrhea occurs. To eliminate it, the dosage of the drug is reduced. It may be necessary to correct electrolytes against the background of loss of large amounts of water.

Who suits

Forlax is prescribed to get rid of acute constipation. It is used before diagnostic procedures and against the background of taking medications that lead to constipation. Also, the tool helps to cleanse the intestines in case of poisoning.

Cost and analogues

Which drug is better

Forlax is rational to use when you need to quickly cleanse the intestines. This is often required before diagnostic procedures. It is also prescribed for situational constipation and against the background of taking medications that affect bowel function.

Duphalac is more suitable for long-term use. They can treat chronic constipation. The drug is allowed during pregnancy and from the first days of life. It not only relieves constipation, but also affects its cause, normalizing the microflora.

These are safe laxatives, but with their contraindications and side effects. Before use, you should consult with a specialist.