Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DUPHALAC versus GLYCOLAX.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DUPHALAC versus GLYCOLAX.
DUPHALAC vs GLYCOLAX
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Duphalac (lactulose) is a synthetic disaccharide that is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. It is metabolized by colonic bacteria to short-chain fatty acids (e.g., acetic, lactic, formic acids), which lower colonic pH. This acidic environment favors the conversion of ammonia (NH3) to ammonium (NH4+), which is trapped in the colon and excreted in feces, thereby reducing systemic ammonia absorption. Additionally, the osmotic effect of lactulose and its metabolites draws water into the colon, producing a laxative effect.
Osmotic laxative. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) increases intraluminal water volume in the colon by osmosis, promoting stool passage and relieving constipation.
Oral: 15-30 mL once daily, may increase to 30-45 mL twice daily if needed. Rectal (enema): 150-300 mL as a single dose.
17 g (1 heaping tablespoon) dissolved in 4-8 ounces of liquid once daily, orally.
None Documented
None Documented
Not applicable; systemic exposure is negligible. Orally administered lactulose acts locally in the colon.
Not applicable due to negligible systemic absorption; local colonic transit time approximately 2-4 hours.
Lactulose is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; it is excreted unchanged in feces (>99%).
Minimally absorbed; excreted primarily unchanged in feces via osmotic action. Renal excretion negligible (<0.2% absorbed dose).
Category C
Category C
Osmotic Laxative
Osmotic Laxative