Ducloflex

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Last Updated December 20th, 2021

Therapeutic Indications

Ducloflex is a stimulant laxative that softens stool to relieve short-term constipation problems. Also used for clearance of the bowel before a scheduled surgery. For proper working of the medication take a balanced diet having enough fiber, drink a lot of water and take part in physical exercises regularly. Duclofelx is used for management, control, and treatment of the following conditions:

Constipation (that is occasional)
Preparation of bowel prior to surgery, labor or radiological investigation
Neurogenic bowel syndrome
Suppository and laxative

Do I Need a Prescription?

Ducloflex can be bought from pharmacies close to you and from online drug stores. A doctor’s prescription is not mandatory.

Dosage

The dosage for Ducloflex depends on the medical condition, the response to the medication and age. The recommended dosage for different conditions is:

Constipation

Adults and children above the age of 12 years: 5 mg to 10 mg taken orally. If to be administered rectally, one suppository of 10 mg is used.

Children of 6 to 12 years: 5 mg taken orally. When administered rectally, one suppository of 5 mg is used.

Bowel emptying before a test or scheduled surgery

Adults: 10 mg to 20 mg taken orally the night before and 10 mg suppository the morning of the procedure that is inserted rectally.

Children of age 6 and above: 5 mg taken orally the night before and a 5 mg suppository the morning of the procedure that is inserted rectally

Chemical Composition

Ducloflex contains one active ingredient is bicosadyl.

Ducloflex is manufactured either as a tablet for oral administration or a rectal suppository. They can be of 5 mg or 10 mg of the active ingredient.

Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Duclaflex active ingredients Bisacodyl relieves constipation by making the stool soft and empties the large intestines by increasing its motility. Bisacodly once in the large intestine undergoes metabolism by an intestinal brush border enzymes and also by some bacteria in the colon to form the active metabolite. It stimulates the walls of the intestines leading to the production of electrolytes and fluids. It also exerts its action on the mucosal sensory nerves that promote peristalsis allowing for movement.

Contraindications

The use of Ducloflex is not recommended if you have some medical conditions or a history of some. Its use could result in worsening of the condition or occurrence of side effects that could be fatal. Inform your doctor of any medicals conditions you have or have had before as they could affect your prescription. The following are conditions are contraindicated:

Do not consume Ducloflex if you have an allergy to the active ingredient or of any other allergies you might have.
Obstruction of the intestines
Bleeding in the rectum
Ducloflex should be used with caution and when the benefits outweigh the risks
Breastfeeding mothers should use Ducloflex with caution. That is on your doctor’s recommendation.
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Children under the age of six years, unless prescribed by a pediatrician.
Changes in your stool that have lasted over two weeks.
Ulcerative colitis
Appendicitis
Crohn’s disease
Severe dehydration

Facts On Ducloflex

Ducloflex tablets begin working within 6 to 8 hours once taken orally thus recommended to be taken when going to bed.
The suppository begins their work after 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Long-term use of Ducloflex can cause chronic constipation and laxative dependence.
Ducloflex is mostly taken after a meal and relieves constipation within a day or less depending on the route of administration.
It is categorized under pregnancy safety as a category C medication.

Side effects

Stomach flu Ducloflex like any other medication can cause side effects. The side effects do not occur in everyone. They depend on individual reaction to the medication, the dose, and duration of use. The side effects can be common and less serious and sometimes go away on their own while others are rare and very serious. Inform your doctor of any side effects you experience to get medicals advice especially if they do not go away. The common side effects of Ducloflex include:

Abdominal cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Weakness
Bloating

Rare and serious side effects include:

Pain or discomfort in the rectum
Blood in stool
Severe intestinal cramping
Severe diarrhea
Persistent vomiting and nausea
Muscle cramps
Dizziness
Mood changes
Confusion
Dizziness
Reduced urination frequency
Heartbeat becoming irregular
Fainting
Dehydration
Reduced blood potassium levels
Swelling of eyes
Bowel movement changes
Rectal bleeding

In case you have an allergic reaction to Ducloflex, discontinue the use of the medication and inform your doctor immediately or seek medical attention. Signs of an allergic reaction include wheezing, swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, and face, rashes on the skin, severe dizziness and itching.

If you accidentally take an overdose of Ducloflex, report it to your doctor or rush into the emergency center of the nearest hospital carrying the medication package with you for identification. Taking an overdose of Ducloflex can result in severe side effects such as severe and persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and abdominal cramping.

Drug Interactions

Taking more than one medication at the same time can result in drug interactions. Drug interaction interferes with the way working of the drugs, altering their concentrations in the body, affecting their absorption and excretion and can result in the occurrence of side effects that can be fatal. Notify your doctor of all medications you are using including both over the counter and prescription medications, any dietary supplements and herbal products as they may affect your prescription. You might also be advised on how to take the drugs within different intervals to avoid interaction. The following medications and products interact with Ducloflex:

Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone
Digoxin
Antacids such as magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate
If taken within an hour of taking Ducloflex can result in gastric irritation.
Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide
H2 antagonists such as ranitidine, cimetidine
Proton Pump Inhibitors(PPIs) such as omeprazole, pantoprazole
Aspirin
Azithromycin
Lactulose

What to Do If You Skip a Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you realize it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, you can skip it and take the next dose then continue with the normal dose schedule. However, do not double the dose to compensatefor the missed dose as it might result in side effects of an overdose. Missing doses frequently makes your medication to be lesseffective. To avoid missing doses set an alarm or have a family member remind you when it is time for your next dose.

Precautions

A number of precautions should be considered before you used and while using Ducloflex. The precautions include:

Allergic reaction: Do not take Ducloflex if you are allergic to the active ingredient or any other components in the tablet.
Pregnant and lactating mothers: Ducloflex should be used with caution, only when the benefits outweigh the risks.
Inform your doctor of all medications and products you are using to avoid drug interactions from occurring.
Inform your doctor of all medical conditions you have or have had previously.
Do not take Ducloflex for a period of more than a week. When used for a long time Ducloflex can make bowel movements to be dependent on the medication.
It should be stored at room temperature away from sunlight, heat, and moisture. Store it away from children and pets.
Ducloflex should be used with caution in the elderly, it can result in weakness and low blood pressure, therefore, advised stand up slowly from a lying or sitting position.
It should be administered more than an hour after taking milk or antacids.
Do not use Ducloflex if you are already using another suppository
If you experience dizziness and drowsiness while using Ducloflex, it is advised not to take part in activities that require mental alertness such as the operation of heavy machinery and driving.
Do not take Ducloflex that has expired. Expired medication is less effective in treating your condition. Always check the package for expiry date while purchasing your medication.
The tablets are best taken at bedtime as it requires 6 to 8 hours for its impact to occur, thus bowel emptying can occur the next morning.
They should be taken with a lot of water and should not be chewed or crushed. For the suppository, for easy insertion use a lubricant like petroleum jelly to avoid pain.
Ducloflex can cause dehydration, it is advised to take a lot of water while using it to compensate for the water being lost. It can also cause an imbalance of electrolytes.
Take a balanced diet rich in fiber that includes, whole grain cereals and bread, fruits, bran, and green leafy vegetables to ensure bowel movement that is healthy.
Dulcoflex should be taken at least after 2 hours from the time other medications are administered so as not to interfere with their absorption.

Different Brands and Manufacturing Companies of the Drug

Ducloflex is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt Ltd. Ducloflex is manufactured as tablets and as a suppository. The differentstrengths are of 5 mg tablet and 10 mg rectal suppository. Another product from Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt Ltd is:

Ducloflex Natural Tablet that contains 7.5 mg Sennosides.

Substitute drugs

Substitute drugs that have the same composition and strength as Ducloflex 5 mg tablets include:

Bo Lax 5 mg tablet – Cipla Ltd
Lax 5 mg tablet – Hema Laboratories
Bylax 5 mg tablet – Zydus Cadila
Swilax 5 mg tablet – Ind Swift Laboratories Ltd
Bisomer 5 mg tablet – Psychotropics India Ltd
Gerbisa 5 mg tablet – Zydus Cadila
Lupiplax tablet – Lupin Ltd
Bisafort 5 mg tablet – Montana Remedies
Laxidyl tablet – Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Julax 5 mg tablet – Shreya Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
Duclolax 5 mg tablet – Zydus Cadila
Evolex 5 mg tablet – Novartis India Ltd
Stoolax 5 mg tablet – Cipla Ltd
Gudlax 5 mg tablet – Mankind Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Loolax 5 mg tablet – -Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Dulax 5 mg tablet – Scott Edil Pharmacia Ltd
Dulfre 5 mg tablet – East West Pharma
Cremaffin Fresh 5 mg tablet – Abbott

References

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