What is flacol Syrup used for? Exploring Lactulose's Role

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

While 'Flacol Syrup' is not a recognized medication, the query likely refers to lactulose-based syrups like Duphalac. Lactulose is a synthetic sugar used to treat constipation and is also a key treatment for portal-systemic encephalopathy, a brain condition linked to severe liver disease.

Quick Summary

This content details the uses, mechanism, and typical administration of lactulose syrup (often sold as Duphalac), which is the likely medication intended by 'Flacol Syrup'. It primarily treats chronic constipation and hepatic encephalopathy.

Key Points

Likely Identity: 'Flacol Syrup' most likely refers to a lactulose-based syrup, such as the brand Duphalac.
Primary Use: Its main function is as an osmotic laxative to treat chronic constipation by softening stool.
Secondary Use: It is a critical treatment for hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a brain disorder caused by severe liver disease, by reducing blood ammonia levels.
Mechanism of Action: Lactulose works in the colon by drawing water into the bowel and making the environment more acidic, which traps and helps remove ammonia.
Administration Varies: The approach to using lactulose is significantly different for constipation versus hepatic encephalopathy, requiring medical guidance.
Common Side Effects: Gas, bloating, and cramps are common initially; diarrhea can occur with larger amounts.
Important Precautions: Patients with galactosemia or bowel obstruction should not use it. Caution is advised for diabetics.

Understanding 'Flacol Syrup' and its Likely Active Ingredient, Lactulose

While search results do not identify a medication named 'Flacol Syrup,' the query strongly points towards lactulose-containing syrups, with 'Duphalac' being a prominent brand. Lactulose is a synthetic, non-absorbable sugar that functions as an osmotic laxative. It is a well-established and effective medicine for treating chronic constipation and a serious condition known as hepatic encephalopathy (HE). It was first developed in 1929 and approved by the FDA in 1977.

How Does Lactulose Work?

Lactulose operates primarily within the colon. Since the human body lacks the enzymes to break it down in the upper gastrointestinal tract, it arrives in the colon unchanged. There, gut bacteria ferment it into low-molecular-weight organic acids, such as lactic acid. This process has two main effects:

Osmotic Effect for Constipation: The breakdown of lactulose increases the osmotic pressure inside the colon. This draws water from the body into the bowel, which softens the stool and increases its volume. The increased volume stimulates the intestinal muscles (peristalsis), promoting easier and more frequent bowel movements. It may take 24 to 48 hours for the laxative effect to become apparent.
Ammonia Reduction for Hepatic Encephalopathy: In patients with severe liver disease, the liver cannot effectively remove toxins like ammonia from the blood. High ammonia levels can lead to a decline in brain function, a condition called hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose helps by acidifying the colon's environment. This acidic state traps ammonia (NH3) by converting it into ammonium (NH4+), a form that cannot be absorbed back into the bloodstream. The laxative effect then helps expel the trapped ammonium from the body, reducing overall blood ammonia levels by 25-50%.

Primary Uses and Administration

Lactulose is indicated for two main conditions:

Chronic Constipation: It is used to regulate the physiological rhythm of the colon when dietary changes and other lifestyle modifications are not sufficient.
Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE): It is used for the treatment and prevention of HE, including pre-coma and coma stages in adults.

The appropriate amount of lactulose is adjusted based on individual needs and the condition being treated. It's often recommended to take the medication at a consistent time each day, for example, during breakfast, and to drink plenty of fluids (1.5-2 liters) throughout the day.

For constipation, the aim is to achieve comfortable bowel movements. For hepatic encephalopathy, the approach is different, focusing on achieving a certain frequency of soft stools daily to ensure the removal of ammonia.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Like all medications, lactulose can cause side effects. Most are mild and related to its action in the gut.

Common Side Effects:

Flatulence (gas)
Bloating and stomach cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea (especially with larger amounts)

These initial effects, like bloating and gas, often disappear after a few days of treatment. Diarrhea may indicate that the amount being taken is too high and should be reduced.

Comparison of Lactulose Uses


Feature	Use for Constipation	Use for Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE)
Primary Goal	To soften stool and promote regular bowel movements.	To reduce blood ammonia levels and prevent/treat cognitive decline.
Mechanism	Osmotic effect draws water into the colon, increasing stool volume and softness.	Acidifies the colon, trapping ammonia and facilitating its removal from the body.
Typical Onset	24-48 hours for laxative effect.	Effect on ammonia levels and cognitive state can also take 24-48 hours.
Administration Strategy	Adjusted to achieve comfortable bowel movements.	Adjusted to ensure consistent removal of ammonia (targeting a specific number of soft stools/day).
Target Population	All age groups, from infants to adults.	Primarily adults with advanced liver disease.

Important Considerations and Contraindications

Before taking lactulose, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. Patients with certain conditions should use it with caution or not at all.

Contraindications:

Allergy to lactulose or any of its components.
Galactosemia (a rare genetic disorder where the body cannot process the sugar galactose).
Gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation.

Precautions:

Diabetes: Lactulose contains sugars (lactose, galactose) and should be used with caution as it can affect blood sugar levels, especially with larger amounts used for HE.
Lactose Intolerance: Patients with lactose intolerance should consult a doctor, though the amount may be tolerated.
Use with Other Laxatives: Combining with other laxatives is generally not recommended unless advised by a doctor.

Conclusion

While 'Flacol Syrup' is not an identifiable product, the query almost certainly refers to lactulose-based medications like Duphalac. Lactulose is a versatile and effective osmotic laxative used to relieve chronic constipation in people of all ages. Furthermore, it plays a critical, life-sustaining role in managing hepatic encephalopathy, a severe complication of liver disease, by lowering toxic ammonia levels in the blood. Due to its specific mechanism and potential side effects, it should always be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate use and safety.

For more information from an authoritative source, you can visit the NHS page on Lactulose.

Frequently Asked Questions

It typically takes 24 to 48 hours to produce a bowel movement or show a therapeutic effect. It is important to continue taking the medication as directed even if there is no immediate result.

Lactulose is also used to treat and prevent portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE) or hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a condition where liver failure leads to a decline in brain function due to high ammonia levels.

Yes, lactulose can be taken daily, especially for chronic conditions. However, long-term use should be supervised by a doctor to avoid potential issues like electrolyte imbalance.

The most common side effects include flatulence (gas), bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. These effects are often mild and may decrease after the first few days of treatment.

Yes, it is highly recommended to drink sufficient fluids, around 1.5 to 2 liters (6-8 glasses) per day, while taking laxatives like lactulose to help ease constipation.

Yes, lactulose can be used for infants and children, but it should only be given when necessary and under medical supervision. The amount given is carefully determined by a healthcare provider.

You should not take lactulose if you are allergic to it, have a bowel obstruction, or have galactosemia. People with diabetes or lactose intolerance should consult their doctor before use.