Dulcosoft

Dulcosoft is available in two main pharmaceutical forms, both adapted for different categories of patients:

• Dulcosoft powder for oral solution – presented in 10 g sachets of macrogol 4000. The contents of the sachet are dissolved in a glass of water, tea, or juice (approximately 150 ml). The package contains 10 sachets. This form is indicated for adults and children over 8 years of age.
• Dulcosoft oral solution 100 ml – reserved for adults and children over 6 months of age, representing a practical option in pediatrics. The solution has no strong taste and can be administered directly or diluted in water or juice.

Both forms have the advantage of being sugar, gluten, and sodium-free, making them suitable for patients with diabetes, gluten intolerance, or those on low-sodium diets.

Dulcosoft laxative is used for:

• Symptomatic treatment of occasional or chronic constipation
• In cases of hard stools, accompanied by pain or straining during elimination
• As a measure to soften stools in patients with proctological conditions (e.g., hemorrhoids, anal fissures) or after surgery in the anorectal area, to avoid further trauma
• Adjuvant support in maintaining regular bowel movements, in combination with a high-fiber diet and adequate hydration

The dosage is determined based on age and form of presentation:

• Adults and children over 8 years of age (Dulcosoft sachets): 1–2 sachets per day (10–20 g macrogol 4000), dissolved in a liquid, preferably administered in the morning
• Adults and children over 6 months (oral solution): 20–40 ml/day (corresponding to 10–20 g macrogol 4000), administered in the morning.

Dulcosoft is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Hypersensitivity to macrogol 4000 or to the excipients of the product
• Severe inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
• Toxic megacolon
• Intestinal obstruction, ileus, or risk of digestive perforation
• Abdominal pain of unknown cause
• Children under 6 months (for solution) or under 8 years (for powder)

Dulcosoft should not be administered continuously, without breaks or medical supervision, as it may mask other gastrointestinal conditions.

In case of diarrhea, elderly patients or those with liver/kidney disease should be monitored to prevent electrolyte imbalances.

The duration of treatment is limited to a maximum of 30 days, unless explicitly indicated by the doctor. Persistence of symptoms beyond this period requires further investigation to rule out organic causes of constipation.

Adverse reactions to Dulcosoft powder are generally mild and transient, with low incidence:

• Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, fecal incontinence.
• Hypersensitivity reactions (rare): skin rash, urticaria, angioedema, anaphylactic reactions, or anaphylactic shock.

In children, side effects are similar, with mild digestive disorders being the most common.

By increasing osmotic pressure in the intestine, Dulcosoft may alter the absorption of other drugs administered concomitantly by mouth. 

To minimize the risk, an interval of 2 hours between taking Dulcosoft and other oral treatments is recommended.

Overdose may manifest as:

• Severe diarrhea, accompanied by electrolyte imbalances
• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain

Treatment consists of stopping administration and correcting hydro-electrolytic imbalances.

Dulcosoft should be stored at temperatures below 25°C, away from moisture. Keep out of the sight and reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the package. 

• ScienceDirect, Long-term tolerance and efficacy of polyethylene glycol 4000 (Forlax®) compared to lactulose in elderly patients with chronic constipation
• PubMed, Macrogol (polyethylene glycol) 4000 without electrolytes in the symptomatic treatment of chronic constipation: profile of its use
• nhs.uk, About Macrogol
• BMC, Efficacy of macrogol 4000 plus electrolytes in bowel preparation for colonoscopy in patients with chronic constipation