This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: Canada
Dukoral
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to prevent travelers’ diarrhea and cholera.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
- If your child has a stomach illness like diarrhea or throwing up.
- If your child has an infection or an illness with a fever.
- If the patient is a child younger than 2 years of age. Do not give this drug to a child younger than 2 years of age.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- This drug may not protect all people who use it. You must still do steps to keep from getting these health problems. These may be things like using care when picking food or water and using good cleanliness. Talk with the doctor.
- If your child is on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, talk with the doctor. Some of these products have sodium.
- If your child is also taking the oral typhoid vaccine, do not give it to your child within 8 hours of this drug.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:
- Stomach pain or diarrhea.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Give this drug by mouth only.
- Give on an empty stomach. Do not let your child eat, drink, or take other drugs by mouth for 1 hour before and for 1 hour after taking this drug.
- This drug must be mixed with a certain liquid (buffer solution) before it is taken. To make the buffer solution, open the buffer packet and dissolve the granules in 5 ounces (150 mL) of cool water. Do not mix with any other liquid.
- Children ages 2 to 6 years only: Pour away half of the liquid before adding the vaccine.
- Shake vaccine liquid and add to the mixture. Mix well before having child drink.
- Have your child drink within 2 hours of mixing.
- Give the last dose at least 1 week before your child travels to the high risk place.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
- Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it has been more than 6 weeks between any of the doses, call the doctor to find out what to do.
- If you are not sure what to do if your child misses a dose, call the doctor.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- The packet used to make the buffer solution may be stored at room temperature.
- Before mixing, store the vaccine liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. If needed, this drug can be left out at room temperature for up to 28 days. If this drug is taken out of the refrigerator, it can be put back in if needed. The total number of days it can be out of the refrigerator must not be more than 28 days.
- After mixing, you may store at room temperature for 2 hours.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2022-01-07
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