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 my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
For all patients taking this drug:
- If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have a stomach illness like diarrhea or throwing up.
- If you have an infection or an illness with a fever.
Children:
- 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 your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your 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 you have a weak immune system or take drugs that weaken the immune system, talk with your doctor. This vaccine may not work as well.
- If you are on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, talk with your doctor. Some of these products have sodium.
- If you are also taking the oral typhoid vaccine, do not take it within 8 hours of this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my 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 doctor or get medical help right away if you have 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 doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Diarrhea, stomach pain, 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 doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take by mouth only.
- Take on an empty stomach. Do not 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 and drink.
- Drink within 2 hours of mixing.
- Take the last dose at least 1 week before you travel to the high risk place.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take 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 you miss a dose, call your 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 21 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 21 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 symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your 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
2024-04-24
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