Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Dulcolax

Dulcolax: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Dulcolax?

Dulcolax or bisacodyl is a laxative used for treating constipation.

Available in liquid or tablet form, it can stimulate a bowel movement in about 6-12 hours. You should not take Dulcolax if you have stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, or are allergic to it. It is always better to ask a doctor before consuming Dulcolax if you have the following conditions:

  1. Haemorrhoids.
  2. Anal fissures.
  3. Ulcerative colitis.
  4. Anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders.
  5. Changes in bowel habits that last longer than 2-weeks.
  6. Difficulty in swallowing without chewing.

Always use the medicine as instructed by your doctor. You can also follow the instructions on the leaflet.

What Are The Uses Of Dulcolax?

Commonly, Dulcolax is used to stimulate bowel movements. It increases intestine activity, enabling easy bowel cleansing. It helps relieve constipation. You can also treat constipation by drinking plenty of liquids, exercise and eating high fibre food.
The standard frequency of bowel movement is once or twice daily. But, this frequency can vary for everyone. The medicine can help with irregularities in your bowel movement.
Dulcolax can also be used to empty bowels before medical procedures like X-rays, surgery, and colonoscopy. But, Dulcolax doesn’t help with weight loss.

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    What Are The Side Effects Of Dulcolax?

    You may experience common side-effects like abdominal discomfort, cramps, nausea, rectal burning, and feeling light-headed. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these side effects worsen.
    Most people who consume this medicine do not get severe side effects.
    But, some individuals may suffer from severe side-effects like persistent diarrhoea and rectal bleeding.
    In case of an allergic reaction to the medicine, get emergency help immediately.
    The symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty in breathing, hives, swelling of the face, tongue, and throat.

    What is Dulcolax

    Uses of Dulcolax

    Side effects of Dulcolax

    References

    1. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/d/dulcolax.pdf
    2. https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/constipation
    3. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,5971000168108/dulcolax#pregnancy

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Dulcolax

    You should take Dulcolax tablets orally. Use Dulcolax suppositories in the rectum. They should not be taken by mouth. You shouldn't use the rectal suppository more than once daily. Do not break or crush the tablet. You should swallow it with a glass of water. You must wash your hands before and after using rectal Dulcolax.

    You should not take Dulcolax with or immediately after meals. It must be taken on an empty stomach. It is best to take it 1-2 hours before or after having dinner. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine.

    Pregnancy changes a woman’s body, inside and out. These involve decreased physical activity and anxiety. Pregnancy causes increased levels of progesterone hormone, which leads to reduced efficiency of bowel movements. Thus, eating a low-fibre diet can cause constipation. Hence, pregnant women are often advised to eat a high-fibre diet as fibre helps in the digestion and absorption of food. The medicine is safe when taken during pregnancy. This can help relieve pain and constipation. But, pregnant women should consult their doctors about medications before use.

    Laxatives contain a lot of sugar. So, they can be especially dangerous for diabetic people. It is essential to get approval from your doctor if you want to use this drug. In most cases, they will recommend a specific amount that must be taken. You should keep this amount in mind if you have to take the medicine. Usually, your doctors will tell you to avoid consuming laxatives.

    Dulcolax can be given to children aged 10-years or younger on medical advice. Children who are 10-years old or younger can be given Dulcolax suppositories meant for rectal use only. These cannot be taken orally. The suppositories usually contain 10 mg of bisacodyl. These are smooth, yellowish, and torpedo-shaped. However, parents should prefer alternative methods for relieving constipation.

    Pregnant women should ask their doctors if they are breastfeeding or likely to breastfeed during the course of Dulcolax. But, in any case, Dulcolax doesn’t pass into the milk. It is not harmful to the kids. It can be taken during pregnancy. You should not take more than the recommended amount in case you experience constipation.

    Yes, Dulcolax can cause stomach pain or cramps. It is advised to stay home after taking the medicine as you may have to use the restroom/bathroom continuously. You can use a heat bag to relieve severe stomach pain.

    Since Dulcolax is a laxative, it is most likely to raise sugar levels. But, some modifications of the medicine are available in the market that are sugar-free. These can be taken to relieve constipation symptoms.

    Dulcolax can cause acid reflux, as has been reported by many patients. It is always best to notice the symptoms and report them to the doctor. If the severity of the symptoms increases, then it is advisable to get medical help.

    In general conditions, it is not advisable to take Dulcolax daily. It should be able to relieve your symptoms as necessary. But, if the symptoms of constipation persist, then you should consult with your doctor to identify the cause of your constipation.