What Are Dulcolax Tablets and What Are They Used For?
Dulcolax Tablets provide fast-acting relief for short-term, occasional constipation. Each tablet contains 5mg of bisacodyl, a clinically-tested active ingredient. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that helps get your bowels moving quickly, providing relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of constipation, often within an hour.
Dulcolax suppositories, manufactured by SANOFI, are specifically designed to treat constipation in adults for up to 5 days.
What Is Constipation?
Constipation is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It results in reduced bowel movements and leads to dry, hard, and lumpy stools that can be difficult and painful to pass. Constipation can cause discomfort, bloating, nausea, and pain when trying to pass stool.
Common causes of constipation include:
- A diet low in fiber
- Insufficient water intake
- Lack of exercise
- Ignoring the urge to go to the toilet
- Side effects of certain medications
How Do Dulcolax Tablets Work?
Dulcolax Tablets contain bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative that helps relieve constipation by stimulating the muscles in the bowels. This increases bowel activity, making it easier and more comfortable to pass hard, lumpy, or large stools.
What Are the Alternatives to Dulcolax Tablets?
Simple dietary and lifestyle changes can often help prevent and relieve mild, occasional constipation. These changes include:
- Drinking more non-alcoholic fluids
- Increasing dietary fiber intake
- Getting more exercise and staying active throughout the day
If these changes do not improve your constipation, other types of laxatives might be more suitable:
- Bulk-forming Laxatives: These increase the weight of the stool and usually take 2-3 days to work, such as Fybogel.
- Osmotic Laxatives: These draw water into the stool to soften it and also take 2-3 days to work, such as Lactulose or Movicol.
For more information on constipation treatments, you can visit our Advice for Constipation page.
Dulcolax Tablets Warnings
To ensure this product is right for you, read the following warnings carefully.
Avoid taking Dulcolax Tablets and consult your doctor or pharmacist if:
- You are allergic to bisacodyl or any other ingredients in this product.
- You have a blocked intestine, inflammation of the small or large intestines, anal fissures, ulcerative proctitis, severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting, severe dehydration, or a severe abdominal condition such as appendicitis.
Dulcolax Tablets and Other Medicines
Because certain medications can affect how Dulcolax Tablets work, and vice versa, it’s important to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including:
- Diuretics (e.g., furosemide or bendrofluazide)
- Steroids (e.g., prednisolone)
- Other laxatives
Dulcolax Tablets for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Dulcolax Tablets.
Always read the packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before starting any new medication, and inform your doctor of any other medicines you are taking or planning to take.
Dulcolax Tablets Dosage
- Adults and children over 12 years: Take 1-2 tablets at night with a glass of water for up to 5 consecutive days. Start with 1 tablet and increase to 2 if needed.
- Do not take milk, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (medicines that reduce stomach acid) within one hour before or after taking Dulcolax Tablets, as they can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
Dulcolax Tablets Ingredients
The active ingredient in each tablet is bisacodyl 5mg.
Inactive ingredients include macrogol 400, propylene glycol, gelatin 195 bloom, purified water, sorbitol special (E420), glycerol, titanium dioxide (E171), quinoline yellow (E104), and sunset yellow (E110).
Dulcolax Tablets Side Effects
Not everyone experiences side effects when taking medication, but some possible side effects include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
If you are concerned about any side effects or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and consult your doctor or pharmacist.
