Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding ConstipationWhat Is Dulcolax?How Quickly Does Dulcolax Start to Work?EfficacyDosing OverviewSide EffectsInteractionsSummaryFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Understanding Constipation
What Is Dulcolax?
How Quickly Does Dulcolax Start to Work?
Efficacy
Dosing Overview
Side Effects
Interactions
Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Unmanagedconstipationcan lead to incomplete fecal removal from thegastrointestinal (GI) tract. This can impact your quality of life and lead to potentially more serious conditions, such ashemorrhoidsoranal fissure.
Fortunately, various over-the-counter (OTC) drug options, including the stimulant laxativeDulcolax(bisacodyl) exist to manage constipation-related symptoms effectively.
Dulcolax is available in various forms, such as tablets and suppositories.This product is safe and effective and works quickly.
Generally, Dulcolax tablets take six to 12 hours to work,while the suppositories take 10 to 45 minutes to produce a bowel movement.
This article will cover Dulcolax’s effectiveness, storage requirements, and how to take it for maximum effectiveness.
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Constipation is a common clinical problem affecting children and adults, especially older adults. It is the infrequent passage of stools or difficulty evacuating stools.
Various symptoms include hard and dry stools, fewer than three bowel movements a week, stools difficult or painful to pass, a feeling that not all the stool has passed, abdominal discomfort, and bloating.
Sometimes, constipation is not a disease but a symptom of another health condition.
Causes of constipation include low fiber intake, dehydration or inadequate fluid intake, metabolic disturbances (abnormal chemical reactions), medications, and medical abnormalities.
The prevalence of constipation is 15% in the general population, with a higher female-to-male ratio and a higher prevalence in people 65 and older than those younger than 65.
Lifestyle modifications can help in the initial management of constipation. They include lifestyle and dietary changes such as eating a high-fiber diet, drinking more water, eating more fruits, exercising, and increasing physical activity.
When dietary and lifestyle changes do not improve symptoms, laxatives usually are recommended. Laxatives are the drugs that help to ease constipation.
Various forms include OTC and prescription laxatives.
Dulcolax is anOTC stimulant laxativedrug for treating short-term or irregular constipation in adults and children. Children should only use Dulcolax under the advice of a healthcare provider.
Dulcolax tablets may be used in children 6 years and over.Dulcolax suppositories may also be used in children 6 and older.
Dulcolax is also used under medical supervision to empty the bowels before intestinal surgeries or other procedures, includingcolonoscopiesandX-rays.
All sold OTC, the Dulcolax brand contains one of three active ingredients: bisacodyl, magnesium hydroxide, or docusate sodium. These ingredients all work in different ways to expedite bowel movements.
However, this article will focus on the forms of Dulcolax containing bisacodyl.
Dulcolax tablets usually cause a bowel movement within six to 12 hours of consumption.Dulcolax suppositories work even quicker, taking 10 to 45 minutes to produce a bowel movement.
The oral tablet should be taken in the evening, before the first bowel movement of the day, when intestinal activity is usually highest.
The mean plasma elimination half‐life (the time a drug takes to eliminate half the dose from the body) is estimated to be around eight hours for bisacodyl tablets.
Not intended for long-term use, Dulcolax products should be used no more often than once a day.
How Effective Are Laxatives?
Overall,stimulant laxativesare effective and safe at easing the symptoms of constipation. Their short duration of action makes them an ideal choice for managing constipation.
Dulcolax treatment options for constipation have proven more effective (with demonstrated efficacy) when compared with placebo or stimulant laxatives, especially regarding Dulcolax products containing bisacodyl or sodium picosulfate.
Compared to other laxatives, one meta-analysis concluded bisacodyl improves the number of bowel movements per week in people with chronic constipation.
What Are the Differences Between Dulcolax vs. Miralax?
Dulcolax is available in different dosage forms and doses for different people.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how and when to take a medicine to avoid adverse effects.
Common forms of Dulcolax include:
For safety’s sake, never use more than the recommended dose. Furthermore, when using the oral tablet version, do not chew or break the tablets. Swallow whole with water.
The suppositories are for rectal use only.
Side Effects and Safety
OTC laxatives, including Dulcolax, are typically considered safe and effective when used according to the label’s guidelines.
However, some people may experience a few side effects.
Common Side Effects
Some common side effects of Dulcolax include:
These symptoms usually go away. Call your healthcare provider if the symptoms do not subside or if they get worse.
Severe Side Effects
Sometimes, Dulcolax causes severe side effects such as rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement.
Immediately call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms.
Who Shouldn’t Take Dulcolax?
Tell your healthcare provider before using Dulcolax if you have any of the following conditions:
Call your healthcare provider:
Dulcolax vs. Colace: OTC Treatments for Constipation
Potential for Interaction
OTC laxatives, such as Dulcolax, usually have low drug-drug interaction ratios.
However, telling your healthcare provider about all the prescription and non-prescription drugs you take is essential.
Drugs that may interact with Dulcolax include:
Moreover, if you take antacids after drinking or eating dairy products, wait at least one hour before taking Dulcolax.
Finally, do not take a laxative within two hours of taking any other drug. It may reduce the effectiveness of either drug.
Constipation is a condition that almost everyone experiences at one point or another.
Sometimes, it is occasional or episodic and fades following adaptive lifestyle changes. However, chronic constipation requires medical treatment, including medicines and surgical procedures.
The common causes of constipation include less fiber and less fluid intake, a sedentary lifestyle, and diseases or medications.
Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative that works relatively quickly after use. It has minimal side effects when used as recommended.
Specifically, Dulcolax tablets take six to 12 hours to work.Dulcolax suppositories take 10 to 45 minutes to work.
The efficacy and effectiveness of this drug make it a first-line treatment for constipation.
Frequently Asked QuestionsStore Dulcolax at room temperature (68 to 77 degrees F) and protect it from excessive humidity. Also, avoid using Dulcolax if the individual blister pack is open or torn.Keep all medicines away from the sight and reach of children and pets. Discard unwanted medications properly.The initial management of constipation involves lifestyle changes for a regular bowel movement.Dietary modifications include a high-fiber diet, adequate water intake, regular exercise, and physical activity, which can improve constipation.
Store Dulcolax at room temperature (68 to 77 degrees F) and protect it from excessive humidity. Also, avoid using Dulcolax if the individual blister pack is open or torn.Keep all medicines away from the sight and reach of children and pets. Discard unwanted medications properly.
Store Dulcolax at room temperature (68 to 77 degrees F) and protect it from excessive humidity. Also, avoid using Dulcolax if the individual blister pack is open or torn.
Keep all medicines away from the sight and reach of children and pets. Discard unwanted medications properly.
The initial management of constipation involves lifestyle changes for a regular bowel movement.Dietary modifications include a high-fiber diet, adequate water intake, regular exercise, and physical activity, which can improve constipation.
The initial management of constipation involves lifestyle changes for a regular bowel movement.
Dietary modifications include a high-fiber diet, adequate water intake, regular exercise, and physical activity, which can improve constipation.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation.MedlinePlus.Bisacodyl.Dailymed.Label: Dulcolax stimulant Laxative- bisacodyl tablet-film coated.Dailymed.Dulcolax medicated laxative suppository.National Health Service inform.Constipation.Jani B, Marsicano E.Constipation: evaluation and management.MoMed. 2018;115(3):236-240.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation.Columbia University Department of Surgery.Miralax and Dulcolax bowel prep for colonoscopy.Corsetti M, Landes S, Lange R.Bisacodyl: a review of pharmacology and clinical evidence to guide use in clinical practice in patients with constipation.Neurogastroenterol Motil.2021;33(10):e14123. doi:10.1111/nmo.14123Paré P, Fedorak RN.Systematic review of stimulant and nonstimulant laxatives for the treatment of functional constipation.Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;28(10):549-57. doi:10.1155/2014/631740Portalatin M, Winstead N.Medical management of constipation.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(1):12-19. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301754
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation.MedlinePlus.Bisacodyl.Dailymed.Label: Dulcolax stimulant Laxative- bisacodyl tablet-film coated.Dailymed.Dulcolax medicated laxative suppository.National Health Service inform.Constipation.Jani B, Marsicano E.Constipation: evaluation and management.MoMed. 2018;115(3):236-240.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation.Columbia University Department of Surgery.Miralax and Dulcolax bowel prep for colonoscopy.Corsetti M, Landes S, Lange R.Bisacodyl: a review of pharmacology and clinical evidence to guide use in clinical practice in patients with constipation.Neurogastroenterol Motil.2021;33(10):e14123. doi:10.1111/nmo.14123Paré P, Fedorak RN.Systematic review of stimulant and nonstimulant laxatives for the treatment of functional constipation.Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;28(10):549-57. doi:10.1155/2014/631740Portalatin M, Winstead N.Medical management of constipation.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(1):12-19. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301754
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation.MedlinePlus.Bisacodyl.Dailymed.Label: Dulcolax stimulant Laxative- bisacodyl tablet-film coated.Dailymed.Dulcolax medicated laxative suppository.National Health Service inform.Constipation.Jani B, Marsicano E.Constipation: evaluation and management.MoMed. 2018;115(3):236-240.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation.Columbia University Department of Surgery.Miralax and Dulcolax bowel prep for colonoscopy.Corsetti M, Landes S, Lange R.Bisacodyl: a review of pharmacology and clinical evidence to guide use in clinical practice in patients with constipation.Neurogastroenterol Motil.2021;33(10):e14123. doi:10.1111/nmo.14123Paré P, Fedorak RN.Systematic review of stimulant and nonstimulant laxatives for the treatment of functional constipation.Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;28(10):549-57. doi:10.1155/2014/631740Portalatin M, Winstead N.Medical management of constipation.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(1):12-19. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301754
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation.
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Dailymed.Label: Dulcolax stimulant Laxative- bisacodyl tablet-film coated.
Dailymed.Dulcolax medicated laxative suppository.
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Jani B, Marsicano E.Constipation: evaluation and management.MoMed. 2018;115(3):236-240.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation.
Columbia University Department of Surgery.Miralax and Dulcolax bowel prep for colonoscopy.
Corsetti M, Landes S, Lange R.Bisacodyl: a review of pharmacology and clinical evidence to guide use in clinical practice in patients with constipation.Neurogastroenterol Motil.2021;33(10):e14123. doi:10.1111/nmo.14123
Paré P, Fedorak RN.Systematic review of stimulant and nonstimulant laxatives for the treatment of functional constipation.Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;28(10):549-57. doi:10.1155/2014/631740
Portalatin M, Winstead N.Medical management of constipation.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(1):12-19. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301754
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