About Dulcolax Tablet
Dulcolax Tablet contains Bisacodyl 5 mg. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative used for short-term relief of constipation. It is also used to empty the bowel before some medical tests or surgery. The tablets usually work within 6 to 12 hours, so they are often taken at bedtime for a bowel movement the next morning.
Uses of Dulcolax Tablet
- Short-term relief of constipation
- Emptying the bowel before tests, X-rays or surgery, as directed by a doctor
Benefits
In constipation
It helps the bowel move and pass stools, relieving discomfort from constipation. It is meant for occasional, short-term use.
Side effects
Mild cramps are common. Using it every day for a long time can upset the body's salt and water balance.
Common
- Stomach cramps or discomfort
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Bloating
Get medical help if you notice
- Severe stomach pain, or bleeding from the back passage — stop taking it and seek medical help
- Signs of dehydration (great thirst, very little urine, dizziness) or feeling faint — seek medical help
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it as your doctor or the label advises, usually at bedtime. Swallow the tablet whole with water — do not crush or chew it. Do not take it within one hour of milk, antacids or acid-lowering medicines, as these can make the coating dissolve too early and upset the stomach.
How it works
It acts on the lining of the large bowel, making the muscles push more strongly and drawing water into the bowel. This softens the stool and helps it pass.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
No direct interaction is known, but alcohol can make dehydration worse. It is best avoided.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it. Diet changes and gentler laxatives are usually tried first in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
Cramps or, rarely, dizziness or fainting can occur. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, as diarrhoea can upset your body's salts.
Liver Consult your doctor
Limited information is available. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
It is usually taken only when needed. Do not take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose.
Quick tips
- Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush or chew them.
- Keep milk and antacids at least one hour away from the dose.
- Drink plenty of water and eat more fibre to help prevent constipation.
- Do not use it every day for more than a few days unless your doctor advises.
- Do not use it if you have severe stomach pain, vomiting or a possible bowel blockage.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Diphenylmethane derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Gastrointestinal
- Action class
- Stimulant laxative
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Antacids, milk and acid-lowering medicines | May dissolve the tablet coating early and cause stomach upset |
| Water tablets (diuretics) and steroid medicines | Together can lower potassium levels in the blood |
| Digoxin | Low potassium from diarrhoea can increase the risk of digoxin side effects |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Bisacodyl prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); Bisacodyl Summary of Product Characteristics (EMC)). Pharmacist review pending.