What is Dulcolax?
Dulcolax Tablet is a laxative medication that helps empty the intestines (bowel). It is used to treat constipation. It is often used in hospitals before surgery or some internal examinations or treatments.
It stimulates the muscles in the wall of the small intestine and the colon to stimulate the movement of the intestine. It also alters the levels of water and electrolytes in the intestines, increasing the level of fluids that also produce a laxative effect.
What are the Uses of Dulcolax?
- Temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity.
- Produces bowel movements within 6 to 12 hours.
- It can be used to clean the intestines before intestinal/surgical examination.
- Stimulant laxative action increases intestinal movement.
- Facilitates the emergence of stool.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Side effects of Dulcolax?
Some of the common and severe side effects of Dulcolax are:
- Abdominal Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vertigo
- Rectal burning
- Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
- Contact your doctor immediately of severe symptoms.
Avoid Dulcolax if you experience any adverse reactions, and contact your doctor immediately for serious symptoms.
Precautions of Dulcolax
- Consult your doctor if allergic to Dulcolax or other medications.
- Inactive ingredients may trigger allergic reactions.
- Discuss medical history, including appendicitis, sudden bowel habit changes, rectal bleeding, or intestinal blockage, with your doctor before use.
How to Take Dulcolax?
- Take once daily, just before bedtime.
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Swallow tablet with water.
- Avoid consuming milk, antacids, or stomach acid-reducing medications (e.g., proton pump inhibitors) simultaneously with Dulcolax.
- Leave a gap of 1 hour between taking Dulcolax and these medications to ensure proper effectiveness.
Usual Adult Dose for Bowel Preparation:
- 5 to 15 mg (1 to 3 tablets) orally once a day
- 10 mg (1 suppository) rectally once a day
- 10 mg rectal liquid once a day
Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:
- 5 to 15 mg (1 to 3 tablets) orally once a day
- 10 mg (1 suppository) rectally once a day
- 10 mg rectal liquid once a day
Missed Dose:
- Skipping one or two doses of Dulcolax has no significant effect.
- However, timely intake is crucial for the effectiveness of some medications.
- Consult your doctor for advice on missed doses; take it as soon as possible if recommended.
Overdose:
- Accidental overdose may occur.
- Exceeding the prescribed dosage of Dulcolax can lead to harmful effects on bodily functions.
- In case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention, as it can result in a medical emergency.
- Warnings for Serious Health Conditions:
Pregnancy:
- The use of Dulcolax tablets may not be safe during pregnancy.
- Limited human studies, but animal studies indicate potential harm to the developing child.
- Consult your doctor to avoid risks before use.
Breastfeeding:
- Dulcolax Tablet is likely safe to use while breastfeeding.
- Limited human data suggest minimal risk to the baby.
- However, consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Storage:
- Protect from heat, air, and light to prevent damage.
- Keep it in a safe place, out of children’s reach.
- Store at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Dulcolax Vs Miralax
| Dulcolax | Miralax |
|---|---|
| Dulcolax Tablet is a medicine used for the treatment of constipation. It's a laxative, and it helps you empty your bowels. It is often used in hospitals before surgery or some internal examinations or treatments. | Miralax is a brand name over-the-counter (OTC) drug. It is classified as an osmotic laxative. |
| Dulcolax can be used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. In general, this product produces bowel movements in 6 to 12 hours. | Miralax is used for the treatment of constipation. It is typically used for short-term treatment, but in some cases, it is used for long-term treatment of chronic (long-lasting) constipation. |
Some of the common and serious side effects of Dulcolax are:
|
Some of the common and serious side effects of Miralax are:
|
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Dulcolax stimulates bowel muscles, aiding stool movement. Tablets work in 10-12 hours; suppositories in 10-60 minutes, often in 30 minutes.
Take tablets 30 to 60 minutes before your regular bedtime to make a bowel movement the following day. Take the dosage as the doctor prescribed.
Dulcolax is used to treat constipation. Under medical supervision, it may be used to evacuate the intestine prior to a radiological examination or as an enema alternative.
My PCP is recommending Dulcolax. It completely cleans the system and is very relaxing. I don't have to worry about whether the Dulcolax will work.
Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) works fast, and the suppositories work even faster to relieve your constipation, as long as you're fine with "cramping" your style a bit. Helps to get things moving. Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) ensures effective relief of constipation without "cramping" your style.
Dulcolax's serious side effects include upsetting your body's normal sodium and potassium levels. Colon loss function after taking Dulcolax for a long period of time.
Dulcolax (bisacodyl) is a laxative that stimulates intestinal movements. Dulcolax is used to treat constipation or to empty the intestines before surgery, colonoscopy, x-rays, or any other intestinal medical procedure. Dulcolax tablets generally cause bowel movements in 6 to 12 hours.
