Dulcolax is a tablet for constipation. It helps move food through the bowels and softens the stool, making it easier to pass through.
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Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative used to treat short-term constipation. It contains bisacodyl, which contracts and relaxes the muscles to move food and decreases water reabsorption. It's only recommended if you’ve tried natural ways to help your constipation, such as increasing your fibre intake, drinking more water or using other laxatives such as Fybogel and Lactulose.
How does Dulcolax work?
Dulcolax is a gastro-resistant tablet, meaning it's resistant to being broken down in the stomach and small intestines. Instead, it reaches the colon where bisacodyl, the active ingredient, is converted into the more active form, BHPM.
BHPM stimulates the muscles in the gut to contract and relax, so food can move through more easily and efficiently. This process is known as peristalsis.
Additionally, you need something called ‘healthy colon motility’ to be able to have efficient bowel movements. BHPM can improve colon motility by:
Reducing water absorption which increases the water content in the stool, making it softer to pass through.
Stimulating the colonic motor activity and intestinal secretion (release of enzymes and substances that help with digestion). This reduces the time it takes for food to be excreted (aka transit time) and further softens the stool.
Collectively, the combined actions of bisacodyl make it an effective laxative treatment for constipation.
What forms of Dulcolax are there?
Dulcolax comes in three forms; tablet, suppository or liquid. Dulcolax tablets and suppositories contain the same active ingredient, whereas the liquid form contains sodium picosulfate.
The time it takes for each Dulcolax form to work varies. Dulcolax tablets and liquid can take around 6-12 hours to work. Dulcolax suppositories can work in 10-45 minutes, so it’s best to stay near a toilet in case you have some urgency.
The doses for each form also vary. Dulcolax tablets come in 5mg, Dulcolax suppositories come in 5mg and 10mg doses and Dulcolax liquid is available in 5mg/5ml.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
DulcolaxBisacodyl
How to take Dulcolax
Always take the tablet as recommended by your clinician.
When you take Dulcolax:
Take the tablets at night. It takes approximately 6-12 hours for Dulcolax to have a laxative effect. By taking it at night, you'll be able to pass stool when you wake up in the morning.
Swallow the tablets whole. Don't chew or crush them, as this will reduce the laxative effects.
Don’t have milk, antacids or proton pump inhibitors (anything that reduces stomach acid), one hour before or after taking it. These can all prevent Dulcolax from working properly.
Your clinician will decide the dosage and length of the treatment. If you haven’t taken Dulcolax before, you might start with one tablet.
You’ll take Dulcolax until your bowel movements are normal again. But if you’ve been taking Dulcolax every day for five days, stop taking it and contact your doctor. There may be an underlying cause of your constipation.
How long does Dulcolax take to work?
Bisacodyl tablets can take up to 12 hours to work. This is why it's best to take them at night so that you can relieve yourself in the morning. You may need to take the tablets for more than one day, as it can take several days for bowel movements to return to normal. But it's important not to take Dulcolax for any longer than five days.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Dulcolax?
If you take too many Dulcolax tablets, or take them for more than five days, go to your local casualty or talk to your doctor. Taking too many can cause:
an imbalance of fluid and salts in the body, affecting your muscles;
low levels of potassium in the blood, making you tired, dizzy and weak; or:
dehydration, making you feel thirsty and faint.
If you experience any of the above, go to the hospital straight away.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
DulcolaxBisacodyl
DulcolaxBisacodyl
FAQ: Dulcolax
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How effective is Dulcolax?
Answer:
A 10mg dosage of bisacodyl was randomly given to patients in a double-blind trial for three days. A total of 55 patients with constipation, 28 whom received bisacodyl and 27 were given a placebo, were studied for three days and were instructed to make a note of their stool frequency and consistency.
Patients taking bisacodyl had a higher mean number of stools, 1.8 per day, compared to the placebo group, who only had 0.95 stools per day. Additionally, approximately 50% of patients had at least two stools per day on the first treatment day, compared to the placebo group, where less than 15% had two stools a day.
Stool consistency was also much better in patients taking bisacodyl, as they reported having softened stool while taking bisacodyl compared to the placebo group.
The findings in this study show bisacodyl is an effective laxative that can increase stool frequency and soften stool, making it easier to pass through.
What alternatives are there to Dulcolax?
Answer:
Laxatives fall into many categories, but the four main types include osmotic laxatives, bulk-forming laxatives, stimulant laxatives and stool softeners. Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative, and as the name suggests, it stimulates the muscles in the intestines and colon to increase bowel movements and prevent water re-absorption. A similar laxative to Dulcolax is Senna, which works similarly but contains a different active ingredient.
Osmotic laxatives include Lactulose. They work by drawing in water into your bowel to help loosen the stool making it easier to pass.
Fybogel is a bulk-forming laxative, containing ispaghula husk. It can absorb 40 times its weight in water, which increases the volume of stool, triggering your muscles to go to the toilet. It can be taken every day, unlike Dulcolax, Senna and Lactulose.
Dioctyl is a stool softener laxative. It increases the water content of the stool making it softer and easier to pass.
Can I take Dulcolax whilst pregnant?
Answer:
If you are thinking about taking Dulcolax while pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking it.
Can I take Dulcolax long-term?
Answer:
Dulcolax should be used for a maximum of five days. Taking it any longer can lead to abnormal bowel functions, such as:
an imbalance of salt and minerals;
severe dehydration (laxatives can increase water loss from the body);
damage to intestinal function that affects normal bowel activity;
diarrhoea caused by the increase in water content in stool and the stimulation of bowel movement by laxatives; or:
constipation (although laxatives help with constipation, overuse of them can limit the colon's ability to contract, worsening constipation).
Why should I buy Dulcolax with Treated?
Answer:
Living with constipation can be frustrating, painful and make it hard to leave your home. At Treated, we deliver the medication straight to your door. Just answer a couple of questions online, choose your treatment, and we’ll deliver them to you, the next working day.
We’ll also check in with you to see how you're doing after your treatment. So if you have any concerns or questions about your health, message our clinicians online and they'll be happy to respond.
Efficacy and safety of bisacodyl in the acute treatment of constipation: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 23(10), 1479-1488.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
