Dulcolax belongs to the class of medications called stimulant laxatives. It is used for the relief of occasional constipation. It can also be used for the preparation of certain medical tests (e.g., colonoscopy), before and after surgery, and in other situations where a bowel movement to required. It works by stimulating the bowel muscles and also accumulates water in the intestines. This helps to soften the stool and produce a bowel movement more quickly.
Directions
Take Dulcolax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. For treatment of constipation the usual dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 1 to 2 tablets (5 mg to 10 mg) taken by mouth. For children 6 to 12 years of age, the usual dose is 1 tablet (5 mg) taken by mouth. Before a medical test or surgery, the usual dose for adults is 2 to 4 tablets (10 mg to 20 mg) by mouth the night before the procedure. For children 6 years of age and older, the usual dose is 1 tablet (5 mg) taken by mouth at bedtime. Take the tablets at night to produce a bowel movement the following morning. Do not take the tablets with milk or antacids as this may dissolve the coating on the tablet. Swallow the tablets whole with liquids.
Precautions
Before taking Dulcolax you should talk with your doctor if you have any allergies, appendicitis, sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for longer than 2 weeks, bleeding from the rectum, intestinal blockage. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Contraindications
Do not use Dulcolax if you are allergic to bisacodyl or to any of the ingredients of the medication, severely dehydrated, or if you have galactosemia, fructose intolerance, acute inflammatory bowel disease, or severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting.
Possible side effect
Get emergency medical help if you have abdominal cramps, pain, or discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hives, swelling of the face or throat, mental or mood changes, irregular heartbeat, decreased urination, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: medications that decrease stomach acid (such as H2 blockers like ranitidine, proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, urinating less than usual.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Store it in a tight container. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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