Dulcolax

Generic name: Bisacodyl (oral And Rectal)
Drug class: Laxatives

Usage of Dulcolax

Dulcolax is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements.

Dulcolax is used to treat constipation or to empty the bowels before surgery, colonoscopy, x-rays, or other intestinal medical procedure.

Dulcolax tablets generally produce a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours. Dulcolax suppositories generally produces bowel movements in 15 minutes to 1 hour.

Dulcolax side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Dulcolax: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Dulcolax and call your doctor at once if you have:

rectal bleeding; or

no bowel movement after using Dulcolax.

Common Dulcolax side effects may include:

stomach pain or discomfort;

feeling light-headed; or

rectal burning.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Dulcolax

You should not use Dulcolax if you are allergic to bisacodyl, or if you have:

stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer;

hemorrhoids or anal fissures (small tears in the skin tissues around your rectum);

ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other intestinal disorder;

a history of perforation (a hole or tear) of your intestines;

an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia); or

if you cannot swallow without chewing, if taking Dulcolax tablets.

Older adults should not use rectal Dulcolax without a doctor's advice.

It is not known whether bisacodyl will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether bisacodyl passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.

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How to use Dulcolax

Usual Adult Dose for Bowel Preparation:

5 to 15 mg (1 to 3 tablets) orally once a day as needed or 10 mg (1 suppository) rectally once a day as needed or 10 mg rectal liquid once a day as needed.

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:

5 to 15 mg (1 to 3 tablets) orally once a day as needed or 10 mg (1 suppository) rectally once a day as needed or 10 mg rectal liquid once a day as needed.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Click for information on Dulcolax Stool Softener (docusate sodium).

What other drugs will affect Dulcolax

Other drugs may interact with bisacodyl, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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