How it works
Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative and it stimulates the walls of the bowel to move.
Guidelines for usage
Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.
Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.
Dulcolax may be used with or without food.
Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.
NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.
Missed Dose
It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.
Do not panic if you have missed a dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.
How & where do I store Dulcolax?
The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.
Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.
Overdose Related Information
If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.
Safety Information
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.
Ensure that you mention the following:
Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
If you have heart failure, abnormal levels of fluids or electrolytes in your body, nausea, vomiting, or undiagnosed stomach pain
This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.
To be avoided
You must avoid using Dulcolax if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or
You are allergic to any ingredient in Dulcolax
You have severe stomach pain; appendicitis; severe constipation; stomach, intestinal, or rectal bleeding; or intestinal blockage
You cannot swallow without chewing
You are having abdominal surgery
Using Alcohol
Dulcolax is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Dulcolax.
These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.
Possible Drug & Food Interactions
Certain prescription drugs or health supplements or even food items are known to interact with the effects of medications. Dulcolax is known to have possible interactions with the following medications.
Additional Information
Do not use another laxative while using Dulcolax.
If you have rectal bleeding and no bowel movement for 12 hours after using Dulcolax, then speak to your doctor immediately for it may be a serious condition.
Elderly people are more likely to experience side effects while using Dulcolax. If the side effects are bothersome, then seek medical help.
It is not clear whether Dulcolax is safe for use by children below 6 years of age. So, if the patient is under this age, then speak to your doctor regarding the possible risks.
Important Information for Pregnant Women
Dulcolax is categorized under FDA pregnancy category B.
Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.
Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.