Dulcolax is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements and treats constipation. It is recommended for adults and children over the age of 12, but it is not recommended for children under the age of 18. The dosage for adults is 1 to 3 tablets per day, and it is advised to start with a lower dose and adjust as needed. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication, especially for older adults, as there may be potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
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Dulcolax side effects
Dulcolax is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements and is used to treat constipation. It can also be used to empty the bowels before surgery, a colonoscopy, x-rays, or other intestinal medical procedures. It is recommended that adults and children over 12 take 1 to 3 tablets in a single daily dose for up to 7 days.
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Cramps
- Griping
- Faintness
- Diarrhea
- GI irritation
- Fluid and electrolyte depletion
- Gastric irritation
- Vomiting
- Rectal burning
- Hepatotoxicity
- Colic
- Cramping
- Epigastralgia
- Proctitis
- Mild cramps
- Tenesmus
- Blood in stool/hematochezia
- Colitis
- Ischemic colitis
- Abdominal spasm
- Atonic, nonfunctioning colon
- Defecation
- Diarrhea with excessive water and electrolyte loss
- Dizziness
- Syncope
- Anorectal discomfort
- Rectal irritation
- Anaphylactoid reactions
- Angioedema
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Mild, transient skin reactions
- Dehydration
- Slight indisposition
- Local rectal irritation
- Anaphylactic reactions
- Hypersensitivity
- Sloughing of the epithelium
It is important to note that this is not a complete list of side effects, and you should consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns or experience any adverse effects.
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Dulcolax dosage
Dulcolax is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements and treats constipation. It is recommended that adults and children aged 12 and over take 1 to 3 tablets in a single daily dose for up to 7 days. It is advised to start with the lowest dose of 1 tablet and increase the dosage gradually if needed. The tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime to produce a bowel movement the next morning. It is important to note that Dulcolax should not be taken with dairy products or antacids as they can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
For adults and children over the age of 12, the recommended dosage is 1 to 3 tablets taken orally once a day as needed. It is important to follow the directions on the medicine label and package, and not to exceed the recommended dosage. Overuse of laxatives can lead to improper bowel function and dependence on the medication.
Dulcolax suppositories are also available and are used rectally. They produce faster results, typically causing a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the suppositories for proper usage.
It is advised to consult a doctor if constipation persists after 7 days of using Dulcolax. Additionally, older adults should seek medical advice before using rectal Dulcolax.
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Dulcolax pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings
Dulcolax is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements and treats constipation. It is recommended that you consult a doctor before using Dulcolax during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Pregnancy Warnings
Dulcolax's active ingredient is bisacodyl, and it is not known whether this will harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant. Some experts state that this drug should be avoided during the first trimester, and excessive use is not recommended throughout pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Warnings
It is not known whether bisacodyl passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. However, Dulcolax is a stool softener, and these are considered safe because they are not absorbed through the intestines to any extent, and therefore are not found in breast milk. Nevertheless, it is recommended that breastfeeding patients consult with their healthcare provider before using this drug.
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Dulcolax alternatives
Dulcolax is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements and treats constipation. It is typically taken orally, but can also be administered rectally. However, older adults should not use the rectal form without a doctor's advice.
There are several alternative treatments for constipation, including:
MiraLAX (Polyethylene Glycol 3350)
Polyethylene glycol is an osmotic laxative that works by pulling water into the colon, softening the stool, and stimulating the intestinal walls to move it along. It is considered a first-choice treatment for many doctors and patients due to its safety, effectiveness, and minimal side effects. It typically takes one to three days to work.
Docusate
Docusate is a stool softener that may be used to treat constipation. However, there is a lack of strong evidence supporting its effectiveness.
Senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot)
Senna is a stimulant laxative that triggers rhythmic contractions in the intestinal muscles, pushing stools through more quickly. It is recommended for chronic constipation and has moderate evidence of effectiveness. However, it can cause side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Magnesium-based Laxatives
Magnesium-based laxatives, such as magnesium hydroxide (Phillips' Milk of Magnesia) and magnesium citrate (Citroma), draw water into the stool. They are effective for chronic constipation but should be avoided by people with kidney disease.
Suppository Laxatives
Suppository laxatives, such as Fleet Glycerin Suppository and Dulcolax Medicated Laxative Suppository, usually take effect in less than an hour. They are helpful for occasional constipation but are not intended for daily use.
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Dulcolax drug interactions
Dulcolax (bisacodyl) is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements to treat constipation. It can also be used to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination or surgery. It is important to note that older adults should not use rectal Dulcolax without a doctor's advice.
Dulcolax has the potential to interact with several other drugs, including:
- Medications that decrease stomach acid, such as H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine) and proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole).
- Antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or Milk of Magnesia).
- Corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone).
- Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).
- H2-antagonists (e.g., ranitidine, cimetidine).
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution.
- Other laxatives (e.g., MiraLAX).
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine).
- Tylenol (acetaminophen).
- Vitamins B12, C, and D3.
It is important to note that these interactions are typically classified as moderate, with only one minor interaction reported. However, the relevance of a drug interaction to an individual may vary, and a healthcare provider should be consulted before starting or stopping any medication.
Additionally, Dulcolax should not be taken within 2 hours of other medications, and it should not be taken with milk or antacids as they can interfere with its enteric coating, which protects it from the acidic environment of the stomach.
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Frequently asked questions
Older adults should not use Dulcolax without a doctor's advice. Consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine if it is safe for an 88-year-old to take this medicine.
Dulcolax is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements. It is used to treat constipation or to empty the bowels before a medical procedure.
The recommended dosage for adults is 1 to 3 tablets in a single daily dose. It is recommended to start with the lowest dose (1 tablet) and increase if needed. Do not take more than the recommended dosage.