Dulcolax Twelve Plus Tablets for Constipation (100)

Product Summary

A trusted and reliable treatment for constipation, Dulcolax tablets are easy to take thanks to their special comfort coating which ensures the active ingredient is released right where it’s needed.

Each tablet contains a precisely measured amount of the active ingredient bisacodyl, which gently stimulates the bowel and colon to relieve constipation in 6 to 12 hours.

Directions

• Adults and children over 12 years should take 1 or 2 tablets at night, or as directed by your doctor.
• If you have not used Ducolax before, start with 1 tablet and increase to 2 if necessary.
• Swallow tablets whole with water.
• Children under 12 years are not recommended except on medical advice.
• Always read the label.
• Do not take milk or antacids within one hour of taking Dulcolax tablets.

Ingredients

• The active ingredient is Bisacodyl 5mg.
• Other ingredients: Lactose, maize starch, sucrose, glycerol, magnesium stearate, talc, acacia, white beeswax, shellac, carnauba wax, titanium dioxide (E171), yellow iron oxide (E172), methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer, dibutyl phthalate, macrogol 6000.

Warnings and Restrictions

Dulcolax Tablets contain bisacodyl, which is a stimulant laxative. It works by causing the muscles that control bowel movements to contract. This means that Dulcolax Tablets can cause abdominal cramps for some patients.

• If laxatives are needed for more than 5 days in a row or if you have persistent abdominal pain, consult your doctor.
• Do not take milk or antacids within one hour of taking Dulcolax Tablets.
• Do not take if you have an intestinal obstruction, an inflammatory gastrointestinal disorder, or severe dehydration; or if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Please note that it is very important to avoid drinking milk or an antacid product at the same time as taking Dulcolax. These liquids are alkaline and can dissolve the comfort coating too early.
• Similarly, Dulcolax Tablets should never be crushed or chewed before swallowing, as the comfort coating would no longer be effective.

Please always read the leaflet in the package carefully, and ask your health advisor if you have questions.

Taking other medicines

Dulcolax Tablets are unlikely to affect most medicines. However, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines for bowel conditions, or suffer from bowel disease.

Storage

Do not store above 25°C.

Keep the blisters in the outer carton.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

How does Dulcolax treat constipation?

Dulcolax has bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative. That means it acts by gently stimulating the muscles in your bowel and colon to contract, helping things move along and prompting a bowel movement. It's designed to be especially coated, so it only begins working when it reaches your gut, where it's most needed, allowing your stomach to remain undisturbed.

Most people will start to feel the effects within 6 to 12 hours, which is why it's often taken at bedtime, so your body has time to process it during sleep.

How much and when should I take my tablets?

Adults 18 years and over: the recommended dose is:

1 to 2 tablets before bed, with water.

If you're new to Dulcolax, start with 1 tablet and only increase to 2 if necessary.

Don't take more than 2 tablets within 24 hours, and never crush or chew them. The special coating helps them work properly and prevents stomach irritation.

Can I take Dulcolax with other food or drinks?

Necessary: Do not take Dulcolax with milk or antacids (such as Gaviscon or Rennie) within an hour before or after. These can melt the special tablet coating too quickly, causing the tablet to work in the wrong position in the gut and potentially causing irritation or cramps.

Use plain water to take the tablets for the best effect.

Can anyone take Dulcolax?

Dulcolax is for adults 18 years and older. It's not for children or teens unless a doctor recommends it.

Do not take Dulcolax if:

• You have severe dehydration
• You have a blocked bowel (intestinal obstruction)
• You have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• You're pregnant or breastfeeding without talking to your doctor first

What side effects should I be aware of?

Because Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative, people may develop:

• Stomach cramps
• Slight diarrhoea
• A feeling of having to hurry to the bathroom

They are usually light and temporary. But if you experience ongoing stomach discomfort, lack of bowel movement, or symptoms of dehydration (such as lightheadedness or dry mouth), stop taking Dulcolax and contact your doctor.

Should I take Dulcolax daily?

Dulcolax should not be used daily for long-term use. Discontinue its use and see a doctor if constipation continues for more than 5 days. Long-term or repeated use of stimulant laxatives will have your bowel depend on them, so it won't work without them.

Good long-term health for the bowel is achieved with eating more fibre, drinking more water, and being physically active.

Is it OK to take Dulcolax with other medicines?

Dulcolax is unlikely to interfere with most medicines. However, always speak to your pharmacist or doctor if:

• You take medication for bowel conditions
• You have been prescribed medicines that affect electrolyte balance (like diuretics or steroids)
• You are on regular treatment for any chronic condition

They can advise if Dulcolax is safe for you or if another laxative might be better.

How do I store Dulcolax Tablets?

Keep your tablets in the original box, in the blister pack, and below 25°C.

As with all medicines, keep Dulcolax out of the sight and reach of children, and do not use after the expiry date on the pack.