What is Dulcolax?
Dulcolax Tablet is a medicine used for the treatment of constipation. It's a laxative, and it helps you empty your bowels. It is often used in hospitals before surgery or some internal examinations or treatments. It works by increasing movement in the intestines. Dulcolax stimulates the muscles in the wall of the small intestine and the colon to stimulate the movement of the intestine. It also alters the levels of water and electrolytes in the intestines, increasing the level of fluids that also produce a laxative effect.
Dulcolax uses
Dulcolax can be used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. In general, this product produces bowel movements in 6 to 12 hours. It may also be used to clean the intestines prior to the intestinal/surgical examination. Dulcolax is known to be a stimulant laxative. It works by increasing the movement of the intestines, helping the stool to emerge.
Dulcolax Side Effects
Some of the common and serious side effects of Dulcolax are:
- Abdominal Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vertigo
- Rectal burning
- Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Dulcolax if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Dulcolax side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Dulcolax talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you are allergy to any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some allergic reactions or some other serious problems.
Before using the medication talk with your doctor if you are having medical history such as:
- Appendicitis
- Sudden change in bowel habits
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Intestinal blockage
How to take Dulcolax?
Take the medicine just before bedtime once a day. Dulcolax can be taken with or without food. Swallow the Dulcolax tablet with water. Do not have milk, antacids or medicines to reduce stomach acid (e.g. proton pump inhibitors) at the same time as Dulcolax. This is because they're going to stop the medicine working properly. Leave a gap of 1 hour between any of these and take Dulcolax tablets.
Dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Bowel Preparation:
- 5 to 15 mg (1 to 3 tablets) orally once a day
- 10 mg (1 suppository) rectally once a days
- 10 mg rectal liquid once a day
Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:
- 5 to 15 mg (1 to 3 tablets) orally once a day
- 10 mg (1 suppository) rectally once a day
- 10 mg rectal liquid once a day
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Dulcolax won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Dulcolax tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warning for Some Serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy
Dulcolax Tablet may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Although limited studies have been conducted in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing child. Before you prescribe it, your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks. Please consult your doctor about this.
Breastfeeding
Dulcolax Tablet is probably safe to use during breast-feeding. Limited human data suggest that the drug does not pose a significant risk to the baby.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Dulcolax consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Dulcolax rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Dulcolax.
Dulcolax Vs Miralax
Dulcolax |
Miralax |
|---|---|
| Dulcolax Tablet is a medicine used for the treatment of constipation. It's a laxative, and it helps you empty your bowels. It is often used in hospitals before surgery or some internal examinations or treatments. | Miralax is a brand name over-the-counter (OTC) drug. It is classified as an osmotic laxative. |
| Dulcolax can be used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. In general, this product produces bowel movements in 6 to 12 hours. | Miralax is used for the treatment of constipation. It is typically used for short-term treatment, but in some cases, it is used for long-term treatment of chronic (long-lasting) constipation. |
Some of the common and serious side effects of Dulcolax are:
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Some of the common and serious side effects of Miralax are:
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