How fast do dulcolax tablets work

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you. If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with your other medicines.

Dated October Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. Bisacodyl should only be used to provide short-term relief from constipation.

If you are still constipated after using bisacodyl for five days, you should see your doctor. In this article About bisacodyl Before using bisacodyl How to use bisacodyl Getting the most from your treatment Can bisacodyl cause problems? How to store bisacodyl Important information about all medicines. Bisacodyl Dulcolax In this article About bisacodyl Before using bisacodyl How to use bisacodyl Getting the most from your treatment Can bisacodyl cause problems?

Common bisacodyl side-effects - these affect fewer than 1 in 10 people who use this medicine What can I do if I experience this? Feeling sick nausea Stick to simple foods Loose or watery stools diarrhoea Stop using bisacodyl. This can be a result of taking bisacodyl unnecessarily or for too long Tummy cramps or discomfort This should soon pass Suppositories may cause irritation to the bottom Try applying a gentle moisturiser to that area.

Bowel Preparation Constipation. You should not use bisacodyl if you are allergic to it, 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 for bisacodyl tablets if you cannot swallow without chewing.

Side Effects. Stop using bisacodyl and call your doctor at once if you have: rectal bleeding; or no bowel movement after using bisacodyl. Common side effects may include: stomach pain or discomfort; feeling light-headed; or rectal burning. Avoid using other medications within 2 hours before or 2 hours after using bisacodyl.

Avoid drinking milk or taking an antacid within 1 hour before you take bisacodyl by mouth. Do not crush, chew, or break a bisacodyl tablet. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water. Bisacodyl taken by mouth should produce a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. Do not take a rectal suppository or enema by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum. Try to empty your bladder just before using bisacodyl in the rectum.

Wash your hands before and after using rectal bisacodyl. Store bisacodyl oral or rectal medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Some exceptions may apply, for example, a state Medicaid plan. Also, you may be able to use your health savings credit card to pay for these OTC medications.

You can save money on Dulcolax tablets or suppositories or Miralax with a SingleCare card. Simply follow the steps here. Get the SingleCare discount card.

The most common side effects of Dulcolax include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. If you use the suppository form, you may feel local rectal irritation. If you are still constipated after using Dulcolax for seven days, consult your healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of these serious side effects. The most common side effects of Miralax include nausea, stomach cramping, and gas.

Serious side effects may include excessive bowel movements, persistent diarrhea, severe stomach pain, bloody stools, or rectal bleeding.

Consult your healthcare provider right away if you experience any serious side effects. With either drug, rare but serious allergic reactions may occur. Dulcolax should not be taken within one hour of antacids like Tums or Rolaids, or proton pump inhibitors, because the combination could increase the risk of stomach cramps and other side effects.

Dulcolax should not be taken with other stimulant laxatives because the combination could increase the risk of ulcers or colitis. Miralax should not be taken with Linzess because the combination can increase the risk of dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. This is not a full list of drug interactions.

Other drug interactions may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a full list of drug interactions. It is always a good idea to consult with a doctor of gastroenterology gastroenterologist if you experience bowel problems, especially if they are frequent or chronic.

The gastroenterologist can do a full workup and evaluation, to determine if you have any underlying conditions causing your constipation that need to be treated. Dulcolax is an OTC medication that contains bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative.

It is available in brand and generic and in tablet or suppository form. The suppository works quickly, producing a bowel movement within minutes, and the tablets take about six to twelve hours to work. Miralax is an OTC medication that contains polyethylene glycol , an osmotic laxative. It is available in brand and generic in powder form. Miralax should produce a bowel movement within one to three days.

Both medications are laxatives, but are different types of laxatives and work in different ways. See above for more information about Dulcolax and Miralax. There are also other types of laxatives, compared in the chart below.

The two drugs have not been compared in clinical trials. You may want to consider the type of medication you prefer tablet, suppository, or powder mixed into a liquid as well as how fast you would like to go to the bathroom.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative. Alcohol may worsen constipation.