What is Dulcolax?

  • Dulcolax Tablet is a laxative medication that helps empty the intestines (bowel). It is used to treat constipation.
  • It 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.

What are the Uses of Dulcolax?

  • Temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity.
  • Produces bowel movements within 6 to 12 hours.
  • It can be used to clean the intestines before intestinal/surgical examination.
  • Stimulant laxative action increases intestinal movement.
  • Facilitates the emergence of stool.

What are the Side effects of Dulcolax?

Some of the common side effects of Dulcolax are:

  • Abdominal Cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Vertigo
  • Rectal burning
  • Fluid and electrolyte imbalance

Avoid Dulcolax if you experience any adverse reactions, and contact your doctor immediately for serious symptoms.

Precautions of Dulcolax

  • Consult your doctor if allergic to Dulcolax or other medications.
  • Inactive ingredients may trigger allergic reactions.
  • Discuss medical history, including appendicitis, sudden bowel habit changes, rectal bleeding, or intestinal blockage, with your doctor before use.

How to Take Dulcolax?

  • Take once daily, just before bedtime.
  • It can be taken with or without food.
  • Swallow the tablet with water.
  • Avoid consuming milk, antacids, or stomach acid-reducing medications (e.g., proton pump inhibitors) simultaneously with Dulcolax.
  • Leave a gap of 1 hour between taking Dulcolax and these medications to ensure proper effectiveness.

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 day
  • 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:

  • Skipping one or two doses of Dulcolax has no significant effect.
  • However, timely intake is crucial for the effectiveness of some medications.
  • Consult your doctor for advice on missed doses; take it as soon as possible if recommended.

Overdose:

  • Accidental overdose may occur.
  • Exceeding the prescribed dosage of Dulcolax can lead to harmful effects on bodily functions.
  • In case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention, as it can result in a medical emergency.
  • Warnings for Serious Health Conditions:

Pregnancy:

  • The use of Dulcolax tablets may not be safe during pregnancy.
  • Limited human studies, but animal studies indicate potential harm to the developing child.
  • Consult your doctor to avoid risks before use.

Breastfeeding:

  • Dulcolax Tablet is likely safe to use while breastfeeding.
  • Limited human data suggest minimal risk to the baby.
  • However, consult your doctor for personalized advice.

Storage:

  • Protect from heat, air, and light to prevent damage.
  • Keep it in a safe place, out of children’s reach.
  • Store at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

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:

  • Abdominal Cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
Some of the common and serious side effects of Miralax are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Nausea
  • Stomach Pain
  • Bloating
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