Dulcolax how does it work

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Dizziness and fainting: People taking this medication have reported experiencing dizziness and fainting. This may be from straining to produce a bowel movement or from the pain that can be associated with constipation. If you feel dizzy or faint while taking this medication, contact your doctor.

Long-term use: This medication should not be taken daily or for long periods of time as this may lead to dehydration and low potassium levels. Long-term use can make your bowels dependent on this medication to function. Rectal conditions: If you have rectal fissures or ulcerative proctitis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

People with these conditions may experience pain and irritation when using the suppository form of this medication. If you experience rectal bleeding after using the suppositories, contact your doctor.

Tartrazine: This medication contains tartrazine a colouring agent and should not be taken by people who are allergic to tartrazine. Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication does not pass into breast milk. It is therefore considered safe to use while breast-feeding. Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children less than 6 years old. Do not give this medication to children unless recommended by your doctor. Do not take other medications 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking bisacodyl tablets.

Bisacodyl tablets may reduce the effectiveness of other medications. If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed. Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter non-prescription , and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www. About this Medication. When it is used like this, you will be provided with a small supply of bisacodyl by your hospital or clinic.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, ask for advice from a doctor or pharmacist before you start using bisacodyl if any of the following apply to you:. Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Never take more than the recommended dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.

Take the container with you, even if it is empty. This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

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.

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.