Dulcolax (Bisacodyl)

Description

Dulcolax is a medication used to treat constipation. It is highly useful in treating irregularities in bowel movements. This medication is also referred to as Bisacodyl among medical professionals.

How It works

Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative. Thus, it works by directly affecting the bowels. It influences the bowel muscles and intestines to push the stool out and thereby puts an end to constipation.

Uses

The main benefit of this medication is its ability to treat occasional constipation. It can also stop irregular bowel movements and bring them back to normal. Moreover, this medication is also used to clean intestines prior to a bowel examination or surgery.

Dosage

This medication is usually taken by mouth, with or without food. Never chew or bite the medication. Swallow it whole without damaging the coating of the tablet. If the drug is exposed in your mouth, you will experience adverse effects such as nausea or upset stomach. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition and response to the treatment. Your physician might ask you to start with a low dosage in order to reduce the risk of side effects.

It will take at least 6 to12 hours for this medication to influence your bowel movements. This medication must not be taken for more than 7 days unless your physician tells you otherwise. Overuse of this medication can lead to serious side effects. Thus, make sure to stick to your dose schedule and prescription at all times.

Side Effects

The following are some of the common side effects of this medication that you may or may not experience.

 Cramps
 Stomach discomfort
 Faintness
 Swelling of the face
 Tightness in the chest
 Rashes, hives and other severe allergic reactions
 Difficulty breathing

Although you might experience all of the above, it is best to stay on the lookout for all of them. If you experience any of the above side effects, make sure to contact your physician immediately.

Precautions

By following the precautionary methods given below, you will be able to avoid the side effects of this medication to a great extent.

 Do not use this medication for more than one week. This can damage normal bowel functions.

 Do not use this medication along with other stool softeners without consulting your physician.

 If you experience rectal bleeding after using this medication, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

 Do not use this medication on senior citizens since they might be more sensitive to the side effects.

 Do not give this medication to children younger than 6 years of age.

Self-Care

Although this medication does not affect the fetus during pregnancy, it is best to discuss the benefits of using this medication with your healthcare provider. It is not known whether this medication can affect the baby through breastfeeding. Anyhow, it is best to avoid this drug during this period.

Increasing the dosage will not solve your bowel problems faster. Instead, it can damage your bowel movements to a worse extent. Thus, do not change the dosage or use it longer than prescribed without consulting your healthcare provider.