Dulcolax suppositories and laxatives are used for treating constipation.
Many of us ignore constipation as a temporary health issue. However, irregular bowel movements and bloating in the stomach are rampant health problems faced by 80 percent of people around the world.
Several people even develop diseases like gastritis, fistula, hemorrhoids, or rectal bleeding because of severe and recurrent constipation.
Using laxatives or enemas is the most effective treatment for stool softening and getting rid of constipation.
In this review, you will read about its usage, benefits, and side effects.
What is Dulcolax?
Dulcolax is a name for a laxative,
A Ducolax suppository is a solid medical preparation in a roughly conical or cylindrical shape, meant to be inserted into the rectum or vagina to dissolve. Each suppository contains 10 mg of bisacodyl.
It’s used for:
- Relieving constipation,
- Cleansing of the bowel before medical procedures such as surgery or a colonoscopy.
Bisacodyl (C22H19NO4) is used for treating constipation. It is also used for colon cleansing before surgery or a colonoscopy.
Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that removes constipation by increasing the movements in the intestines. It stimulates and enhances the movement of fluid and salts in the intestine.
Bisacodyl laxative usually causes bowel movements within 60 minutes after taking it orally.
It’s not recommended for children under six unless directed by a doctor.
Dulcolax is available in oral pill and suppository forms.
As recommended by a doctor, this anti-constipation medicine is taken orally.
Dulcolax tablets and suppositories are available in packs of 6, 10, 12, 20, 50, and 200 at pharma shops.
How Do Dulcolax Suppositories Work?
Bisacodyl is the chief laxative substance contained in it. It is a stimulant laxative.
Bisacodyl has an inherent capacity to stimulate nerve endings in the walls of the large bowel (colon) and rectum.
Its stimulating effects make the bowel wall expand and contract frequently. Fast and continuous contraction and expansion of muscles in the colon walls create the force required to push out the stools from the colon to the rectum. Afterward, the stools are emptied via the rectum.
Dulcolax dissolves in the rectum. Bisacodyl dissolved in the rectum gradually moves to the colon as well. Within 30 minutes of using this laxative. It works up in the colon and rectum.
Bisacodyl suppository is an alternative option for people who do not like to have Bisacodyl tablets.
Dulcolax Suppository Dosage
Suppositories are to be used for treating occasional constipation only. On the leaflet, the manufacturer recommends its dosage as follows:
Adults and Children Over 12 Years of Age
Use one suppository in a single daily dose. Peel open the plastic covering, insert it well into the rectum, point the end first, and retain it for 15 to 20 minutes.
Children 6 To Under 12 Years Of Age
Use 1/2 suppository in a single daily dose and keep it in the rectum for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Children Under 6 Years Of Age (Above 6 months old)
Using it for children under six is not recommended. It can, however, be used if recommended by a physician.
Children under six do not use more than 1/2 suppository in a single daily dose.
How To Use
The Dulcolax suppository is for rectal use only. It may be used alone or with other medications. But you should take any other medicines one hour before or after using this medicine.
It is crucial that you read and follow the directions on the product package or use it as directed by your doctor.
If you are new to it, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the proper ways to use this laxative.
Ducolax might become too soft at room temperature. It must be stiff enough to fit comfortably into the rectum.
If it has become soft, then chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or run ice-cold water over it without removing its wrapper.
Before removing the foil wrapper from the suppository, you must wash your hands properly.
Remove the wrapper, and if required, moisten it with Aloe Vera gel or lukewarm water. But do not use mineral oils, petroleum jelly, or other lubricants to moisten it.
Preferably, you can lie on your left side with your right knee moderately bent. Insert the pointed end first into the anus and firmly push it into the rectum. Make sure to push it in far enough, so it does not slip out.
After insertion, close your legs and lie or sit still for 15 to 20 minutes. This is until you feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement.
Tips And Warnings
Here are a few tips and warnings on the use of Dulcolax suppository worth noting:
- Avoid moving around immediately after using it; once in the rectum, it will melt and leak from your rectum.
- It is most comfortable to insert the suppository into the rectum before bed at night rather than during the day.
- Wear loose-fitting casual clothes when using it, as it can stain your clothes.
- Store it in a cool dark place, but not in the fridge or rooms with high temperatures and humidity.
- Keep the suppository out of reach of children.
- Follow the instructions given by the company on the label of the package.
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist before and after use.
- Suppositories should not be taken by mouth; if they are accidentally swallowed, tell your doctor immediately.
- Do not use it after the expiry date or if contaminated.
- Only use this laxative continuously for 5 days unless recommended by your doctor.
- Laxatives are medications for occasional constipation.
- Talk to your doctor if you still do not have regular bowel movements after using it for 5 days.
- Discontinue using it if rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting occurs after using it.
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Who should not use Dulcolax Suppositories?
Some patients should not use it without the recommendation of a doctor:
- People who have recently had surgery.
- Children below the age of 6,
- People with symptoms like severe abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, stomach ulcer, rectal bleeding, and other stomach-related diseases.
- Patients who have a blockage in the gut.
- People who have dehydrated bodies.
- Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.
- Those suffering anal fissures (a tear in the lining of the back passage), hemorrhoids, or rectum inflammation.
- People are allergic to any of the ingredients in it.
Can Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women use Dulcolax Suppositories?
Bisacodyl is not known to cause any harm during pregnancy.
However, like every other medicine, pregnant women should not use Dulcolax laxatives without medical advice from a doctor.
Using any medication, including herbal medicines, is critical during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Diet-based methods for relieving constipation are both healthy and suitable for pregnant women.
Breastfeeding mothers can safely use Bisacodyl as it does not cause any harm to them or their babies.
What are the possible side effects of Dulcolax suppositories?
Possible side effects of any medication vary from person to person. It may cause pain and local irritation but not any serious side effects.
It has a few minor reported side effects that some people may experience. For most people, it’s safe and effective.
Some of the possible side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Blood in the stools
- Rectal bleeding
- Inflammation of the rectum
- Allergic reactions
If you continuously use suppositories for a long time, it might lead to chronic diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, and low potassium levels in the blood. Patients using them while taking diuretic or steroid medicines are vulnerable to such side effects.
Prolonged use of any type of laxatives can make your constipation worse in the long run as your stomach becomes over-dependent on them.
Using the Dulcolax suppository for more than 5 days continuously is not recommended.
If your doctor has suggested you use Bisacodyl for constipation, they have ascertained the benefits of this medicine compared to the few associated risks.
Ask your doctor for help if you experience any of the side effects discussed above.
Drinking enough water and eating much more fiber-rich foods while using laxatives is critical.
This is a partial list of possible side effects of Bisacodyl laxative.
Can you use Dulcolax suppositories with other medicines?
They are not known to interact with other medicines.
You can safely take them with other medicines.
However, diuretic patients should not use them without talking to their doctor or pharmacist..
Patients should not freely use laxatives in the initial days of a post-surgery period without directions from the doctor.
Colon cleansing with laxatives is typical before major medical procedures like surgery, a colonoscopy, etc. Doctors usually recommend taking Bisacodyl tablets the night before the medical procedure and then using a suppository in the morning of the procedure.
How Long Does It Take For Dulcolax To Work?
Bisacodyl, taken as an oral laxative, can produce bowel movements within 1 to 12 hours of consuming it.
However, the Dulcolax suppository works faster than an oral laxative. The suppository can produce bowel movements within 15 minutes to 1 hour.
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