Dulcolax how long before it works

Pregnancy, a lack of exercise or movement such as being ill in bed and some medicines, including some painkillers, can also cause constipation. However, many people take laxatives when they do not need to because they believe that they are constipated unless they go to the toilet every day. This is not the case. A useful definition of constipation is going to the toilet less frequently than is normal for you, and passing hard stools faeces when you do go.

Bisacodyl works by encouraging the muscles in your bowel to move stools through your body. This helps you to go to the toilet. Tablets usually have an effect within hours. Suppositories will take between minutes to work, but usually have their effect within 30 minutes. Bisacodyl preparations are available to buy without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

Bisacodyl is sometimes used to clear the bowel before a medical examination which requires the bowel to be empty. 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. Suppositories Each rectal suppository contains bisacodyl 10 mg adult formula. Nonmedicinal ingredient: hard fat. Tablets Each yellow, enteric-coated tablet contains bisacodyl 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acacia, beeswax, carnauba wax, corn starch, dibutyl phthalate, eudragit, glycerine, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, sucrose, talc, tartrazine yellow , and titanium dioxide. For constipation, the usual dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 1 to 2 tablets 5 mg to 10 mg taken by mouth, or 1 adult suppository 10 mg inserted rectally.

For children 6 to 12 years of age, the usual dose is 1 tablet 5 mg taken by mouth or 1 pediatric suppository 5 mg inserted rectally. Before a medical test or surgery, the usual dose for adults is 2 to 4 tablets 10 mg to 20 mg by mouth the night before the procedure, followed by 1 suppository inserted rectally the morning of the procedure.

For children 6 years of age and older, the usual dose is 1 tablet 5 mg taken by mouth at bedtime and 1 pediatric suppository 5 mg inserted rectally the following morning.

Take the tablets at night to produce a bowel movement the following morning. Do not take the tablets with milk or antacids as this may dissolve the coating on the tablet. Swallow the tablets whole with liquids. Do not crush or chew the tablets. To use the suppositories, unwrap and insert high into the rectum with the pointed end first. Then, push the flat end of the suppository sideways so that part of it touches the wall of the rectum.

Keep the suppository in the rectum for as long as possible. If inserting the suppository is difficult because you have had anal fissures or hemorrhoids, coat the end of the suppository with a lubricant such as petroleum jelly before inserting. The suppositories will start to work within 15 minutes to 1 hour. Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications.

If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. Do not take this medication for longer than one week, unless directed by a health care professional. If you use this medication for one week and you do not produce a bowel movement, contact your doctor immediately.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor or recommended by your pharmacist. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Do not dispose of medications in wastewater e.

Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired. Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses.

Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. What side effects can this medication cause? What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names Brand names of combination products. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water; do not split, chew, or crush them. Do not take bisacodyl within 1 hour after drinking or eating dairy products. Other uses for this medicine.

What special precautions should I follow? Before taking bisacodyl, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bisacodyl, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in these products.

Check the label or ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. If you become pregnant while taking bisacodyl, call your doctor. Bisacodyl may cause side effects.

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: stomach cramps faintness stomach discomfort Some side effects can be serious. If you experience this symptom, stop taking bisacodyl and call your doctor immediately: rectal bleeding Bisacodyl may cause other side effects. What other information should I know?

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about bisacodyl. Brand names. Brand names of combination products. Browse Drugs and Medicines.