Dulcolax is used for relieving occasional constipation and irregularity.
Dosage and directionUse Dulcolax as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Dulcolax by mouth with or without food.
Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Dulcolax is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
Swallow Dulcolax whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
Do not take Dulcolax within 1 hour after taking an antacid or milk.
If you miss a dose of Dulcolax and are taking it regularly, take
it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip
the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take
2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dulcolax.
Use as prescribed by your Health Provider.
StorageStore Dulcolax at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F
(20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep
Dulcolax out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Safety informationDo NOT use Dulcolax if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Dulcolax
- you have severe stomach pain; appendicitis; severe constipation; stomach, intestinal, or rectal bleeding; or intestinal blockage
- you cannot swallow without chewing
- you are having abdominal surgery
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Do not use for longer than 1 week without checking with your
doctor. Using Dulcolax for a long time may result in loss of normal
bowel function.
Do not take additional laxatives or stool softeners with Dulcolax unless directed by your doctor.
Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement within 12
hours after use of a laxative may be a sign of a serious condition. Stop
use and contact your doctor.
If you develop nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain, stop using Dulcolax and check with your doctor.
If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2
weeks or more, do not continue using Dulcolax. Instead, check with your
doctor.
Use Dulcolax with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Dulcolax should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years
old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact
your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using
Dulcolax while pregnant. It is not known if Dulcolax is found in breast
milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding take Dulcolax, check with
your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Important safety information:
Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have heart failure, abnormal levels of fluids or electrolytes in your body, nausea, vomiting, or undiagnosed stomach pain
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dulcolax. However, no specific interactions with Dulcolax are known at this time.
Ask your health care provider if Dulcolax may interact with
other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider
before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Possible side effectsAll medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no,
or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most
COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Cramps; faintness; stomach discomfort.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty
breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or
tongue).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur.
If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care
provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.