Dulcolax 5mg Bisacodyl Gastro-Resistant Tablets – 40 Pack

Description

Dulcolax Twelve Plus 5mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets contain bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative, for the short-term relief of occasional constipation in adults and children over 12 years. Taken at bedtime, they usually work within 6 to 12 hours. Pack of 40 tablets, sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).

This is a pharmacy (P) medicine sold under the supervision of our GPhC-registered pharmacist. You may be asked a few short questions before your order is supplied.

Key facts

Active ingredient	Bisacodyl 5mg per gastro-resistant tablet
Format	Gastro-resistant (enteric-coated) tablets in blister strips
Relieves	Short-term relief of occasional constipation
Age	Adults and children over 12 years
Dose	1 to 2 tablets (5-10mg) once daily before bedtime; swallow whole with water
Onset	Usually 6 to 12 hours after taking
Maximum duration	Do not use continuously for more than 5 days without medical advice
Legal classification	P – Pharmacy medicine
Pack	40 tablets

Who it is for

Adults and children over 12 with occasional constipation who need short-term, overnight relief.
People who have not used Dulcolax before should start with one tablet and increase to two only if needed.

Not suitable for: Children under 12. Anyone with a bowel obstruction (ileus), an acute abdominal condition such as appendicitis, acute inflammatory bowel disease, severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting, or severe dehydration; anyone allergic to bisacodyl or any of the other ingredients (the tablets contain lactose and sucrose). Do not take in pregnancy, especially the first three months, or while breastfeeding, unless a doctor advises it. Ask a doctor if you need a laxative every day or have persistent abdominal pain or blood in the stool.

How to use

Read the label and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before use.
Adults and children over 12: take 1 to 2 tablets once daily before bedtime for a bowel movement the next morning.
If you have not taken Dulcolax before, start with one tablet and increase to two only if necessary.
Swallow the tablets whole with plenty of water. Do not crush or chew them.
Do not take within an hour of milk, antacids or medicines that reduce stomach acid (such as proton pump inhibitors), as these can damage the coating.
Do not use for more than 5 days in a row. If constipation continues, see your doctor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Dulcolax take to work?

The gastro-resistant tablets usually produce a bowel movement 6 to 12 hours after they are taken, which is why they are taken at bedtime.

Can children take Dulcolax Twelve Plus tablets?

They are for adults and children over 12 years. They should not be used in children and adolescents under 12.

Can I take it with milk or indigestion remedies?

No. Milk, antacids and acid-reducing medicines can dissolve the special coating too early. Leave at least an hour between them and the tablets.

Does Dulcolax help with weight loss?

No. Stimulant laxatives such as bisacodyl do not affect the calories absorbed from food and do not help with weight loss.

How long can I use it for?

It is for short-term use only. Do not take it continuously for more than 5 days without finding out the cause of the constipation with your doctor.

Can I take it when pregnant?

Not unless your doctor advises it, especially during the first three months, and not while breastfeeding without medical advice.

Safety and storage

Prolonged or excessive use can cause fluid and salt imbalance and low potassium, and everyday long-term use can harm bowel function.
Mild, self-limiting blood in the stool has been reported. See a doctor if this persists or if you have severe abdominal pain.
Do not store above 25°C. Keep the blister in the outer carton.
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Read the PIL. Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.