Is Dulcolax a stool softener or laxative? (2023)

Is Dulcolax a stool softener or laxative?

Ease into constipation relief with Dulcolax^® Stool Softener.

Dulcolax^® Stool Softener is a stimulant-free laxative made to relieve occasional constipation. Each tablet contains 100 mg of the #1 doctor-recommended stool softener ingredient — docusate sodium. It works to soften dry, hard stool.

While both Colace and Dulcolax are used to treat constipation, they are not the same and do not work in the same way. Colace, a stool softener, helps soften the stool to make it easier to pass. Dulcolax, a stimulant laxative, works by simulating the physical movement of the stool through the digestive tract.

Its use is recommended for temporary, less chronic constipation. Stool softeners work naturally with the body and are better tolerated with fewer side effects. Stronger laxatives such as stimulant laxatives are more appropriate for more severe symptoms.

by Drugs.com

After taking Dulcolax tablets you should have a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. Dulcolax suppositories generally produces bowel movements in 15 minutes to 1 hour. Different people may however feel the effects at different times. Dulcolax (bisacodyl) is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements.

In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.

Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.

Dulcolax^® Laxative Tablets are recommended to be taken at night for a bowel movement the next morning. Dulcolax^® Laxative Tablets must be taken with a glass of water (swallowed, not chewed).

Long-term use of DULCOLAX is not recommended. If you use DULCOLAX every day, you should consult with your doctor to find out the cause of your constipation. Long-term and excessive use of DULCOLAX may cause an imbalance of salts in the body (including low potassium), muscle weakness and kidney problems.

No, and you shouldn't need to take stool softeners every day. Don't take stool softeners for more than one week unless you're under the direction of your healthcare provider. If you have sudden changes in your bowel habits that last longer than two weeks, call your provider.

Dulcolax^® Liquid Laxative works faster than MiraLAX. Dulcolax^® works in as little as 30 minutes (30 minutes to 6 hours) while MiraLAX works in 1–3 days (based on product labeling).

What is a good laxative?

Some popular brands include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax, Feen-a-Mint), and sennosides (Ex-Lax, Senokot). Prunes (dried plums) are also an effective colonic stimulant and taste good, too.

Do NOT take more than ONE unless you are day before bowel prepping. This medication is safe to take daily, ONE per day, as that is what we give patients in hospital (I'm also a nurse). These patients don't have side effects. But it's important to only take ONE.

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of a laxative overdose. Dehydration and electrolyte (body chemicals and minerals) imbalance are more common in children than adults. Below are symptoms specific to the actual product.

Stool softeners like docusate (Colace) work by reducing the hardness of stools, which should make them easier to pass. Problem is, they won't do much if you're already constipated, since they take three of four days to kick in, he adds. But they can help treat chronic constipation.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to have a bowel movement every day in order to be considered regular. But more than 3 days without a bowel movement is too long. And by then, stool has become harder and more difficult to pass.

Causes include consuming a diet that is too low in fibre and fluid, insufficient physical activity, medication side effect (e.g., opiates, tricyclic anti-depressants, calcium channel blockers), certain supplements (calcium and iron), irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstructions or strictures from surgery, diabetes ...

“Many elders subscribe to the myth that one should defecate at least once every day, but there is no such magic number or prescribed schedule that people should aim for.” English says that “normality” falls within a range of no more than three movements a day and no less than three movements each week.

It may also be used to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination/surgery. Bisacodyl is known as a stimulant laxative. It works by increasing the movement of the intestines, helping the stool to come out.

How long do the effects of Dulcolax last?

As the medication level drops the stimulant effect will diminish. It takes approximately 6 to 8 hours to produce its effects. The medication is metabolized in the body and roughly half is removed in 16 hours, with half of the remaining medicine removed after each consecutive 16 hours time frame.

Once the pattern has started, however, people often find it very difficult to stop taking laxatives even if they want to. They can become physically and psychologically dependent on laxatives.

Do NOT take more than ONE unless you are day before bowel prepping. This medication is safe to take daily, ONE per day, as that is what we give patients in hospital (I'm also a nurse). These patients don't have side effects. But it's important to only take ONE.

Adults and children 12 years of age and over: 1 to 3 capsules daily. This dose may be taken as a single daily dose or in divided doses.

Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water. Also make sure to drink plenty of water/fluids when consuming natural laxatives, since these work with high fiber foods to help soften stool.

Peanuts and peanut butter are rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, both of which help support regular bowel movements and improve constipation ( 3 , 4 ). Just two tablespoons (32 grams) of natural peanut butter contains 3 grams of fiber, equivalent to about 10% of your daily fiber needs ( 5 , 6 ).

Considering this factor, Dulcolax tablets will work in about six to 12 hours, while the suppositories will work more quickly, within an hour. Miralax can take one to three days to produce a bowel movement. You'll also want to consider the type of medication.

Does Dulcolax clean out colon?

A Miralax and Dulcolax bowel prep is done to clear the bowel of all solid matter. Its purpose is to prepare the bowel for surgery or a procedure.

This product is effective. Take only one at a time (i took two once and was crying in pain). You should also plan to take it only when you can afford to have some quality bathroom time. You may need a few trips to the bathroom as it works through your system.

Do not use Dulcolax Stool Softener for longer than 7 days unless your doctor has told you to. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have not had a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days. Overuse of a stool softener can lead to serious medical problems.

Stool softeners you can buy over-the-counter are effective for most people. While they are only intended for short-term relief of constipation, using a daily stool softener long-term probably is not harmful. However, there are other ways to help relieve constipation that are often successful.

Do not take Dulcolax^® Laxative Tablets with foods or medications that reduce the acidity of the upper gastrointestinal tract such as milk or antacids (like Tums^® or Rolaids^®). Adults and children 12 years of age and over: 1 to 3 tablets in a single daily dose.

Is It Ok To Take Dulcolax Everyday? In general conditions, it is not advisable to take Dulcolax daily. It should be able to relieve your symptoms as necessary. But, if the symptoms of constipation persist, then you should consult with your doctor to identify the cause of your constipation.

No, and you shouldn't need to take stool softeners every day. Don't take stool softeners for more than one week unless you're under the direction of your healthcare provider. If you have sudden changes in your bowel habits that last longer than two weeks, call your provider.

by Drugs.com

The elimination half life of Dulcolax is 16 hours. This means that the bowel stimulant medication is metabolized in the body and roughly half is gone after 16 hours with half the remaining medicine gone after another 16 hours.

It may also be used to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination/surgery. Bisacodyl is known as a stimulant laxative. It works by increasing the movement of the intestines, helping the stool to come out.

What happens if you take too much Dulcolax?

If you have taken too much Dulcolax, you may experience diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fluid loss, and an imbalance of salts in the body (including low potassium).

Adults: 1 to 2 coated tablets (5-10 mg) daily before bedtime. Should not be used in children or adolescents under the age of 18 years. It is recommended to start with the lowest dose. The dose may be adjusted up to the maximum recommended dose to produce regular stools.

Prunes. Prunes are probably one of the most well-known natural laxatives. They provide lots of fiber, with 7.7 grams in a 1-cup (248-gram) serving. They also contain a type of sugar alcohol known as sorbitol ( 34 ). Sorbitol acts as a laxative when consumed in large amounts ( 35 ).