Dulcolax 5mg Tablets

Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative. It makes the muscles of the bowel work harder so you can open your bowels.

It is used for:

• short-term relief of constipation
• emptying the bowel before surgery or some medical tests

Use it exactly as the label, your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Tablets: usually taken at bedtime. Swallow them whole with water; do not chew or crush them.
• Leave at least 1 hour between the tablets and milk, dairy foods, antacids or stomach acid medicines such as omeprazole.
• Suppositories: remove the wrapper and gently insert into the back passage. They usually work within 10 to 45 minutes, so stay near a toilet.
• Do not use it every day for more than 5 days unless your doctor tells you to.
• Eat more fibre and drink plenty of fluids to help prevent constipation.

Common side effects include:

• tummy pain or cramps
• feeling sick
• diarrhoea (stop taking it and drink plenty of fluids)

Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have:

• bleeding from the bottom or blood in your poo
• dizziness or vomiting
• swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, or trouble breathing (call emergency services)

Do not use it, and talk to a doctor, if you:

• have severe tummy pain with feeling or being sick
• may have appendicitis or a blocked bowel
• are dehydrated

Check with your doctor or pharmacist first if you:

• have ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• have had a reaction to bisacodyl
• have anal fissures (for suppositories)
• want to give it to a child under 12
• have had a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks

Keep it in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Long-term use: using it too often can make your bowel rely on laxatives. See a doctor if you are still constipated after 5 days.

Pregnancy: not generally recommended; talk to your doctor first, as other options are usually tried first.

Breastfeeding: it can be used for the shortest time needed.