For many of us, the use of an effective, yet gentle laxative is what is required to overcome constipation. Dulcolax tablets for example have a special comfort so that they pass easily through the stomach and small intestine without being dissolved in relevant amounts by the gastric fluids there. Instead, the tablets work only in the large intestine and have no affect on other organs in the body.
Always consult your doctor, your pharmacy or the leaflet found in-pack in order to obtain complete and up-to-date information on how to take Dulcolax.
If you want an overview of constipation, how laxatives and in particular Dulcolax works, the history of Dulcolax and what other products Dulcolax has within it’s range, then read on:
How Does it Work?
Dulcolax relieves constipation by stimulating the bowel muscles; thus increasing the natural pulsed motions called peristaltic. This encourages natural bowel movement. Moreover Dulcolax acts by accumulating the water into the intestines resulting in the softening of its contents.
Dulcolax tablets usually act reliably within 6-12 hours (suppositories within approximately 30 minutes).
Thanks to a special coating (resistant to gastric and intestinal fluid), the comfort-coated tablets guarantee that the active ingredient is not released until it reaches the large intestine.
Dulcolax suppositories take effect directly in the rectum.
The Dulcolax drops and pearls (Sodium Picosulphate) are converted into the active form by special bacteria present in the large intestine.
Dulcolax is designed in such a way that the active ingredient is transported unchanged through the stomach and small intestine. Neither the gastric acid nor the juices in the small intestine can damage the substance. Contrary to lots of other ingredients, Bisacodyl (Dulcolax tablets) or Sodium Picosulphate (Dulcolax drops, Dulcolax pearls) does not access the blood stream to take effect and therefore no harm to other organs like the liver or the kidney are known. Therefore it is well tolerated.
Product Range
Dulcolax – A complete product range against constipation
Dulcolax laxatives in their different galenic form are not only effective and gentle, but also easy and convenient to take. There are different types of products available, listed below. It might be that the whole range is not available in your country. However, you can ask your pharmacist for advice and he/she will recommend the right product to suit your individual needs.
Dulcolax Tablets
The special comfort-coated tablets are well tolerated. They are very small and easy to take. Depending on the individual rate of transport through the digestive tract, they take effect within 6 to 12 hours on average. Taken in the evening they produce the desired effect the next morning, that is why it is also called an “overnight”-laxative.
As the pH values in the gastrointestinal tract were taken into consideration during the manufacture of the special comfort-coated tablets and when controlling release of the active ingredient, it is important that no products that reduce gastric acid (e.g. milk, antacids) are taken at the same time as Dulcolax. If both products are necessary, these products and Dulcolax should be taken separately with an interval of at least half an hour.
Dulcolax Pearls
This is the latest innovation in the Dulcolax range. They are drops in solid form. The pearls can be individually dosed from 1 to 4 pearls depending on your personal needs. They are soft, small and discreet and can be taken without water. Nevertheless as with all laxatives, it is beneficial to increase your fluid intake. Dulcolax Pearls are effective within 6 to 12 hours.
Dulcolax Suppositories
They are designed for people who need very fast relief from constipation, where oral use has its disadvantages. Dulcolax suppositories usually act reliably within approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
Dulcolax Drops
The drops take effect within 6 to 12 hours and are particularly suitable as a precise, individual minimum required dosage. People with highly sensitive constitutions will only need a few drops. This form is particularly suitable for people who have difficulty swallowing. Like the special comfort-coated tablets and the pearls, the drops are best taken in the evening to allow for an effect the following morning.
If a constipation sufferer needs to undergo antibiotic treatment, special comfort-coated tablets or suppositories should be used rather than drops or pearls, as the intestinal bacteria are unable in this case to convert the active ingredient as required.
The following table summarises the various products within the Dulcolax range together with their particular active ingredients.
Dulcolax Tablets
Active ingredient: Bisacodyl
Dulcolax Pearls
Active ingredient: Sodium Picosulphate
Dulcolax Suppositories
Active ingredient: Bisacodyl
Dulcolax Drops
Active ingredient: Sodium Picosulphate
For further information on laxatives please seek advice from your pharmacist or consult your doctor.
Please note:
Before using Dulcolax, you must read the instructions on the patient information leaflet carefully.
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