Unmanagedconstipationcan lead to incomplete fecal removal from thegastrointestinal (GI) tract.
This can impact your quality of life and lead to potentially more serious conditions, such ashemorrhoidsoranal fissure.
This article will cover Dulcolax’s effectiveness, storage requirements, and how to take it for maximum effectiveness.
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It is the infrequent passage of stools or difficulty evacuating stools.
Sometimes, constipation is not a disease but a symptom of another health condition.
Lifestyle modifications can help in the initial management of constipation.
When dietary and lifestyle changes do not improve symptoms, laxatives usually are recommended.
Laxatives are the drugs that help to ease constipation.
Various forms include OTC and prescription laxatives.
What Is Dulcolax?
Dulcolax is anOTC stimulant laxativedrug for treating short-term or irregular constipation in adults and children.
Children should only use Dulcolax under the advice of a healthcare provider.
Dulcolax is also used under medical supervision to empty the bowels before intestinal surgeries or other procedures, includingcolonoscopiesandX-rays.
Dulcolax works by stimulating (increasing) bowel muscle activity while accumulating water to hydrate in the intestines.
This activity softens the stool and makes it easy to pass.
These ingredients all work in different ways to expedite bowel movements.
However, this article will focus on the forms of Dulcolax containing bisacodyl.
How Quickly Does Dulcolax Start to Work?
Not intended for long-term use, Dulcolax products should be used no more often than once a day.
How Effective Are Laxatives?
Overall,stimulant laxativesare effective and safe at easing the symptoms of constipation.
Their short duration of action makes them an ideal choice for managing constipation.
Dosing Overview
Dulcolax is available in different dosage forms and doses for different people.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how and when to take a medicine to avoid adverse effects.
Common forms of Dulcolax include:
For safety’s sake, never use more than the recommended dose.
Furthermore, when using the oral tablet version, do not chew or break the tablets.
Swallow whole with water.
The suppositories are for rectal use only.
However, some people may experience a few side effects.
Common Side Effects
Some common side effects of Dulcolax include:
These symptoms usually go away.
Call your healthcare provider if the symptoms do not subside or if they get worse.
Immediately call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms.
Who Shouldn’t Take Dulcolax?
However, telling your healthcare provider about all the prescription and non-prescription drugs you take is essential.
Finally, do not take a laxative within two hours of taking any other drug.
It may reduce the effectiveness of either drug.
Summary
Constipation is a condition that almost everyone experiences at one point or another.
Sometimes, it is occasional or episodic and fades following adaptive lifestyle changes.
However, chronic constipation requires medical treatment, including medicines and surgical procedures.
Its symptoms include hard stools, difficulty or pain passing a stool, or inadequate bowel movement.
it’s possible for you to improve your symptoms by making dietary and lifestyle changes before taking medication.
Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative that works relatively quickly after use.
It has minimal side effects when used as recommended.
Specifically, Dulcolax tablets take six to 12 hours to work.Dulcolax suppositories take 10 to 45 minutes to work.
The efficacy and effectiveness of this drug make it a first-line treatment for constipation.
Also, avoid using Dulcolax if the individual blister pack is open or torn.
Keep all medicines away from the sight and reach of children and pets.
Discard unwanted medications properly.
The initial management of constipation involves lifestyle changes for a regular bowel movement.
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