Dulco-lax tablets

Bisacodyl works by stimulating the nerve endings in the walls of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. This causes the muscles in the intestinal wall to contract more often and with increased force. When these muscles contract (a process known as peristalsis), this moves the contents of the intestine through the colon to the rectum so that the bowel can be emptied. This relieves constipation.

The tablets have a special 'enteric coat' that is designed to prevent the tablets dissolving in the acidic environment of the stomach. Instead, the tablets pass through the stomach and dissolve when they reach the colon. This releases the bisacodyl where it is needed to produce its effect on the intestinal wall. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed or broken, to avoid damaging this coating.

Dulco-lax tablets start to work six to twelve hours after you take them. They should be taken at night to produce relief from constipation the following morning.

Bisacodyl tablets are also used to help empty the bowel before certain medical procedures. If this is the case, your doctor will ask you to take these tablets the night before the procedure, as well as using a bisocodyl suppository the morning of the procedure.

What is it used for?

- Short-term relief of constipation
- Emptying the bowel prior to surgery or radiological examinations (on the advice of a doctor)

Warning!

- Dulco-lax tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed or broken, as this would damage their special enteric coating. The tablets should not be taken within an hour of taking indigestion remedies (antacids) or dairy products such as milk or yoghurt, as these alter the environment in the stomach and intestine and could make the tablet coating dissolve before it reaches the colon. This might give you stomach cramps.
- You should not use this medicine on a continuous basis for more than five days. If you find you need to take a laxative every day you should consult your doctor so that the cause of your constipation can be investigated.
- Prolonged, excessive use of laxatives can lead to chronic diarrhoea, low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalaemia) and an imbalance in the amount of fluid and salts (electrolytes) in your body, particularly if you are also taking diuretic or steroid medicines. This can cause kidney problems, amongst others. Prolonged, excessive use may also make your constipation worse in the long-term, as your gut can become reliant on the laxative.

Not to be used in

- Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction or ileus)
- Acute attacks of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
- Sudden abdominal conditions requiring surgery, such as appendicitis
- Severe dehydration
- Children under 10 years of age, unless on medical advice.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine is not known to be harmful if taken during pregnancy. However, as with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. Other methods of relieving constipation may be more suitable for you.
- This medicine is not known to pass into breast milk, however the manufacturer recommends that it is not used by women who are breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine, as other methods of relieving constipation may be more suitable for you.

Label warnings

- Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medication.
- This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Diarrhoea

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use

© Copyright 1998 - 2008 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved