Dulco-lax suppositories

How does it work?

Dulco-lax suppositories contain the active ingredient bisacodyl, which is a type of medicine called a stimulant laxative. (NB. Bisacodyl is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

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.

Dulco-lax suppositories melt in the rectum, releasing the bisacodyl to produce its effect on the wall of the colon and rectum.

Dulco-lax suppositories start to work in about 15 to 30 minutes, so they are useful if you want fast relief from constipation. In addition they can be helpful for people who cannot swallow bisacodyl tablets.

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

What is it used for?

In adults and children over 10 years of age:

Constipation

Emptying the bowel prior to surgery or radiological examinations (on the advice of a doctor)

Warning!

Dulco-lax suppositories are for rectal use only and must not be taken by mouth.

You should not use this medicine on a continuous basis for more than five days. If you find you need to use 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

Tear in the lining of the back passage (anal fissure)

Ulceration and inflammation of the rectum (ulcerative proctitis)

Children under 10 years of age (suppositories for children are available for use on medical advice - see end of factsheet.)

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 used during pregnancy. However, as with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before using 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.

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

Rectal irritation

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.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no significant interactions reported with this medicine.

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