Constipation occurs when a person has difficulty emptying the large bowel. Home remedies and lifestyle changes can often help resolve it, but sometimes, it may need medical attention. Constipation can happen for many reasons, such as when stool passes through the colon too slowly. The slower the food moves through the digestive tract, the more water the colon will absorb and the harder the feces will become. A person who poops fewer than 3 times per week may have constipation.
Sometimes, constipation results from a blockage in the large intestine. In this case, a person will need urgent medical attention. At other times, it may simply be due to a lack of fiber or water. Constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. At least 2.5 million people see their doctor each year due to constipation.
People of all ages can have an occasional bout of constipation. There are also certain people and situations that are more likely to lead to becoming more consistently constipated (“chronic constipation”). These include:
• Older age. Older people tend to be less active, have a slower metabolism, and have less muscle contraction strength along their digestive tract than when they were younger.
• Being a woman, especially while you are pregnant and after childbirth. Changes in a woman’s hormones make them more prone to constipation. The baby inside the womb squishes the intestines, slowing down the passage of stool.
• Not eating enough high-fiber foods. High-fiber foods keep food moving through the digestive system.
• Taking certain medications.
• Having certain neurological (diseases of the brain and spinal cord) and digestive disorders.
What is Dulcolax?
Dulcolax is a brand of bisacodyl, a laxative that stimulates bowel movements. Dulcolax works by encouraging the muscles in your bowel to move stools through your body. This helps you to go to the toilet. Tablets usually have an effect within 10-12 hours.
Dulcolax suppositories will take between 10-60 minutes to work, but usually have their effect within 30 minutes. Dulcolax preparations are available to buy without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.
Dulcolax is sometimes used to clear the bowel before a medical examination which requires the bowel to be empty. When it is used like this, you will be provided with a small supply of Dulcolax by your hospital or clinic.
How should I use Dulcolax?
Use Dulcolax exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Overuse of laxatives can cause your bowels to function improperly or can make you dependent on laxative use.
In some cases, Dulcolax is taken by mouth. The suppository is for use in the rectum. Do not crush, chew, or break a Dulcolax tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
Dulcolax taken by mouth should produce a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. Dulcolax used in the rectum can produce much faster results. You should have a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes after using a rectal suppository.
Do not take a rectal suppository by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.
Try to empty your bladder just before using Dulcolax in the rectum.
Wash your hands before and after using rectal Dulcolax.
To use the rectal suppository:
• Remove the wrapper from the suppository. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands. If the suppository is soft, you may hold it under cool running water or refrigerate it for a few minutes.
• Lie on your left side with your right knee up toward your chest. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum about 1 inch, pointed tip first.
• Stay lying down for a few minutes. The suppository will melt quickly and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in.
• Do not use more than one rectal suppository per day.
Call your doctor if you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, or if you have constipation for longer than 7 days.
If you are using Dulcolax to prepare for a medical test, follow your doctor’s instructions about when to use the medicine.
Store Dulcolax oral or rectal medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Can I eat after taking Dulcolax?
No, avoid eating immediately after taking Dulcolax, this medication work best when taken on an empty stomach. You should take Dulcolax 1-2 hours before or after having dinner with plenty of fluids for rapid effect.
If you eat immediately after taking a Dulcolax, it will affect the way the drug works and slow down its effect. Sometimes people think that Dulcolax will help move their food through their body before the body absorbs any calories. So they may take Dulcolax after eating a big meal or binge eating. They think this helps lose weight or will stop them from gaining weight. This is not true.
Research suggests that while some people mistakenly believe that taking Dulcolax will prevent their body from absorbing calories, it is an unsafe and ineffective strategy. Laxatives treat constipation by softening the stool or stimulating bowel movements.
Do not use Dulcolax for longer than a week. If your bowel movements still aren’t regular after using Dulcolax for seven days, contact your doctor before you use it any longer. Generally, laxatives are safe for people who are 12 years or older. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.
