FAQs

Dulcolax® Tablets

What time of day should I take Dulcolax® Tablets?

It is recommended that you take Dulcolax® Tablets when you can allow 6 to 12 hours for the product to work. You may find that it is most convenient to take the product about 30 to 60 minutes before your normal bedtime in order to produce a bowel movement in the morning.

Is it safe to use Dulcolax® Tablets on a daily basis?

Dulcolax® is recommended for short term use only. If symptoms persist seek medical advice.

How many Dulcolax® Tablets can I take?

Adults and children over 10 years of age can take 1 to 2 tablets in a single daily dose. It is suggested to take the tablets within 30 to 60 minutes before your normal bedtime to produce a bowel movement the next morning. Children 6-10 years can take one tablet at night under medical advice. Children under 6 years are not recommended to use Dulcolax® Tablets. Please refer to the Dulcolax® Tablets dosage information on the carton or enclosed leaflet for advice on taking Dulcolax® Tablets. *Use of Dulcolax in children should only be under medical advice.

How do I use Dulcolax® Tablets? Can I chew or crush them?

Dulcolax® Tablets can be taken with water, but should be swallowed whole. The tablets must not be chewed or crushed. They are small and can be easily swallowed. Do not take Dulcolax® Tablets within 1 hour of consuming dairy products or antacids.

Should I take the Dulcolax® Tablets before, after, or with meals?

Dulcolax® Tablets can generally be taken at any time except within one hour of consuming dairy products or antacids. Dulcolax® tablets have a special enteric coating, which protects the tablet from the stomach’s acidic environment and ensures it is released in the small intestine (bowel) where it is needed most.

How do Dulcolax® Tablets work?

Dulcolax® Tablets are designed to stimulate the bowel and help form soft stools. The tablets are coated to prevent the active ingredient from being released until it reaches the part of the intestines (bowel) where it is needed to work.

Can I take Dulcolax® Tablets with milk or dairy products?

No. This product should not be taken with milk or dairy products. Do not take Dulcolax® Tablets within one hour of taking indigestion remedies (antacids) or dairy products such as milk or yoghurt as these could cause the tablet’s comfort (enteric) coating to dissolve before it reaches the bowel which may result in vomiting or cramping.
For additional questions regarding usage, side effects, or storage instructions, please refer to the Dulcolax® Tablets carton label or consumer medicine information leaflet in the carton, or contact your healthcare professional.

Dulcolax® Drops

What time of day should I take Dulcolax® SP Drops?

It is recommended that you take Dulcolax® SP Drops when you can allow 6 to 12 hours for the product to work. You may find that it is most convenient to take the product about 30 to 60 minutes before your normal bedtime in order to produce a bowel movement in the morning.

Does Dulcolax® SP Drops contain sugar?

Dulcolax® SP Drops are sugar free.

How do I take Dulcolax® SP Drops?

Follow the directions for use on the carton. Dulcolax® SP Drops can be dripped onto a spoon and should then be taken immediately.
Dulcolax® SP Drops can be added to a glass of water, fruit juice or another drink. Drink the entire contents of the glass immediately after Dulcolax® SP Drops have been added.

Does Dulcolax® SP Drops come with a measuring cup?

Dulcolax® SP Drops is available in a dropper bottle therefore a measuring cup is not required. The required dose can be administered by simply holding the bottle with the dropper facing downwards and gently squeezing the bottle.

Do you need to mix Dulcolax® SP Drops before taking it?

Dulcolax® SP Drops can be dripped onto a spoon and then taken immediately.

Can you mix Dulcolax® SP Drops with juice?

Dulcolax® SP Drops can be mixed with juice, water or another drink. Drink the entire contents of the glass immediately after Dulcolax SP Drops have been added.

Can children be given Dulcolax® SP Drops?

Dulcolax® SP Drops can be given to children from 4 years of age.*Use of Dulcolax in children should only be under medical advice. Children from 4 -10 years, administer 5 to 10 drops at night. Children 10 years and over, initially administer 10 drops at night. This dose can be increased to 20 drops only if required.

Do you need to store Dulcolax® SP Drops in the refrigerator?

Dulcolax® SP Drops does not need to be stored in the refrigerator but in a cool dry place where the temperature is below 25°C.

Does Dulcolax® SP Drops need to be discarded after a set period of time after opening the bottle?

Dulcolax® SP Drops does not need to be discarded after a set period of time after opening the bottle.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Dulcolax® Suppositories

What time of day should I use Dulcolax® Suppositories?

You may use a Dulcolax® Suppository anytime. It generally produces a bowel movement in 20 – 45 minutes.

How often can I use Dulcolax® Suppositories? Is it safe for daily use?

For short term use only.

How many Dulcolax® Suppositories can I use?

Adults and children over 10 years can use 1 Dulcolax® Suppository a day. Not recommended for use in children under 10 years of age. Please consult a doctor for use in children.

How do I use Dulcolax® Suppositories? What does retain mean?

Remove the suppository from the plastic wrapping and insert the suppository, pointed end first, into the rectum. For best results, you should lie down for 15 to 20 minutes and try to retain the suppository for as long as you can. To retain the suppository means to keep the suppository in the rectum.

Do you need to remove the suppository after it has been inserted?

The Dulcolax® Suppository does not need to be removed after it has been inserted; it works in the rectum within 20 – 45 minutes.

How do Dulcolax® Suppositories work?

Dulcolax® Suppositories contain 10 mg of bisacodyl, which stimulates the muscles in the bowel (intestine) and rectum to promote movement.

How should Dulcolax® Suppositories be used?

Dulcolax® Suppositories are to be inserted rectally. They are not intended for oral or vaginal use.

Should Dulcolax® Suppositories be used on an empty or full stomach?

Dulcolax® Suppositories may be used before or after a meal, however please note, these products are to be used in the rectum and not eaten.
For additional questions regarding usage, side effects, or storage instructions, please refer to the Dulcolax® Suppository carton label, consumer medicine information leaflet enclosed or contact your healthcare professional.