How Long Does It Take For Dulcolax To Work

Introduction

Irregular bowel movement is uncomfortable for any of us. When we don’t have stools out of our gut, our body feels heavy and loses appetite. Usually, taking more fibrous food and drinking plenty of water solves the problem. Yet, in our busy life, things get off-balance quickly.

Therefore we try to get an alternative solution. And to get rid of stomach discomfort, we take medicine like Dulcolax. But how long does it take for Dulcolax to work and give you the relief? It can take from 30 minutes to 12 hours varying on the method you take.

What is Dulcolax

How Long Does It Take For Dulcolax To Work

Dulcolax is a stimulative laxative. This is a brand name for the medicine. The generic name goes by Bisacodyl. The medication is used for treating constipation or preparing bowel for medical treatment like a colonoscopy. 

Usually, the medicine available in two variants: 1. Tablets and 2. Rectal Suppository. And according to your need and prescription, you can get whatever you want. You don’t have to show a doctor’s prescription to buy this medicine. But we recommend you must visit a doctor and let him decide if you need this medicine.

Action Time for Dulcolax

Suppose you take a Dulcolax 5 mg tablet that will take you a minimum of 12 hours to work in your system. But it can go up to 72 hours if your bowel movement is very irregular. And for severe pain, it’s better to use Dulcolax suppository. It takes an average of 15 minutes to work, but you can count 30 to 60 minutes for the result.

How Dulcolax Works

You will find 3 types of Dulcolax in pharmacy. Dulcolax tablets, Dulcolax Suppository and Dulcolax Saline. Saline is newly introduced and not quite popular. Tablets and suppository work in the same fashion. It stimulates the bowel movement externally in your intestine. Which speed ups stools to pass throw the intestine and get you relief from stopped poo.

Saline works slightly differently. Constipation makes the stool dry which makes it hard for us to poo. Saline draws water into the stool and makes it softer, becoming more slippery and moving through our gut quickly. 

When Should I not take Dulcolax?

Even if you don’t have a prescription, anyone over 18 can take Dulcolax. And childer from 12 to 18 can take Dulcolax with a doctor’s prescription. However, you should not take medicine in some conditions.

  • Previous Allergic reaction to Dulcolax
  • Severe pain in the stomach.
  • Diarrhea or loose motion already.
  • Other stomach pain like Apedicities or Stomach Ulcer

In those situations, talk with your doctor or pharmacist and ensure the medicine is suitable for you.

Taking the Medicine

You don’t have to eat any food, nor do you have to take it on an empty stomach. It’s up to you how you prefer it. Take a 5 mg or 10 mg tablet before you are going to bed.

It will take 6 to 12 hours before the medicine works. And also, for using a suppository, take it before bedtime. It takes 30 minutes to feel the necessity of going to the toilet.

You might need to go 3 to 4 times, so taking medicine in the day is not a good plan.  

Conclusion

Once you decide you will take Dulcolax, then don’t take any other medicine with it. Don’t chew or crush the tablet. Take it as a whole.

And remember, if you take any medication like antacid or drink milk within an hour, that will prevent the effect of Dulcolax. I hope you got the answer to how long does it take for Dulcolax to work.

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