Dulcolax®

General

Dulcolax® is a drug that contains the active ingredient bisacodyl and belongs to the group of so-called laxatives. A laxative is a drug that can regulate bowel movements and is used against constipation (constipation). Colloquially, Dulcolax® belongs to the group of "laxatives". Dulcolax® is available in various dosage forms. It can be taken orally in the form of dragees, drops or as a powder to dissolve in water or in the form of suppositories rectally. In addition to the drug, which is marketed under the trade name Dulcolax®, there are now numerous generics that contain the same active ingredient. The drug is available in pharmacies without a prescription. In the case of long-term therapy against constipation, a doctor can issue a prescription for long-term use of Dulcolax®.

When do I have to take Dulcolax®?

Dulcolax® and other drugs with the same active ingredient are used in the short term for severe constipation. It can also be used for bowel evacuation before surgical or diagnostic procedures such as a colonoscopy. It is best to discuss with a doctor treating you whether it makes sense to take Dulcolax® in an individual case. A visit to a doctor is recommended to clarify the symptoms, especially if constipation occurs frequently or if the intake of Dulcolax® does not bring any improvement.

In general, the drug should only be used when symptoms occur constipation Should be taken to avoid unwanted Side effects to prevent the drug. Depending on the food intake and individual bowel motility, bowel movements can vary between several times a day and three times a week. Constipation in the narrower sense can only be assumed if the bowel is emptied three times a week. The causes of constipation are numerous.

It generally has to be of an acute as well as a chronic constipation can be distinguished. Acute constipation occurs once and is due to the rare (less than three times a week) bowel movement and possibly other symptoms such as abdominal pain and a distended abdomen marked. In most cases, acute constipation is a reaction of the bowel movements to acute psychological stress.

From one chronic constipation if the symptoms of constipation persist for more than three months, then problems with bowel movement occur or feel a incomplete bowel movement is available.

Dulcolax® can serve as a therapy for both acute and chronic constipation and relieve symptoms. However, in order to be able to treat the constipation permanently and to ensure normal bowel activity even after the drug has been discontinued, a precise analysis of the cause of the constipation is necessary. A detailed medical history from your family doctor or nutritional advice can help determine the cause of the constipation.

When should I not take Dulcolax®?

It is not always advisable to take Dulcolax® and other drugs with the same active ingredient. Particularly if the constipation occurs acutely and is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, severe abdominal pain, fever and a significantly reduced general condition, self-therapy should be avoided and a doctor should be examined as soon as possible. In this case, an intestinal obstruction may be the cause of that constipation and it is therefore a medical emergency.

Dulcolax® should also not be considered Diet drug be misused, as serious side effects can occur if not taken properly.

Before taking Dulcolax® you should make sure that a balanced fluid balance there is and accordingly no intake in the event of a lack of fluids.

Since there are insufficient studies for the use of Dulcolax® in children under 2 years of age and in pregnant women, it is not recommended to take the drug in these patient groups.

Mode of action

Dulcolax® is a laxative that belongs to the so-called Triaryl methanes counts. The active ingredient that provides the laxative effect in the body Bisacodyl. Bisacodyl is made of special Enzymes, which are active in the intestinal wall, converted to another active ingredient (BHPM). This active ingredient has several effects on the person's gut. A key factor in improving the consistency of the stool is the decreased absorption of water. This leaves more water and thus a softer stool in the intestine. The active ingredient also ensures an increased secretion of water and Electrolytes in the intestines. The increased concentration of electrolytes in the intestine provides a secondary increase in the amount of water.

In summary, the intake of Dulcolax® and thus Bisacodyl increases the water concentration in the intestine and thus “loosens” the stool.

Side effects

As with all drugs, when taking Dulcolax® the occurrence of Side effects possible. Side effects must be differentiated in view of their frequency. A distinction must also be made between the different forms of administration of the drug.

Overall, side effects are relatively rare when taking Dulcolax®. The most common are disorders of the bowel movement, which can be traced back to the way the drug works. So especially occurs diarrhea relatively frequently. However, it can too Vomit and nausea come. Abdominal cramps due to increased bowel activity are also common. If you are allergic to certain components of the drug, allergic reactions can occur, for example in one skin rash can express. Long-term use can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disorders.

Interactions

The simultaneous use of Dulcolax® and other medications can lead to undesirable interactions. For this reason, it is generally advisable to inform the attending physician about the intake of Dulcolax® so that he can confirm the harmlessness of the individual case. The pharmacy staff are also usually over Interactions informed and can provide individual information.

Known interactions when taking Dulcolax® exist with the simultaneous use of water-relieving medication (diuretics). Since this increased dehydrating effect also becomes a Electrolyte shift which can cause severe side effects, the simultaneous use of Dulcolax® with diuretic medication is not recommended. From a simultaneous use of so-called glucocorticoids, such as Cortisone, is also not recommended. Here, too, there is a risk of interactions, which can result in an electrolyte shift.

It should also be noted that Dulcolax® coated tablets should not be taken with milk, as this would result in a significant deterioration in the effectiveness of the drug.

Dulcolax® in combination with alcohol

There are some drugs that can be used with alcohol can lead to side effects or interactions. Such an interaction is not known when taking Dulcolax® or a generic with the same active ingredient. However, since the consumption of excessive alcohol has undesirable consequences for the bowel movement and also leads to a Electrolyte loss it is not recommended to take a large amount of alcohol in combination with Dulcolax®.

Dulcolax® during pregnancy

There are insufficient study data that can allow an assessment of the harmlessness of taking Dulcolax® during pregnancy.
For this reason, pregnant women should only take Dulcolax® in special cases and never without consultation with the attending physician.

Since no specific side effects have been found when taking Dulcolax® in pregnant women, the likelihood that mother or child will experience harm from taking the drug is very low.

Dulcolax® during breastfeeding

While Digestive problems occur relatively frequently during breastfeeding, it was not clear for a long time whether it was possible to take Dulcolax® during this period. Current studies have shown that Dulcolax® is not included in the Breast milk and so that the drug can be safely used in breastfeeding women.

Dulcolax® in children

For digestive problems of Children Parents often wonder which drugs can be used without problems. Dulcolax® is available in various dosage forms and dosages. Depending on the age of the affected child, constipation therapy with Dulcolax® is possible. Generally speaking, that from taking the drug by children not recommended under 2 years becomes. The attending physician or the employees of a pharmacy can best provide information about the individual dosage and dosage form.