When should I not take Dulcolax®?

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

Dulcolax® should also not be misused as a dietary medication, as serious side effects can occur if it is not taken properly. Before taking Dulcolax®, care should be taken to maintain a balanced fluid balance and to avoid taking it if there is a fluid deficiency. Since there is no sufficient study data for the use of Dulcolax® in children under the age of 2 years and pregnant women, we do not recommend taking the drug in these patient groups.

Mode of action

Dulcolax® is a laxative which belongs to the group of so-called triarylmethanes. The active ingredient that ensures the laxative effect in the body is bisacodyl. Bisacodyl is converted into another active ingredient (BHPM) by special enzymes that are active in the intestinal wall.

This active ingredient has several effects on the intestine of the affected person(s). A decisive factor in improving the consistency of the stool is the reduced absorption of water. As a result, more water remains in the bowel and thus a softer stool. The active ingredient also ensures an increased secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestine.The increased concentration of electrolytes in the intestine secondarily provides an increased amount of water. In summary, the intake of Dulcolax® and thus of bisacodyl ensures an increased water concentration in the intestine and thus a “softening” of the stool.

Side effects

As with all drugs, side effects may occur when taking Dulcolax®. Side effects must be distinguished in view of their frequency. A distinction must also be made between the different dosage forms of the drug.

Overall, side effects occur relatively rarely when taking Dulcolax®. The most common are disturbances of bowel activity, which can be attributed to the mode of action of the drug. Diarrhea, in particular, occurs relatively frequently.

However, vomiting and nausea can also occur. Abdominal cramps due to the increased intestinal activity are also frequent. If you are allergic to certain components of the drug, allergic reactions may occur, which can manifest themselves for example in a skin rash.

Prolonged use may lead to a lack of fluid and electrolyte disorders. Taking Dulcolax® and other medications at the same time can lead to undesirable interactions. For this reason, it is generally advisable to inform the attending physician about the use of Dulcolax® so that he can confirm that it is safe in the individual case.

Pharmacy staff are also usually informed about interactions and can provide individual information. Known interactions when taking Dulcolax® exist if dehydrating drugs (diuretics) are taken at the same time. Since this increased dehydrating effect can also lead to a shift in electrolyte levels, which can sometimes cause severe side effects, the simultaneous intake of Dulcolax® with dehydrating drugs is not recommended.

The simultaneous intake of so-called glucocorticoids, such as cortisone, is also not recommended. Here, too, there is a risk of interactions which may result in a shift in the electrolyte. It is also important to note that Dulcolax® dragees should not be taken with milk, as a significant deterioration in the effectiveness of the drug can be expected.