The tablets have a dual action to bring gentle overnight relief from constipation.  By stimulating both the large intestine and the rectum it may also help the bowel to return to normal regular function

The tablets belong to a group of medicines called laxatives which are used for the short-term relief of constipation.  The tablets have a dual action, stimulating the muscles of both the large intestine and rectum to bring overnight relief from constipation.  They may help restore the sensation or desire for bowel movement so aiding your body to regain its natural rhythm.  The tablets are also used in hospitals for bowel clearance before surgery or radiological investigation.

Before taking the Tablets :

Do not take this medicine if :

*You suffer from any of the following intestinal problems; ileus, intestinal obstruction, acute appendicitis, acute inflammatory bowel disease or any other surgical abdominal condition.

*You are suffering from severe dehydration

*You are allergic to bisacodyl (or a similar ingredient) or any of the other ingredients in the tablets.

Tell your doctor if :

*You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or you are breast feeding

*You are currently taking diuretics or steroids

*A child under 10 years requires a laxative

If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist

As with all laxatives, these tablets should not be taken on a continuous daily basis for long periods.  If you need laxatives every day you should see your doctor.

After taking the Tablets :

All medicines can sometimes cause side-effects.  The tablets may occasionally cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea.

The tablets contain glycerol, which if taken in high doses can cause headache, stomach upset and diarrhoea.

If you experience any of these side-effects and they persist or become troublesome, consult your doctor.

If you experience any other effects not mentioned above, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Caution :

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children

The tablets should be protected from light and stored below 25ºC

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date which you will find printed on the packaging.

Interaction Precautions :

If laxatives are needed every day or if you have persistent abdominal pain consult your doctor

The tablets have a special coating and so antacids (medicines which reduce stomach acidity) and milk products should not be taken within an hour before or after Dulco-lax Tablets 5mg

Warning

Keep out of sight and reach of children

Protect from light

Store below 25ºC


Healthcare Information - Constipation

Normal and regular bowel movement is generally considered to be important to the health of the individual.  Just what is 'normal and regular' may vary from person to person.  Some may experience bowel movement daily, others less frequently.  Whatever your individual circumstances it is desirable that your bowel movement follows a regular pattern.

Constipation is an occasional problem for some people; for others it may be a more frequent occurrence.  Constipation can be caused by a diet with insufficient fibre, lack of exercise, loss of 'tone' of the bowel muscles in later years, pregnancy, drugs such as morphine or codeine, or possibly as a result of an illness involving long periods confined to bed.

From time to time the sensation of the need to empty the bowel is ignored as the time and place may not be convenient.  However, regular resistance of this desire for bowel movement leads to the sensation being lost.  Without the sensation, the bowel may be too infrequently emptied and the result is constipation.

Whatever the cause, constipation is an uncomfortable condition which can be the reason for headaches, the feeling of heaviness, feeling bloated and generally 'off-colour'.

Healthy Tips :

Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables

Don't over-cook vegetables

Eat jacket potatoes and boil new potatoes in their fibre rich skins

Eat brown instead of white bread

Try brown instead of white rice

Add beans and pulses to stews and casseroles

Take more exercise as suits your age and fitness

Whenever possible, make time to empty your bowels when the sensation to do so occurs

Drink plenty of fluids - especially water