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Frequently Asked Questions |
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What causes constipation? |
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There are many factors that may contribute to
constipation. These include: a poor diet, especially one that's low in
fiber; not drinking enough fluid; not getting enough exercise; certain
diseases; certain medications; changes in routine, such as holidays or
travel; a change in metabolism; suppressing the urge to go to the
bathroom; stress; recovery from surgery; and pregnancy.
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How does Dulcolax® work? |
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The active ingredient in
Dulcolax®, bisacodyl
USP, is released in the large intestine, where it stimulates the bowel
muscles to contract and, thereby, push the bowel's contents along. The
same ingredient also helps ease elimination by accumulating water to
soften the bowel's contents. The effect is both to help soften the stool
and make it pass through more quickly.
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I had cramps after taking
Dulcolax®. Is that normal? |
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You may have abdominal discomfort, faintness,
rectal burning or cramps after taking Dulcolax® suppositories. You may
experience stomach discomfort, faintness or cramps after taking Dulcolax®
tablets. Taking Dulcolax® tablets less than one hour after taking antacids
or consuming dairy products such as milk and yogurt can result in stomach
discomfort and/or cramps. If you have taken an acid reducer such as those
mentioned above, wait at least one hour before taking Dulcolax® in order to
help prevent the tablets' special coating - designed to help prevent
gastric irritation - from dissolving too soon. Dulcolax® should not be
taken with medications that reduce stomach acid.
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Can I take Dulcolax® with milk or antacids? |
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No. You should not take
Dulcolax® with acid
reducers, which include antacids and dairy products such as milk and
yogurt. Dulcolax® tablets are specially coated so that their active
ingredient is released only in the large intestine. If you have taken an
acid reducer, wait at least one hour before taking Dulcolax® in order to
help prevent the coating from dissolving before it reaches the large
intestine, and possibly causing gastric irritation and/or cramps.
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I have trouble swallowing pills. Can I chew or crush
Dulcolax®
tablets? |
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No. Tablets must be swallowed whole; not chewed, crushed or broken.
Dulcolax®
tablets are specially coated to help reduce gastric irritation and to allow the active ingredient to be released only in the large intestine.
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Can pregnant women take
Dulcolax®? |
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Long experience has shown no evidence of undesirable or damaging effects during pregnancy. However, you should consult your obstetrician before taking any laxative, including
Dulcolax®, during pregnancy.
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Is it OK to take a laxative such as
Dulcolax® every day? |
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No. Do not use stimulant laxatives, including
Dulcolax®, every day. You should stop taking any laxative, including
Dulcolax®, and consult a doctor if you do not have a bowel movement within 12 hours or if rectal bleeding occurs. This could be a sign of a serious condition. You also should consult a doctor if you need a laxative for more than one week.
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Is Dulcolax® sodium free? |
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Tablets and suppositories contain less than 0.2 mg per dosage and are, therefore, dietetically sodium free.
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What should I do if the suppository seems soft and I’m worried about it breaking? |
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If the suppository seems soft, hold it (while still in the foil wrapper) under cold water for one to two minutes.
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Can I store Dulcolax® suppositories in the refrigerator? |
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Dulcolax® suppositories should be stored below 77°F (25°c). Therefore, they may be stored in the refrigerator if the room temperature exceeds 77°F (25°c) in order to help keep suppositories from softening. Allow the product to return to room temperature before using.
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