Description:

Dulcolax Adult Gastro-Resistant Tablets contain bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative used for the short-term relief of occasional constipation and to empty the bowel before medical procedures (e.g., surgery, endoscopy, or X-ray examination). The gastro-resistant coating prevents the tablet from dissolving in the stomach and releases the active ingredient in the intestine, producing a bowel movement usually within 6–12 hours after oral use.

Prescription:

• No prescription required in most countries (over-the-counter laxative). In some regions it may be pharmacy-only or behind-the-counter—consult your local pharmacy.

Therapeutic Category:

• Stimulant laxative / Contact laxative (for short-term constipation relief and bowel preparation).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Bisacodyl 5 mg per gastro-resistant tablet.

Variant:

• Standard 5 mg gastro-resistant (enteric-coated) tablet for adults and children over 10 years (Dulcolax also has 10 mg suppositories and liquid variants, but this is the oral tablet).

Consume Type:

• Oral (tablet – swallow whole, do not chew or crush).

Directions/Usage: Adults and children over 10 years:

• For constipation: 1–2 tablets (5–10 mg) at bedtime or early morning (effect in 6–12 hours).
• For bowel preparation (e.g., before surgery/endoscopy): 2–4 tablets the night before the procedure (as directed by doctor). Take with a full glass of water. Do not take with milk or antacids (may dissolve coating prematurely). Use for short periods only (maximum 7 days unless advised by doctor). Not for daily long-term use.

Common Side Effects:

• Abdominal cramps, colic pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, or mild rectal irritation. Rare: Electrolyte imbalance (with prolonged or excessive use), allergic reactions (rash, itching), or dependence on laxatives with chronic overuse.

Package Type:

• Blister strip of 10, 20, 30, 40, or 100 tablets (most common in Ghana: 10s or 40s blister packs).

Storage Advice:

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep in original blister/packaging. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Not for use in children under 10 years (unless prescribed), acute abdominal pain of unknown cause, intestinal obstruction, undiagnosed rectal bleeding, severe dehydration, or inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis). Use caution in pregnancy (short-term use only), breastfeeding, or elderly patients (risk of dehydration/electrolyte imbalance). Do not use continuously for more than 7 days (risk of dependence and bowel atony). Drink plenty of fluids. Stop and seek medical help if no bowel movement after 3 days, severe cramps, blood in stool, or persistent diarrhea. Not for weight loss.

Product Substitutes:

• Generic Bisacodyl 5 mg gastro-resistant tablets (Exeter, Vega, or other importers in Ghana)
• Laxative brands: Correctol, Fleet Bisacodyl, Dulcolax generics
• Other stimulant laxatives: Senna tablets, Sodium picosulfate (Dulcolax Pico liquid), or Glycerol suppositories. Consult a pharmacist or doctor for suitable alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Boehringer Ingelheim

Country of Origin:

• Germany