Dulcolax 5mg Gastro Resistant – 20 Tablets

Description

Dulcolax 5mg Gastro Resistant – 20 Tablets

Dulcolax 5mg Gastro Resistant Tablets contain bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative used to relieve constipation and help restore regular bowel movements. They are also used to prepare the bowel before medical procedures or surgery.

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How It Works

Bisacodyl works by stimulating the muscles in the walls of the large bowel, encouraging them to contract and move stools along. The gastro-resistant (enteric) coating protects the tablet from dissolving in the stomach, so it is released further down in the intestines where it is needed most. This helps the medicine work effectively and reduces stomach irritation.

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Directions for Use

Adults and children aged 10 years and over: Take 1 to 2 tablets (5mg to 10mg) once daily at night. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water — do not chew or crush them. Do not take with milk or antacids, and avoid taking them within one hour of eating or drinking dairy products. Results are usually seen within 10 to 12 hours. Do not use for more than 5 consecutive days without medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. If you are unsure about the correct dose, speak to your PillSorted pharmacist.

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Active Ingredients

• Bisacodyl 5mg per tablet

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Possible Side Effects

• Abdominal cramps or discomfort
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Feeling of rectal burning or irritation
• Electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use (e.g., low potassium levels)
• Rarely, allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching

If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking this medicine and seek medical advice immediately.

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Who Should Not Take This Medicine

• Children under 10 years of age
• People with a known allergy to bisacodyl or any other ingredient in the tablet
• People with intestinal obstruction or ileus (blocked bowel)
• People with acute inflammatory bowel conditions (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis during a flare)
• People with severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting of unknown cause
• People with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption

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Interactions

Taking bisacodyl with diuretics (water tablets) or corticosteroids may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance, particularly low potassium levels. Do not take this medicine within one hour of antacids or milk, as these can cause the enteric coating to dissolve too early, leading to stomach irritation. Excessive use of laxatives alongside other medicines may affect how those medicines are absorbed. Tell your PillSorted pharmacist or doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.

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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Bisacodyl is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, as there is limited safety data available. There is some evidence that bisacodyl or its metabolites may pass into breast milk in small amounts. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

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Alcohol

There is no known direct interaction between bisacodyl and alcohol. However, alcohol can contribute to dehydration, which may worsen constipation or increase the risk of side effects such as electrolyte imbalance. It is advisable to drink plenty of water when taking this medicine and to consume alcohol in moderation.

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Driving and Operating Machinery

Dulcolax Gastro Resistant Tablets are not known to cause drowsiness or to impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. You should be able to drive as normal while taking this medicine, provided you do not experience any side effects that affect your concentration or alertness.

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Storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the tablets in their original packaging. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.

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Important Information

• This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking any other medication or complementary therapy.
• If symptoms worsen or persist, contact your doctor.
• If pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before use.
• If you suffer from allergies, confirm suitability with your PillSorted pharmacist before use.
• Store out of sight and reach of children.
• Read the enclosed patient information leaflet carefully before use.
• Contact your GP where appropriate.

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Patient Information Leaflet

For the full Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for this medicine, visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). For further information about this medicine, visit NHS.uk.

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This content has been medically reviewed and approved by Zeinab Ardeshir (GPhC 2075730), Superintendent Pharmacist at PillSorted (GPhC-registered online pharmacy 9011258). Last reviewed: February 2026.

Brand	Dulcolax