Dulcolax how long does it last

Here are 6 ways to live a more active life. If you feel like you have to have a bowel movement, be sure to go at your earliest convenience. Laxatives can help relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Learn more about natural laxatives. While laxatives and stool softeners can help you overcome a bout of constipation, these medications come with side effects.

Bulk-forming laxatives such as Metamucil and FiberCon may help you find relief from constipation. Before you start taking them, learn about their…. Stimulant laxatives are one of the five basic laxative types. Stimulant laxatives relieve constipation by triggering the intestines to contract and…. Learn what typical bowel movements should include, as well as tips to poop more…. Citrucel powder is a type of fiber supplement used for constipation.

This article explains its uses, effectiveness, and potential side effects. Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems. Learn more about the possible causes and how to treat constipation. Kombucha is a fizzy drink that's full of health benefits, but you may want to know whether it can help relieve constipation. This article explains…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. What are laxatives? Time table. Type of laxative How long does it take to work? Emollient 12 to 72 hours Bulk-forming 12 to 24 hours some effect 48 to 72 hours full effect Lubricant 6 to 8 hours Hyperosmotic 48 to 72 hours lactulose 30 minutes to 3 hours saline 6 hours or longer polymer Stimulant 6 to 12 hours Suppositories 15 to 30 minutes. Emollient laxatives.

Bulk-forming laxatives. Take the container with you, even if it is empty. This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you. If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with your other medicines.

Dated October Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

For details see our conditions. Bisacodyl should only be used to provide short-term relief from constipation. You may be prescribed laxatives on a long-term basis to counter the side effects of some medications or medical conditions.

But this should be under strict medical supervision, and after discussions with your doctor about when to start and stop treatment. Bloated stomach? Straining to pass stools?

Our digestive systems are sensitive, and are easily affected by changes in routine, stress and anxiety. If you find yourself getting constipated when you're stressed, you're definitely not alone. If you're worried, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Common side effects Common side effects, which happen in more than 1 in people, are: feeling sick nausea diarrhoea stomach pain or cramps These side effects are mild and usually go away after a couple of days. Serious side effects Call your doctor straight away if these rare side effects happen to you: feeling dizzy blood in your poo being sick vomiting Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to bisacodyl.

Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: feeling sick — try taking bisacodyl with some food. It may also help if you avoid rich or spicy food. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration , such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. Bisacodyl and pregnancy Bisacodyl tablets or suppositories are not generally recommended if you are pregnant.

Bisacodyl and breastfeeding If your doctor or midwife recommends bisacodyl, rather than lactulose or Fybogel, it's OK to use it while you're breastfeeding. Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:. Some medicines, and some foods, affect the way bisacodyl works. They include: medicines that make you pee more diuretics , steroids like prednisolone or digoxin a heart medicine — these can upset the balance of salts and minerals in your body if you have too much bisacodyl.

If you are taking digoxin, this imbalance makes it more likely you will have the serious side effects of digoxin. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking bisacodyl if you are taking any of these medicines. They can also make the bisacodyl irritate your stomach and give you indigestion.

Do not take bisacodyl at the same time. Leave a gap of 1 hour before or after taking bisacodyl if you are having indigestion remedies.

Mixing bisacodyl with herbal remedies or supplements There is not enough research to know if complementary medicines and herbal remedies are safe to take with bisacodyl. Important: Medicine safety Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. How does bisacodyl work? When will I feel better? Bisacodyl tablets usually work within 6 to 12 hours after taking them.

How long will I take bisacodyl for? Do not take bisacodyl every day for more than 5 days. If you are still constipated after 5 days, talk to your doctor. Is it safe to take bisacodyl for a long time? Can I take different laxatives together? Are other laxatives any better? Will it affect my fertility? Will it affect my contraception?

Is there any food and drink I need to avoid? Can I drink alcohol with it? Yes, you can drink alcohol with bisacodyl. Can I use bisacodyl after surgery? Can lifestyle changes help with constipation? Before trying bisacodyl, or to stop your constipation coming back, it may help to: eat more fibre — aim for about 30g of fibre a day.