Dulcolax 5mg Gastro-Resistant Constipation Laxative Tabs 2x20 tablets

Are Bisacodyl Laxative Tablets Right for Your Constipation?

Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints in the UK, affecting around one in seven adults at any given time. If you've been struggling with infrequent, difficult, or uncomfortable bowel movements, bisacodyl laxative tablets like Dulcolax 5mg offer a clinically established, over-the-counter option to get things moving again. Each pack contains 40 gastro-resistant tablets — two boxes of 20 — giving you a reliable supply at an accessible price. You can browse the full range of constipation treatments in our constipation collection if you'd like to compare your options before deciding.

Dulcolax has been used by patients across the UK for decades. The 5mg gastro-resistant tablets are coated specifically to prevent the active ingredient dissolving in the stomach, which helps reduce the risk of gastric irritation. That's a meaningful design feature — not just a marketing point.

How Do Dulcolax 5mg Tablets Work in the Body?

Bisacodyl belongs to a class of medicines called stimulant laxatives. Once the gastro-resistant coating dissolves in the small intestine, bisacodyl is absorbed and then acts locally on the nerve plexuses of the large bowel. The result? Increased peristalsis — the rhythmic muscular contractions that push stool towards the rectum.

• The enteric coating protects the stomach lining by delaying dissolution until the intestine.
• Bisacodyl stimulates the myenteric plexus, triggering coordinated bowel contractions.
• It also reduces water and electrolyte absorption in the colon, softening stool consistency.
• A bowel movement typically occurs within 6 to 12 hours of taking the tablet.

This mechanism makes bisacodyl laxative tablets particularly useful when you need predictable, overnight relief — take a tablet at bedtime and expect results by morning.

Who Is Dulcolax 5mg Suitable For?

These tablets are appropriate for a wide range of patients experiencing occasional constipation. They're not intended for long-term daily use, but they're well-suited to short-term relief when dietary changes and increased fluid intake haven't been enough.

• Adults aged 18 and over experiencing occasional constipation.
• Children aged 4 years and over (at a reduced dose of one tablet).
• Patients preparing for certain medical procedures where bowel clearance is needed (under medical supervision).
• Those who prefer a tablet form over suppositories or liquid laxatives.

If your constipation is linked to bloating, cramping, or changes in bowel habit, it may be worth exploring whether an underlying condition such as IBS is involved — our IBS and cramps collection has further options that may help alongside or instead of a stimulant laxative.

How Does Dulcolax Compare to Other Laxative Types?

How Should You Store Dulcolax 5mg Tablets?

Store your bisacodyl laxative tablets below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep them in their original blister packaging until use, and always store them out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack — even if they look unchanged, the coating integrity may be compromised.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Dulcolax 5mg and What Is It Used For?

Dulcolax 5mg gastro-resistant tablets contain bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative used to treat occasional constipation in adults and children aged 4 years and over. Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, or passing stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. According to the NHS, most people experience constipation at some point, and it's usually caused by not eating enough fibre, not drinking enough fluids, or a change in routine or diet.

These tablets are for short-term use only. They are not a substitute for dietary changes, adequate hydration, or physical activity — all of which the NHS recommends as first-line measures for managing constipation. If your symptoms are persistent or accompanied by blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or severe abdominal pain, you should see your GP before using any laxative.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Dulcolax 5mg?

Before taking these tablets, read the following carefully. There are situations where bisacodyl is not appropriate, and using it incorrectly can cause harm.

Do not use Dulcolax 5mg if you:

• Are allergic to bisacodyl or any other ingredient in the tablet.
• Have a bowel obstruction or ileus (paralysis of the bowel).
• Have severe dehydration.
• Have acute inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis during a flare.
• Are a child under 4 years of age.
• Have appendicitis or unexplained abdominal pain — laxatives can worsen these conditions.

Drug interactions to be aware of:

• Do not take antacids, milk, or dairy products within one hour of taking Dulcolax — they can dissolve the gastro-resistant coating too early.
• Proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole) may similarly affect the coating if taken at the same time.
• Excessive use of bisacodyl alongside diuretics or corticosteroids may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your pharmacist or GP before using this product. The NHS advises that stimulant laxatives should generally be avoided in pregnancy unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional.

How Should You Use Dulcolax 5mg Tablets?

1. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water — do not chew, crush, or break it.
2. Do not take within one hour of consuming milk, antacids, or dairy-based products.
3. Take at bedtime for a bowel movement the following morning.
4. Do not exceed the recommended dose for your age group.
5. Use for the shortest time necessary — no more than 5 consecutive days without medical advice.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Dulcolax 5mg?

Like all medicines, bisacodyl laxative tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and related to the medicine's action on the bowel.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Abdominal cramps or discomfort
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Dizziness or feeling faint (particularly when standing up quickly after a bowel movement)
• Rectal irritation or burning sensation
• Electrolyte disturbances with prolonged use (e.g. low potassium)
• Allergic reactions — rash, itching, or swelling (seek medical attention immediately)

If you experience severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool, or symptoms of dehydration such as extreme thirst or reduced urination, stop taking the tablets and contact your GP. You might also find it helpful to look at our haemorrhoids and piles collection if straining has caused additional discomfort in the rectal area.

How Should You Store Dulcolax 5mg Tablets?

• Store below 25°C in a dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Keep in the original blister packaging to protect from moisture.
• Store out of the reach and sight of children at all times.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused tablets to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

If you're managing a range of digestive health concerns alongside constipation, our indigestion collection includes products that may help with related symptoms such as bloating and acid discomfort.