Dulcolax Laxative Suppositories 10mg - 12 Suppositories

What Are Dulcolax Bisacodyl Suppositories 10mg?

Constipation is something most people experience at some point — and when it strikes, you want relief that actually works. Bisacodyl suppositories are a well-established, clinically proven option for adults and children over 10 who need fast, targeted relief from constipation. Each Dulcolax suppository contains 10mg of bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative that acts directly on the bowel wall rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream. This pack contains 12 suppositories, giving you a reliable supply at home. You can browse our full range of constipation treatments if you'd like to compare your options.

Dulcolax is one of the most recognised laxative brands in the UK, and the suppository form is particularly useful when oral medicines are not suitable — for example, if you're experiencing nausea, have difficulty swallowing, or need a quicker onset of action than tablets can provide.

How Do Dulcolax Suppositories Work?

Bisacodyl works as a stimulant laxative. Once inserted rectally, it acts locally on the mucosa of the large intestine. Here's what happens:

• Bisacodyl stimulates the nerve endings in the bowel wall, triggering peristaltic contractions — the wave-like muscle movements that push stool along.
• It also increases the secretion of water and electrolytes into the bowel lumen, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass.
• Because the suppository is inserted directly into the rectum, it bypasses the digestive system entirely, meaning it acts faster than oral laxatives — typically within 15 to 30 minutes.
• Systemic absorption is minimal, so the effects remain largely local to the bowel.

This targeted mechanism is why bisacodyl suppositories are often preferred when speed matters or when oral intake is not possible.

Who Should Use Dulcolax Suppositories?

These suppositories are suitable for a range of situations. They're commonly used for short-term constipation relief, but they're also used clinically to prepare the bowel before certain medical examinations or procedures. They may be particularly helpful if:

• You have occasional or short-term constipation and need relief within the hour.
• You cannot take oral laxatives due to nausea, vomiting, or swallowing difficulties.
• You are an adult or a child aged 10 years or over (under medical guidance for children).
• You need bowel preparation before a medical procedure, as directed by your healthcare team.

If you're also managing related digestive discomfort, it may be worth exploring our IBS and cramps range for complementary support.

How Do Dulcolax Suppositories Compare to Oral Laxatives?

How Should You Store Dulcolax Suppositories?

Store your bisacodyl suppositories below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate unless the packaging specifically instructs you to, as this can make insertion more uncomfortable. Keep them in their original packaging and out of reach of children. Check the expiry date before use — do not use suppositories past their use-by date.

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 and What Is It Used For?

Dulcolax Laxative Suppositories 10mg contain bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative used to treat constipation and to prepare the bowel before medical examinations or surgical procedures. Constipation is defined as passing fewer than three stools per week, or passing stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. It's a common condition — the NHS estimates it affects around one in seven adults and one in three children in the UK at any given time. The suppository form delivers bisacodyl directly to the rectum, producing a bowel movement typically within 15 to 30 minutes.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Dulcolax Suppositories?

Do not use Dulcolax suppositories if any of the following apply to you:

• You are allergic to bisacodyl or any other ingredient in the suppository.
• You have a bowel obstruction or ileus (paralysis of the bowel).
• You have severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting of unknown cause.
• You have inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (unless directed by a doctor).
• You have anal fissures, rectal bleeding, or haemorrhoids that are actively bleeding — if you're managing haemorrhoids, see our haemorrhoids and piles range for appropriate products.
• You are pregnant — always consult your GP or midwife before using any laxative during pregnancy.
• The patient is a child under 10 years of age.

Known drug interactions to be aware of:

• Diuretics and corticosteroids: concurrent use may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance, particularly low potassium (hypokalaemia).
• Antiarrhythmic medicines: electrolyte disturbances caused by overuse of laxatives may affect how these medicines work.
• Other laxatives: avoid using multiple laxative products simultaneously without medical advice.

How Should You Use Dulcolax Suppositories?

Always use this medicine exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as directed by your pharmacist or doctor. The suppository is for rectal use only — it must not be swallowed.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling the suppository.
2. Remove the suppository from its foil packaging carefully.
3. Lie on your left side with your knees drawn up towards your chest (the left lateral position).
4. Gently insert the suppository pointed end first into the rectum, pushing it in as far as is comfortable — approximately 3cm for adults.
5. Remain lying down for a few minutes to allow the suppository to dissolve and begin working.
6. Try to retain the suppository for at least 15 to 20 minutes before going to the toilet.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Dulcolax Suppositories?

Like all medicines, Dulcolax suppositories can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. If you're also taking medicines for pain management, it's worth checking our pain relief range and speaking to a pharmacist about any interactions.

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

• Rectal irritation or a burning sensation after insertion
• Abdominal cramps or discomfort
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea

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

• Rectal bleeding (small amounts)
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use (e.g. low potassium)
• Dizziness or faintness, particularly in elderly patients

Stop using the suppositories and seek medical advice if you experience rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or if constipation persists after 5 days of use.

How Should You Store Dulcolax Suppositories?

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.
• Do not store in the bathroom or near sources of heat or moisture.
• Keep in the original packaging to protect from light.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicines to your pharmacy.