Can You Buy Dulcolax Over The Counter ((FREE))

Colace and Dulcolax are two over-the-counter (OTC) medications that help treat constipation. Constipation is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by having three or fewer bowel movements per week, hard or lumpy stools, stools that are difficult to pass, or the feeling that you have not completely passed the stool. Bowel habits do vary from person to person. Patients experiencing constipation may describe the feeling of bloating or pressure in their bowels.

can you buy dulcolax over the counter

While this article will only compare Colace and Dulcolax, there are obviously a variety of over-the-counter laxatives. Seek the medical advice of a healthcare professional to determine which type of laxative one may be right for you.

Colace (docusate sodium) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat and relieve the symptoms of constipation. Colace acts as a surfactant and lowers the surface tension of oil and water in the stool. This allows lipids and moisture to penetrate the stool, producing a softer stool that can move more easily through the gastrointestinal tract. Colace is classified as a stool softener but is not considered a laxative because it does not directly stimulate motility. It may take one to three days for stool softening to occur therefore Colace will not typically provide quick relief of constipation symptoms. Colace (What is Colace?) is available in 50 mg and 100 mg oral softgel capsules, and 10 mg/ml and 60 mg/15ml oral solutions. There are also glycerin suppositories and stool softener and laxative combinations available under the Colace trade name.

Dulcolax (bisacodyl EC) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat and relieve the symptoms of constipation. Dulcolax is a laxative and works by directly stimulating peristaltic movement by irritating the mucosa of the intestine. This stimulation physically moves the stool through the tract. Dulcolax produces its desired effect more quickly than Colace, typically within 8-12 hours with oral administration. Dulcolax (What is Dulcolax?) is available in enteric-coated 5 mg and 10 mg tablets as well as a 10mg rectal suppository. There are stool softeners and other products available under the Dulcolax trade name.

There are several factors about each drug to keep in mind when selecting what is right for you. One factor would be how quickly you expect relief. Dulcolax suppositories typically work within a few hours but may cause some discomfort. Dulcolax tablets typically provide relief overnight, within 8 to 12 hours. Colace may take one to three days to produce a bowel movement.

Colace is an over-the-counter medication that is typically not covered by commercial or Medicare drug insurance plans. On average, a bottle of Colace will cost over $15. If you have a prescription you could pay as little as $4.26 with a coupon from SingleCare.

Dulcolax is an over-the-counter medication that is typically not covered by commercial or Medicare drug insurance plans. The average retail price of a 12-count box of Dulcolax suppositories is almost $12. You could pay as little as $6.10 with this coupon from SingleCare, if you get a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Colace is an over-the-counter stool softener used in the prevention and treatment of constipation. Colace is available in 50 mg and 100 mg oral softgel capsules, and 10 mg/ml and 60 mg/15ml oral solutions.

Many safe, effective over-the-counter laxatives are available to treat occasional constipation in a variety of ways. However, it's very important to read the label directions carefully and to use them as directed. Overuse of laxatives may cause you to become dependent on them for a bowel movement.

Other drugs may interact with bisacodyl, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Dulcolax belongs to a group of medicines called stimulant laxatives, and is used to relieve constipation. It is available in two formulations: Tablets, which are to be swallowed whole, and an oral suspension which is "Tutti frutti" flavoured. You can buy Dulcolax tablets and liquid over the counter without a prescription.

The usual starting dose for adults, and children aged 4 years and over, is 5mg, taken once a day at bedtime. A doctor may prescribe higher doses (up to a maximum of 20mg, taken once a day) if necessary.

So go home and eat lots of fiber. But remember, what's already in your gut has slowed down and you need to get that moving. So within a day or two after surgery if you haven't had a bowel movement, you could talk to your surgeon or you could buy over-the-counter or something called Dulcolax. And this is something that is a stimulant. So you want to prepare your gut with fiber and water. So those are laxatives in terms of bulk laxatives, but they don't stimulate your gut.

Constipation can usually be treated with medicines called laxatives. Many laxatives are available over-the-counter (OTC). This means you can buy them at the store without a prescription from your doctor. Some may be called stool softeners or fiber supplements.

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Dulcolax Tablets are used to relieve the symptoms of constipation. Each tablet contains 5 mg of Bisacodyl which helps to gently stimulate the bowel muscles. This creates predictable, overnight relief from constipation to help return the body to its natural rhythm.

Adults and children over 10 years old, take one or two tablets (5 or 10 mg) daily before bedtime. If you have not taken Dulcolax tablets before start with one tablet and then increase to two if necessary. When bowel movement has returned to normal, the dose can be stopped.

Never take more than the recommended dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

Complaints related to constipation account for over 2.5 million physician visits every year.5 In addition, persons seeking symptomatic relief of constipation spend more than $400 million per year on laxatives.6

Questions about the patient's use of both prescription medications and over-the-counter preparations can identify agents with side effect profiles that contribute to constipation (Table 2). This inquiry is especially important in older patients who may be taking more than a dozen medications and supplements. The content of health food supplements, vitamins and homeopathic remedies is not regulated, and these items may contain agents that contribute to constipation (e.g., anticholinergic agents).

Bulk-forming laxatives are natural or synthetic polysaccharide or cellulose derivatives that cause water to be retained in the colon and thereby increase stool bulk. These laxatives have few potential adverse effects and are effective in slowly reversing the symptoms of constipation. In fact, their use is essentially the same as increasing fiber in the diet. However, a number of bulking agents, psyllium in particular, at least initially result in gas formation and bloating. These problems may be partially overcome by starting a bulk-forming laxative at less than the recommended dosage and gradually increasing to the recommended level over a few weeks.

Stimulant laxatives are by far the most frequently prescribed and purchased class of laxatives. These agents promote stooling by altering electrolyte transport in the intestinal mucosa and increasing colonic motility. With chronic use, however, stimulant laxatives may damage the myenteric plexus and result in colonic dysmotility. As previously noted, anthraquinone derivatives such as senna, cascara and aloe may cause colonic mucosal pigmentation and are thought to directly damage the myenteric nerves. Phenolphthalein, a common ingredient in some over-the-counter laxative preparations, has been associated with photosensitivity, dermatitis and the Stevens-Johnson syndrome. (Phenolphthalein is no longer on the market in the United States but is still available elsewhere in the world.)

The bedridden or chair-bound patient presents special problems. The use of potent laxatives may lead to fecal soiling because the patient may not be able to identify or rapidly respond to the defecatory urge. However, bulking agents may promote regularity and soft stools. Behavioral programs (i.e., stool training or timing) are especially important. Positioning the patient over the toilet and using tap-water enemas may also be successful.

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