Dulcolax is a stool softener that is also called Bisacodyl by its generic name. This drug helps to relieve constipation by accumulating fluid in the colon to evacuate bowel movements. Your doctor may also prescribe Dulcolax if you need to clean out the colon before bowel examinations or bowel surgery. It is available over the counter in tablets or suppositories, and by prescription.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Most frequent side effects of Dulcolax include abdominal cramps, nausea and possibly diarrhea or a burning sensation of the rectum (if the suppository is used). You can experience gastric irritation if you crush or chew Dulcolax, or take it with milk. This happens because the enteric coating around the drug is removed by those actions.
Dehydration
Since the stool softener acts by accumulating fluid in the colon to help move the bowels, drink plenty of water because of the risk for dehydration. Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalances affecting all body systems, hypotension (decreased blood pressure) and headache. According to "Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses," you should increase your fluid intake to at least 2000 ml (milliliters) a day, which is roughly eight glasses.
Side Effects of Chronic Use
Make sure you take Dulcolax for short-term therapy, its intended use. You can become dependent if you are chronically using the medication because it causes muscle weakness in the rectum. Chronic use can also cause hypokalemia, which is a decrease of the important electrolyte potassium in your body. Symptoms of hypokalemia include muscle weakness and cramping. Get medical help if you feel irregular heartbeats or palpitations, because severe depletion of potassium can cause cardiac arrest.
References
- "Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses"; Judith Hopfer Deglin, PharmD; April Hazard Vallerand, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN; 2009
