Dulcolax Products for Constipation

Written by Ami Ishver, PharmD
Medically Reviewed by Beth Johnston, PharmD, BCPS on September 30, 2025
3 min read

Dulcolax products are used to treat constipation. Constipation is when it is hard for you to poop or you poop less often than what is normal for you.

Dulcolax products have different active ingredients that work in different ways in your body to help you go to the bathroom:

Stimulant Laxative (Bisacodyl). This ingredient works on the muscles in your intestines and brings water into your poop. This helps your poop get softer and move through and out of your body.

Saline Laxative (Magnesium Hydroxide). This ingredient pulls water into your poop, which helps to soften it.

Stool Softener (Docusate). This ingredient helps water and fat mix into your poop more easily to make it soft. This helps your poop move through your body more easily.

There are Dulcolax products for adults and children as young as 2 years old.

Side effects can be different depending on the ingredients in the product you are taking. Some people may feel stomach discomfort, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. If you use a suppository, you might feel some rectal burning.

Stop using the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

Almost all Dulcolax products are taken by mouth, except for one product that comes as a suppository. Dulcolax products that are taken by mouth should be taken with a full glass of liquid (at least 8 oz). Dulcolax may start working at different times, depending on what product you are taking. Some products may start working minutes after you take it, while others may start working hours after you take it. Read the label on the Dulcolax product you are using to learn more.

Before taking any Dulcolax product, talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • A sudden change in your pooping pattern that lasts for more than two weeks
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Talk to your health care provider if you are taking a Dulcolax product with magnesium hydroxide, follow a magnesium-restricted diet, or have kidney disease.

Stop taking Dulcolax and talk to your health care provider if you need to use a laxative, such as Dulcolax, for one week or more, have bleeding from your butt (rectal bleeding), or are not able to poop after using the medicine. There are certain Dulcolax products (Dulcolax Liquid Gels, Dulcolax Tablets, and Dulcolax Pink Tablets) that should not be taken within one hour after drinking milk or taking an antacid.

There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Dulcolax product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.

Choosing the Right Dulcolax Product

You can choose the right Dulcolax product by deciding when you want to get relief.

If you want relief overnight (works in 6-12 hours)

These products contain a stimulant laxative (bisacodyl). They are best to take at night so you can go to the bathroom in the morning.

  • Dulcolax Liquid Gels
  • Dulcolax Tablets
  • Dulcolax Pink Tablets

If you want very fast relief (works in 15-60 minutes)

This product contains a stimulant laxative (bisacodyl) and is the fastest way to get relief.

  • Dulcolax Suppository

If you want fast and gentle relief (works in 30 minutes to six hours)

These products contain a saline laxative (magnesium hydroxide) and are known to be cramp-free.

  • Dulcolax Liquid
  • Dulcolax Soft Chews
  • Dulcolax Kids Soft Chews
  • Dulcolax Chewy Fruit Bites

If you want the most gentle relief (works in 12-72 hours)

This product is a stool softener (docusate) that works slowly and is good for people who need gentle help.

  • Dulcolax Stool Softener