Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets

  • Overnight relief
  • Laxative tablet

Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets are stimulant laxatives made to relieve occasional constipation. 

Each tablet contains 5 mg of the active ingredient, bisacodyl. Within 6 to 12 hours, a dual-action effect stimulates bowel muscles and hydrates the intestine using water in your body to soften stool and help you go. By stimulating bowel movements, Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets provide gentle, much-needed relief.

Voted most trusted Laxative brand. Logo of #1 Most Trusted award, BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards, by Pharmacists, 2023. Includes logo of Newsweek.

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Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets benefits

Relief in 6 to 12 hours

Provides gentle relief in a predictable time frame.

Relieves occasional constipation

2-in-1 action: rehydrates hard stool and stimulates muscles to ease movement and help you go.

Works with your body

Just one tablet overnight can provide you relief in the morning.

Comfort coated tablets provide targeted relief

The stomach-acid-resistant coating delivers the active ingredient to the colon, where it’s needed.

How does it work?

Press play to learn how Dulcolax Laxative Tablet works.

Use and dosage

Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets are recommended to be taken at night for a bowel movement the next morning. 

For adults and children over 12 years, it is recommended to start with the lowest dose (1 tablet) increasing the next day as needed. Do not take more than directed

Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets must be taken with a glass of water (swallowed, not chewed). 

Do not take Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets with foods or medications that reduce the acidity of the upper gastrointestinal tract such as milk or antacids (like Tums® or Rolaids®).

Adults and children 12 years of age and over:

  • 1 to 3 tablets in a single daily dose

Children 6 to under 12 years of age:

  • 1 tablet in a single daily dose

Children under 6 years of age:

  • Ask a doctor

Product information

    Active Ingredient (in each tablet):

    Bisacodyl USP 5 mg

    Purpose:

    Stimulant laxative

    Inactive ingredients:  acacia (senegal) gum, ammonium hydroxide, beeswax*, calcium carbonate*, carnauba wax, colloidal anhydrous silica*, corn starch, D&C red #30 aluminum lake*, D&C yellow #10 aluminum lake, FD&C yellow #6 aluminum lake*, glycerin*, glyceryl monostearate*, hypromellose*, iron oxides, lactose (monohydrate), magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid ethyl acrylate copolymer*, methylparaben, modified starch*, polydextrose*, polyethylene glycol (6000), polysorbate 80*, polyvinyl acetate phthalate*, povidone, propylene glycol, propylparaben, shellac, simethicone*, sodium alginate*, sodium benzoate, sodium bicarbonate*, stearic acid*, sucrose, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin*, triethyl citrate

    *May contain these ingredients.

    • for relief of occasional constipation and irregularity
    • this product generally produces bowel movement in 6-12 hours

    Do not use 

    • if you cannot swallow without chewing

    Ask a doctor before use if you have

    • stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
    • noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts more than 2 weeks

    When using this product 

    • it may cause stomach discomfort, faintness and cramps
    • do not chew or crush tablet(s)
    • do not use within 1 hour after taking an antacid or milk

    Stop use and ask a doctor if

    • you have rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after using this product. These could be signs of a serious condition.
    • you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week

    If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.

    Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

    • May contain FD&C and Yellow No. 6
    • do not use if individual blister unit is open or torn
    • store at 20°- 25°C (68° - 77°F)
    • protect from excessive humidity

Frequently asked questions

  • You may be able to use your HSA or FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase certain OTC products, including Dulcolax®. The passage of the CARES Act by Congress includes provisions to restore OTC eligibility under tax-preferred HSA and FSA accounts. Plan details vary, so save your receipt and check with your benefits or health provider for eligibility.

  • Adults and children 12 years of age and over can take 1 to 3 tablets in a single daily dose for up to 7 days. If this is the first time taking a laxative for constipation, we recommend starting with the lower dose (1 tablet), increasing up to 3 the following days if needed. We recommend taking the dose 30 to 60 minutes before your normal bedtime to produce a bowel movement the next morning. For children under 12 years of age, refer to the Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets Drug Facts for dosing information. If you are still constipated after 7 days using the product, stop taking it and consult a doctor.

  • You can take Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets at any time except within 1 hour of consuming dairy products (e.g. milk) or antacids. The tablets have a special “enteric coating,” which protects it from the acidic environment of the stomach and ensures it’s released in the small intestine, where it’s needed. Milk and antacids interfere on this enviroment, reason why they should not be consumed before ingesting Dulcolax tablets.

    For additional questions regarding usage, side effects, or storage instructions, please refer to the Dulcolax® Laxative Tablets Drug Facts Panel or contact your healthcare professional.

Dulcolax® family of products

Dulcolax® products help your digestive system get moving with gentle overnight, gradual, or fast-relief solutions. Find the Dulcolax®​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ product that’s right for you.

Stay informed

Occasional constipation is a common condition with a wide range of possible causes. We know how unpredictable and frustrating constipation can be, so we are here to help you identify the possible causes and learn how to address them.