Laxative Suppositories for Constipation Relief | Dulcolax® Stimulant Laxative Solutions (2024)

FAQs

What is the fastest suppository for constipation? ›

Dulcolax^® Suppositories provide fast and effective relief in as little as 15 to 60 minutes. Stimulates your bowel muscles while hydrating your gut to soften stools and make them easier to pass. Suppositories deliver the active ingredient directly into the rectum for effective relief where it's needed.

After taking Dulcolax tablets you should have a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. Dulcolax suppositories generally produces bowel movements in 15 minutes to 1 hour. Different people may however feel the effects at different times. Dulcolax (bisacodyl) is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements.

Read the instructions in the leaflet inside the package. They will explain how to use the suppository. Take the wrapping off and push a suppository gently into your anus (bottom). Suppositories work quickly (usually between 10 and 45 minutes), so use it when you know you will be near a toilet.

Rectal enemas and suppositories are the fastest acting laxatives available. These include saline and mineral oil enemas as well as glycerin and bisacodyl rectal suppositories. Common OTC products in this group include Fleet enema, Pedia-Lax, and the Magic Bullet.

It works by drawing water into the intestines. This effect usually results in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. For adults, the normal frequency of bowel movements varies from once daily to 1 to 2 times weekly.

Once the suppository has been inserted into the back passage it will melt, lubricating and softening the poo. They will stimulate the bowel muscles to contract. These contractions help to move the poo along and makes passing of them much easier.

Each type of laxative has specific benefits and possible side effects. Though using a suppository or enema in the rectum is not as convenient (or pleasant) as swallowing a pill, these manually inserted (or squirted) laxatives often work much faster to relieve symptoms.

Instead, over-the-counter drugs such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax and generic), bisacodyl (Dulcolax laxative tablets and generic), or senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot, and generic) are a far better choice. They tend to work at least as well, often have more evidence for their safety, and are much cheaper.

For best results, you should lie down for 15 to 20 minutes and try to retain the suppository for as long as you can. To retain the suppository means to keep the suppository in the rectum.

What if I take laxatives and still can't poop? ›

If laxatives and suppositories do not help, enema, water irrigation, or manual evacuation may be necessary. Prompt medical help for constipation can avoid fecal impaction, which can lead to damage in the rectum and other complications. If fecal impaction occurs, there are several treatment options.

Fleet enemas and glycerine suppositories are also safe and effective to use, especially when used in combined with MOM or fiber. It is important to determine if they include stimulant ingredients that will be mentioned later.

Bisacodyl stimulates the muscles in your intestines, so it tends to cause cramping and stomach discomfort.

Gently but firmly, push the suppository past the sphincter. The sphincter is the muscular opening of the rectum. For adults, push it in about 3 inches or far enough in so that it will not pop out. For children, depending on their size, push it in about 2 inches.

Crouching on a chair

Sitting a certain way for seven seconds is not proven to help constipation. However, changing your body posture while on the toilet can make things easier. Place your feet on a stool to place your knees higher than your hips.

Dulcolax^® Liquid is stimulant-free and works naturally with the water in your body to provide gentle, fast-acting constipation relief in as little as 30 minutes (30 minutes to 6 hours). Stool Softeners are also stimulant-free, but they have a longer acting time (12 to 72 hours).

If stool softeners aren't providing enough help, the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or a generic version) is good next step. These products hold water in stool to soften it and increase bowel movements. Common side effects are gas, bloating, and nausea.

What to do if poop is stuck? ›

What do I do? There are various reasons why your stool might be stuck and painful to pass. Depending on the cause, you can try eating more fiber to soften your stool or use an over-the-counter softener like Miralax. Exercise and abdominal massage might also help.

A provider will need to insert one or two fingers into the rectum and slowly break up the mass into smaller pieces so that it can come out. This process must be done in small steps to avoid causing injury to the rectum. Suppositories inserted into the rectum may be given between attempts to help clear the stool.

Avoid exercise or vigorous movement for 60 minutes after inserting the medication. Do not use petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to lubricate the suppository. This stops it from melting. Only use water, or a water-based lubricant.

Lie down on your side and use your finger to push the suppository well up into the rectum. Results often may be obtained with: bisacodyl suppositories in 15 minutes to 1 hour. carbon dioxide–releasing suppositories in 5 to 30 minutes.

Dulcolax^® Liquid is stimulant-free and works naturally with the water in your body to provide gentle, fast-acting constipation relief in as little as 30 minutes (30 minutes to 6 hours).

If you need to use this medication for more than 1 week, talk to your care team. Do not use any other laxatives with this medication. Drink fluids as directed to prevent dehydration. See your care team right away if you do not have a bowel movement within 1 hour of using this medication.