DulcoLax^® Pearls

Dulcolax^® Pearls are available in pharmacies and in pharmacies based in groceries.

DulcoLax^® products, and any other laxatives, do not help with weight loss. They don’t reduce the absorption of calories or nutrients. They can cause watery stools (diarrhoea), abdominal cramps and dehydration.

There are several types of laxatives – each works differently to help you poo.

Stimulant laxatives
Stimulant laxatives including bisacodyl, the active substance in Dulcolax Suppositories, have a dual action. They transport water and salt into the gut which hydrates the poo and makes it easier to pass. In addition, they stimulate the activity of bowel muscles, causing your intestines to contract. Together, these two effects accelerate the transit of poo through the colon. Effectively, stimulating your bowel muscles helps get things moving.

Stool softener laxatives
Stool softeners are just that — products that help make hard, dry, painful poo softer. They work by softening the poo in the intestine, which makes it easier and more comfortable to pass. When used as directed, stool softeners are a gentle way to keep things moving.

Suppositories
Medicated suppositories are a typically reliable, fast-acting dosage form of stimulant laxative that are inserted into the rectum. These suppositories, which may contain bisacodyl or glycerin, help move the poo out of the body by providing lubrication and stimulation. They stimulate the bowel muscles in the intestine to help encourage a bowel movement within minutes.

Fibre supplements
Fibre supplements add bulk to your poo. Bulky poos are softer and easier to pass.
Osmotic laxatives
Osmotic or saline laxatives help poo move through the large intestine by drawing water from the rest of the body and into your bowel. This hydrates the poo and make it easier to pass. Saline laxatives can also help keep you regular.

The available data does not indicate a risk of habituation or dependence. Some people who suffer from constipation symptoms need to take laxatives continuously in order to maintain bowel movements without discomfort. People with chronic constipation cannot achieve regular bowel movements without discomfort, such as severe straining. However, this continuous use is not the result of previous laxative intake. Rather, it is their condition that makes continuous use necessary, and this should not be misunderstood as addiction.

Laxatives do not have addictive potential²³