DULCOWYN Tablet 10's

INTRODUCTION

DULCOWYN TABLET contains Bisacodyl which belongs to the group of medicines called Laxatives. It is used to treat constipation. Constipation can be defined as difficulty in passing stools (feces). It occurs when the normal muscle movement of the gut slows down. It can be caused due to various reasons like changes in diet, pregnancy, medications, lack of physical activity or due to not drinking water adequately.

DULCOWYN TABLET can also be used to cleanse bowel prior to any surgeries or diagnostic procedures. While taking this medicine, exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables to achieve better results. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water/fluids.

DULCOWYN TABLET should be used only as a short-term therapy. Therefore, if you don’t see any improvement in your condition, consult your doctor for advice. Do not take this medicine for a prolonged period without consulting your doctor.

Before taking DULCOWYN TABLET inform your doctor if you have severe dehydration or kidney problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have any block or inflammation of the gut or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The most common side effects of taking DULCOWYN TABLET are nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain. Consult your doctor if they trouble you.

USES OF DULCOWYN TABLET

• Treats constipation
• Cleanses bowel prior to surgical and diagnostic procedures

HOW DULCOWYN TABLET WORKS

DULCOWYN TABLET is a laxative. It treats constipation by increasing the number of bowel movements. It also helps in retaining more water/fluid within the intestines which softens the hard stools, thus facilitating the easy passage of feces. It also helps in cleansing the bowel prior to certain diagnostic and surgical procedures.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take DULCOWYN TABLET 1 hour before meals or as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of the therapy for you based on your age, body weight and health condition. Do not take DULCOWYN TABLET for more than the duration recommended by your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS OF DULCOWYN TABLET

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Stick to simple meals and avoid oil rich or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if nausea worsens.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY

DULCOWYN TABLET should be used during pregnancy only if prescribed by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before taking it.

BREASTFEEDING

DULCOWYN TABLET does not pass through the breast milk. Therefore, it can be used in breastfeeding women.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if your ability is affected by DULCOWYN TABLET.

KIDNEY

DULCOWYN TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before taking it.

ALLERGY

Do not take DULCOWYN TABLET if you are allergic to Bisacodyl.

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug - Drug interactions:

Before taking DULCOWYN TABLET inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:

• other laxative medicines used for constipation such as lactulose, sodium picosulfate
• diuretics (used to eliminate water from the body via urine) such as bendrofluazide or furosemide
• corticosteroids (used to treat pain and inflammation) such as prednisolone
• digoxin (a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat)
• medicines used to treat stomach ulcers (such as ranitidine, pantoprazole)

B. Drug - Food interaction:

Avoid drinking milk or taking any dairy products (such as cheese or yogurt) along with DULCOWYN TABLET, as it may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine.

Overdosage:

Long-term or excessive use of DULCOWYN TABLET may cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle weakness and kidney problems. It may also make the gut muscles to become more dependent on this medicine for passing feces. Therefore, avoid prolong treatment on your own and consult your doctor for advice if you don’t see any improvement in your condition.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children
• Do not store this medicine above 25°C

FAQs ABOUT DULCOWYN TABLET

How long will it take for DULCOWYN TABLET to start working?

As DULCOWYN TABLET has to reach the colon for showing its effects, it may take around 6-12 hours for this medicine to start working. However, this period may vary from person-to-person based on their health condition and dosage taken by them.

How to get rid of constipation faster while taking DULCOWYN TABLET?

While taking this medicine, exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables to achieve better results. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water/fluids. Take this medicine at least 1 hour before meals and avoid drinking milk or taking any dairy products (such as cheese or yogurt) along with this medicine, as it may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine.

What is the use of DULCOWYN TABLET?

DULCOWYN TABLET is used for the short-term treatment of constipation. It also helps in cleansing bowel prior to surgical/diagnostic procedures.

How DULCOWYN TABLET works?

DULCOWYN TABLET is a laxative. It treats constipation by increasing the number of bowel movements. It also helps in retaining more water/fluid within the intestines which softens the hard stools, thus facilitating the easy passage of feces. It also helps in cleansing the bowel prior to certain diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Can DULCOWYN TABLET be used in children?

DULCOWYN TABLET can be used in children (aged 4 years or above). It is not recommended for use in children (aged below 4 years). Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before taking it.

Can DULCOWYN TABLET be used for long-term?

Avoid using DULCOWYN TABLET excessively or for long-term as it may cause severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, muscle weakness and kidney problems. It may also make the gut muscles to become more dependent on this medicine for passing feces.

Can DULCOWYN TABLET help with weight loss?

DULCOWYN TABLET does not help with weight loss. It has no effects on the absorption of calories and nutrients. Instead, due to water retention in the intestines, it may cause dehydration which might seem like a weight loss.

What medications must be avoided while taking DULCOWYN TABLET?

It is better to avoid diuretics (such as furosemide) and stomach ulcer medications (such as pantoprazole, ranitidine, omeprazole) along with DULCOWYN TABLET as they both can reduce its effectiveness.

Is it safe to use DULCOWYN TABLET?

DULCOWYN TABLET is safe at doses prescribed by the physician. It is generally safe and well tolerated when used for short-term (preferably not more than 5 days). However, excessive use or prolong use can cause unpleasant side effects.

Is DULCOWYN TABLET taken before food or after food?

Take DULCOWYN TABLET at least 1 hour before meals. This will help the medicine to fetch you better results.

Can a pregnant woman take DULCOWYN TABLET?

DULCOWYN TABLET should be used during pregnancy only if prescribed by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor for advice before taking it.

Can I take DULCOWYN TABLET daily?

It is advisable not to take DULCOWYN TABLET daily because it may make your gut muscles to become more dependent on this medicine for passing feces. Also, prolonged use may cause unpleasant reactions such as dehydration, muscle weakness, dizziness, headache and electrolyte imbalance.

What if I forgot to take DULCOWYN TABLET?

You can skip the dose in case if you have forgotten to take and continue with your next dose normally. Do not double dose to compensate the missed doses.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Drugs for Constipation and Diarrhea. Gastrointestinal Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page –674.

2. Sherly Lawrensia; Avais Raja. Bisacodyl. StatPearls [Internet]. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC. PubMed Central. October 2022. [Accessed on 14th December 2022]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547733/

3. S Kienzle-Horn, J-M Vix, C Schuijt, H Peil, C C Jordan, M A Kamm. Efficacy and safety of bisacodyl in the acute treatment of constipation: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC. PubMed Central. May 2006. [Accessed on 14th December 2022]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16669963/

4. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (UK) LtdA/S. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2020] [Accessed on 14th December 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.361.pdf

5. Healthcare Logistics. Dulcolax Tablets and Suppositories. [Revised in December 2021] [Accessed on 14th December 2022] https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/d/dulcolax.pdf

6. Bisacodyl. NHS. UK. [Revised in June 2021]. [Accessed on 14th December 2022]. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/bisacodyl/

AUTHOR DETAILS

Written By Srilekha. R, B.Pharm
Last updated on 14 Dec 2022 | 06:09 PM(IST)