Dulcolax® Twelve Plus 10mg suppositories
Dulcolax® Twelve Plus Suppositories are what we call a 'stimulant laxative'. It gives you relief from occasional constipation symptoms - and fast - working in about 20 minutes (Usual range 10 to 30 minutes).
With its dual action, Dulcolax® Twelve Plus Suppositories transport water and salt into your gut to hydrate poo and make it easier to pass. The suppositories also stimulate the bowel muscles, causing your intestines to contract. These two actions combined accelerate the transit of poo through your colon, so you can start to feel free inside and out. Available at pharmacy only.
Benefits of Dulcolax® Twelve Plus suppositories
Quick relief in 10-30 min
Provides fast, effective relief, so you'll feel more comfortable in minutes
Gets things moving
Stimulates the muscles of the colon and increases the water content, which helps soften the stool
Acts where it’s needed
Acts locally, directly in the colon where it’s needed without any negative effects on gut flora
Use and dosage
The suppository must be unwrapped and inserted into the rectum - pointed end first 4. There's no need to remove it. It will dissolve and leave your body with your poo.
Adults and children over 12 years old:
- 1 suppository per day
Suitable for people with diabetes and coeliac disease
What's in the product?
Bisacodyl
Dulcolax® Twelve Plus suppositories contain bisacodyl which has a dual action. First, it stimulates the smooth muscles of your intestinal walls to get things moving. Second, it increases the water content in your gut to soften your poo and make it easier to pass. As this treatment for constipation is applied directly into the rectum, it acts exactly where it’s needed - and fast. Within minutes, you can expect to go to the loo and feel more comfortable.
How does it work?
As soon as it makes contact with your colon, the stimulant laxative bisacodyl - that's contained in the suppository - will speed up the transition of poo through the colon.
But how does it do this? This treatment for constipation works by doing two things. Number one, it softens your stool, so it's easier to pass. Number two, it stimulates your bowel muscles, making them contract. This gets things moving and gets you going in about 20 minutes (10 to 30 minutes). Though the precise time depends on the individual2,4,5.
Because the suppository is placed directly in your rectum, it doesn't have to travel through your stomach and small intestine to work, so the active content is released exactly where it is needed.
Frequently asked questions
When we start talking about constipation, the same questions often pop up. Here they are, along with the answers.
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Dulcolax® stimulates muscles in charge of bowel movements to give your body a little nudge. It also transports water and salt into your gut.
DulcoEase® is a stool softener which has a softening effect on poo and stimulating effect on the bowel.
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The laxative provides a reliable, efficient and quick local action for adults and children over 12 years of age who are experiencing occasional constipation.
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Dulcolax® Twelve Plus Suppositories should not be taken in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice before taking Dulcolax® Twelve Plus Suppositories during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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You shouldn’t take the constipation relief suppositories on a continuous daily basis or for extended periods without investigating the cause of your constipation. Prolonged excessive use may lead to fluid and electrolyte loss and potassium deficiency. Laxatives should be used for no more than 5 days, as infrequently as possible (with a maximum of 1 suppository per day). For longer use, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
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Dulcolax® suppositories can be taken at any time during the day. Bear in mind, you'll need to go to the loo around 20 minutes after insertion into the rectum2 (though this can be anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes). So you'll want to be near a toilet.
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The suppository is meant for rectal use. Take it out of its wrapper and insert it into the rectum from the tip side (the pointed end). There's no need to remove the medicine. It will dissolve on its own and leave your body along with your poo.
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The active ingredient in Dulcolax® Twelve Plus Suppositories is bisacodyl. It acts directly on the colon’s muscles and also encourages the transport of water and salt into the gut. This dual action initiates bowel movements and softens your poo, making going to the toilet an easier, more comfortable experience. The effects will be quick, generally between 10 and 30 minutes.
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Like every medication, there are some side effects, though not everybody experiences them. The most common side effects are abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
If you experience any side effects, please stop taking the medicine and see your doctor straight away.
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Dulcolax® Twelve Plus 10 mg suppositories, containing 10 mg of bisacodyl, is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.
Dulcolax® Twelve Plus 10 mg suppositories should not be taken by people who are allergic to the active substance (bisacodyl) or to any of the other ingredients in the product.
Also do not take Dulcolax® Twelve Plus 10 mg suppositories if:
- You are severely dehydrated
- You have a bowel condition called “ileus” (blockage in the intestine)
- You have a serious abdominal condition such as appendicitis
- You have severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting
- You have a blocked bowel (intestinal obstruction)
- You have inflammation of the bowel (small or large intestine) subject to hereditary conditions, which are incompatible with its active substance or any of the other ingredients.
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You can download it by clicking here.
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Dulcolax® Twelve Plus Suppositories are available in pharmacies and in pharmacies based in groceries.
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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.
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There are several types of laxatives – each works differently to help you poo.
Stimulant laxatives
Stimulant laxatives including bisacodyl, the active substance in Dulcolax®, 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 safe, 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. Fibre supplements are traditionally considered as the first-line treatment.
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.
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Available data doesn’t indicate a risk of habituation or addiction6, 7. Some people suffering from constipation symptoms need to use laxatives constantly to maintain bowel movements without complaints. But this constant use is not known to be the result of prior laxative intake. It is rather their condition causing the need for repeat use and this should not be misinterpreted as addiction.
Addiction does not have a pharmacological basis because most laxatives are not absorbed, and none cross the blood brain barrier which means they don’t reach the brain to cause physical addiction6, 7.
The Dulco® range
Dulco® products help get your digestive system moving. There are different types of relief available, including gradual relief, overnight relief and fast relief. All help your mind and body feel clear again.
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DulcoEase® Capsules
DulcoEase® Capsules are a gentle and effective laxative that gradually relieve constipation. The dual effect action softens poo and stimulates the bowel, resulting in an increase in bowel movements and softer poo that's easier to pass.
Dulcolax® Adult Tablets
Dulcolax® Tablets provide targeted relief that works away whilst you sleep, stimulating your natural bowel movement in harmony with your body. Take at night in the comfort of your own home to make it easier to pass poo when you wake up (between 6-12 hours later). So, you can expect to feel good inside and out.
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid oral solution
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid is a fruit flavoured liquid solution that provides predictable, overnight relief from constipation in 6-12 hours.
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Dulcolax® Adult Tablets
Dulcolax® Tablets provide targeted relief that works away whilst you sleep, stimulating your natural bowel movement in harmony with your body. Take at night in the comfort of your own home to make it easier to pass poo when you wake up (between 6-12 hours later). So, you can expect to feel good inside and out.
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid oral solution
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid is a fruit flavoured liquid solution that provides predictable, overnight relief from constipation in 6-12 hours.
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DulcoEase® Capsules
DulcoEase® Capsules are a gentle and effective laxative that gradually relieve constipation. The dual effect action softens poo and stimulates the bowel, resulting in an increase in bowel movements and softer poo that's easier to pass.
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Stay in the know
Constipation can be bothersome and persistent. Because we know how frustrating and stressful it can be, we can help you identify the causes of your constipation and how to prevent it.
Which daily habits can cause constipation?
There are things we do during the day that can have an impact on our digestive system. Stress, travel, diet and lifestyle can all cause constipation. But fear not, there are some simple changes you can make to get things moving again.
Why can travel cause constipation?
Constipation can happen when your life or daily routine changes. For example, travelling can sometimes shake things up and change your bowel movements. Adapting to new time zones, new foods and new environments can trigger your digestive system to get constipated.
Why can stress cause constipation?
Our digestive system is sensitive to stress. Whether you’re experiencing stress at work, fighting against deadlines or going through a tough time in a relationship, it can all impact heavily on your digestive system. Healthy mind, healthy body.
Why does getting older cause constipation?
As we get older, our bowel muscles need a little more time to move food and poo through the intestines. That's why constipation is common in elderly people - and it can have a considerable impact on their quality of life. Understand how age can change your body and how to adapt to help yourself feel better.
Why does pregnancy cause constipation?
During pregnancy, certain hormones increase and trigger lots of changes in the body. Pregnant women often suffer from difficult and irregular trips to the toilet, as well as abdominal pain and discomfort. Although not dangerous in most cases, it's important to deal with constipation properly in pregnancy.
1. Kamm, M. A. et. al. Oral bisacodyl is effective and well-tolerated in patients with chronic constipation. Clin.Gastroenterol.Hepatol. 2011; 9(7):577-583.
2. Müller-Lissner S. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations for the current chronic constipation treatments. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2013 Apr;9(4):391-401.
4. Adil E. Bharucha and Brian E. Lacy Mechanisms, Evaluation, and Management of Chronic Constipation Gastroenterology 2020;158:1232–1249
3. Corsetti M, Landes S, Lange R. Bisacodyl: A review of pharmacology and clinical evidence to guide use in clinical practice in patients with constipation. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2021 Mar 9:e14123. doi: 10.1111/nmo.14123. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33751780.
5. Sanofi. Company Core Data on file Dulcolax® 2017.
6. Bellini M, Gambaccini D, Usai-Satta P, De Bortoli N, Bertani L, Marchi S, Stasi C. Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation: Fact and fiction. World J Gastroenterol. 2015 Oct 28;21(40):11362-70.
7. Müller-Lissner SA, Kamm MA, Scarpignato C, Wald A. Myths and misconceptions about chronic constipation. Am J Gastroenterol. 2005 Jan;100(1):232-42.
