Skip to main content

How and when to take or use bisacodyl - Brand name: Dulcolax

Always follow the advice of a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Dosage for bisacodyl tablets

The usual dose of bisacodyl tablets for adults and young people aged 12 years and over is 5mg to 10mg, taken once a day at bedtime.

If you have not taken bisacodyl before, start with one 5mg tablet. If that does not work you can increase the dose to a maximum of two tablets (10mg) at bedtime.

Important: Information for ages 12 to 17

Only give bisacodyl tablets that you buy to a young person aged 12 to 17 years if a doctor or pharmacist recommends it.

Dosage for bisacodyl suppositories

The usual dose is:

  • adults and children aged 10 years and over – one 10mg suppository, used once a day in the morning
  • children aged 4 to 9 years (on doctor's advice only) – one 5mg suppository, used once a day in the morning

How to take or use bisacodyl

How to take tablets

Take bisacodyl tablets once a day just before bedtime.

You can take them with or without food. Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not take them with milk.

Do not take bisacodyl tablets at the same time as:

  • dairy products such as milk, cheese or yoghurt
  • indigestion remedies (antacids)
  • medicines to reduce stomach acid (like proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole or pantoprazole)

Leave a gap of 1 hour between taking any of these and taking your bisacodyl tablets. This is because they will stop the medicine working properly.

How to use suppositories

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 bottom (anus).

Suppositories work quickly (usually between 10 and 45 minutes), so use it when you are near a toilet.

How long to use bisacodyl for

Do not use bisacodyl every day for more than 5 days.

If you take bisacodyl for longer, your body can start to rely on it, rather than your bowels doing the work on their own.

If you're still constipated after 5 days, talk to your doctor.

If you forget to take it

If you miss a dose of bisacodyl, just skip the missed dose and take the next dose the following evening.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

Taking an extra dose of bisacodyl is unlikely to harm you. You may get diarrhoea and stomach pain.

If you're worried or your symptoms do not get better, ask your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

Page last reviewed: 2 August 2024
Next review due: 2 August 2027