Important: This page is general information, not medical advice. It does not recommend or prescribe any treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.

Quick facts

Drug class
Stimulant Laxative [EPC]
How it is given
rectal
Type
human otc drug
Brand names
Dulcolax Laxative
RxNorm ID
198509

We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

What it is used to treat

Use for relief of occasional constipation and irregularity this product generally produces bowel movement in 15 minutes to 1 hour

Warnings

Warnings For rectal use only Ask a doctor before use if you have stomach pain, nausea or vomiting noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts more than 2 weeks When using this product it may cause stomach discomfort, faintness, rectal burning and mild cramps Stop use and ask a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after using this product. These could be signs of a serious condition. you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Ask a doctor before use if

Ask a doctor before use if you have stomach pain, nausea or vomiting noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts more than 2 weeks

When using this medicine

When using this product it may cause stomach discomfort, faintness, rectal burning and mild cramps

Stop use and see a doctor if

Stop use and ask a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after using this product. These could be signs of a serious condition. you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.

Keeping it away from children

Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Active ingredient

Active i ngredient (in each suppository) Bisacodyl (USP) 10 mg

Before you take anything new

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about every medicine you take — including ones bought without a prescription, herbal products and supplements. Interactions are one of the most common avoidable causes of harm from medicines, and a pharmacist can check your full list in a couple of minutes.


This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 1 February 2024. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.