Your questions answered: Safety

Be sure that Dulcolax® is safe. Here are some answers concerning the safety of Dulcolax® and possible risks:

1. Can pregnant women take Dulcolax®?

2. Can children be given Dulcolax®?

3. Is it OK to take a laxative such as Dulcolax® every day?

4. Can Dulcolax® be taken at the same time as contraceptives?

5. Is Dulcolax® addictive?

6. Has Dulcolax® been investigated for carcinogenic potential?

1. Can pregnant women take Dulcolax®?

Long experience has shown no evidence of undesirable or damaging effects during pregnancy. However, you should consult your doctor before taking any laxative, including Dulcolax®, during pregnancy.

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2. Can children be given Dulcolax®?

Tablets:
Children under 6 years of age: Consult a doctor.
Children 6 to under 12 years of age: Take 1 tablet daily.

Suppositories:
Children under 6: Consult a doctor.
Children 6 to under 12 years of age: For rectal administration, the suppository dosage is 5 mg (1/2 of 10 mg suppository) in a single dose.

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3. Is it OK to take a laxative such as Dulcolax® every day?

For many people, constipation is an occasional problem that can be solved with short-term help from a safe, gentle and effective laxative such as Dulcolax®. Normally, taking Dulcolax® for two or three days will help bring the colon back to a healthy pattern and this can be supported by lifestyle changes too for an overall healthy lifestyle.

For other people, constipation is a chronic condition that occurs over a longer period of time. If you experience long-term problems with constipation Dulcolax® can also help relieve symptoms through gentle, yet effective overnight relief. Due to its special formula, Dulcolax® is safe to use even over a long period of time, with proper medical supervision.¹ You should also consult your healthcare professional for advice if constipation persists, or if you suffer painful cramps or any unexpected bleeding.

References
1. Ruidisch M, Hutt H-J, Konig E. Long-term laxative treatment with bisacodyl.
Aerztliche Forschung 1994;41:1-8

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4. Can Dulcolax® be taken at the same time as contraceptives?

Yes. Dulcolax® special comfort-coated tablets, pearls, suppositories or drops do not develop their effect until they reach the colon. Unlike some other products, for instance laxatives that take effect in the small intestine such as Glauber's salt, Epsom salt or caster oil, Dulcolax® products are not known to impair the absorption of contraceptive hormones from the small intestine to the bloodstream.

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5. Is Dulcolax® addictive?

No. The active ingredients of Dulcolax® products, Bisacodyl or Sodium Picosulphate do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier and thus no addictive potential that could lead to dependence have been reported.

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6. Has Dulcolax® been investigated for carcinogenic potential?

Yes. In an effort to investigate the cancer risk and potential genomic damage, extensive tests with Bisacodyl were conducted under the supervision of the American health authorities (FDA) and Boehringer Ingelheim USA in 1999. The conclusion of the FDA in spring 2000: "From all the data available, there are no signs to suggest that Bisacodyl presents a cancer risk if used as instructed."

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	1.	Can pregnant women take Dulcolax®?



	2.	Can children be given Dulcolax®?



	3.	Is it OK to take a laxative such as Dulcolax® every day?



	4.	Can Dulcolax® be taken at the same time as contraceptives?



	5.	Is Dulcolax® addictive?



	6.	Has Dulcolax® been investigated for carcinogenic potential?



	1.	Can pregnant women take Dulcolax®?

	Long experience has shown no evidence of undesirable or damaging effects during pregnancy. However, you should consult your doctor before taking any laxative, including Dulcolax®, during pregnancy.
	top



	2.	Can children be given Dulcolax®?

	Tablets: Children under 6 years of age: Consult a doctor. Children 6 to under 12 years of age: Take 1 tablet daily. Suppositories: Children under 6: Consult a doctor. Children 6 to under 12 years of age: For rectal administration, the suppository dosage is 5 mg (1/2 of 10 mg suppository) in a single dose.
	top



	3.	Is it OK to take a laxative such as Dulcolax® every day?

	For many people, constipation is an occasional problem that can be solved with short-term help from a safe, gentle and effective laxative such as Dulcolax®. Normally, taking Dulcolax® for two or three days will help bring the colon back to a healthy pattern and this can be supported by lifestyle changes too for an overall healthy lifestyle. For other people, constipation is a chronic condition that occurs over a longer period of time. If you experience long-term problems with constipation Dulcolax® can also help relieve symptoms through gentle, yet effective overnight relief. Due to its special formula, Dulcolax® is safe to use even over a long period of time, with proper medical supervision.¹ You should also consult your healthcare professional for advice if constipation persists, or if you suffer painful cramps or any unexpected bleeding. References 1. Ruidisch M, Hutt H-J, Konig E. Long-term laxative treatment with bisacodyl. Aerztliche Forschung 1994;41:1-8
	top



	4.	Can Dulcolax® be taken at the same time as contraceptives?

	Yes. Dulcolax® special comfort-coated tablets, pearls, suppositories or drops do not develop their effect until they reach the colon. Unlike some other products, for instance laxatives that take effect in the small intestine such as Glauber's salt, Epsom salt or caster oil, Dulcolax® products are not known to impair the absorption of contraceptive hormones from the small intestine to the bloodstream.
	top



	5.	Is Dulcolax® addictive?

	No. The active ingredients of Dulcolax® products, Bisacodyl or Sodium Picosulphate do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier and thus no addictive potential that could lead to dependence have been reported.
	top



	6.	Has Dulcolax® been investigated for carcinogenic potential?

	Yes. In an effort to investigate the cancer risk and potential genomic damage, extensive tests with Bisacodyl were conducted under the supervision of the American health authorities (FDA) and Boehringer Ingelheim USA in 1999. The conclusion of the FDA in spring 2000: "From all the data available, there are no signs to suggest that Bisacodyl presents a cancer risk if used as instructed."
	top