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Dulcolax Laxative User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Dulcolax Laxative has an average rating of 4.7 out of 10 from a total of 128 reviews on Drugs.com. 34% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 53% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Dulcolax Laxative

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Ind...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 27, 2013

For Constipation "It's going to cause cramps and discomfort because it stimulates the bowel to move. I put up with the discomfort because other laxatives aren't as effective for me. I'd suggest using Dulcolax with a separate stool softener, right before bed. Maybe even take stool softener in the afternoon, then Dulcolax at bedtime. I slept through cramps and had a movement in the morning. When I took it in the late afternoon, the cramps were pretty bad. Drink water/liquids lots."

9 / 10
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  • Pha...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 31, 2019

For Constipation "I've taken it three times. The first time did the job. The second and third times, I had extreme pain and dry heaves. It was horrible! The second time, I had two rounds of this but thought it was just an exception. When I tried it the third time, it sealed the deal for me. Pain, dry heaves, dizziness, and I desperately wanted out of my misery. Looking for a better way."

3 / 10
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  • Joa...
  • December 7, 2018

For Constipation "Well, I can honestly say that this is the first time in my life I'm pooping straight liquid. Took this after getting sinus surgery and was stopped up thanks to the pain meds. I took two pills the first day and had a bowel movement the next morning, followed by two more that almost resembled diarrhea. But whatever, it did its job. Then a few more days went by, got stopped up again. I was off the pain meds by this point but started taking Dulcolax, just one a day. Drank water. Nothing. Next day, one more. Water. Nada. Third day, I'm getting concerned, so I take two, then follow it up with a liter of coconut water and a cup of coffee. Hooooly crap. Literally. It started normal enough, a couple decent movements to get the flow going. And then it was like I turned on a faucet. It's been 24 hours since I took those pills, and I'm still squirting. And the pain, the cramps, oh my lord. I was writhing in bed all day. This is the WORST medication ever. Save yourself the agony."

2 / 10
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7 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • By...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 2, 2016

For Constipation "I suffer from multiple sclerosis, and I took Dulcolax in the green container. I took 2. I was so impacted I would have done anything I had to get myself cleaned out. I was getting sick. It worked wonderfully. Yes, it does get watery and kind of crampy, but it is cleaning you out completely, and that's what I needed. I do not like the pink Dulcolax for women. I took that, and that made me deathly sick. It was too slow, it did not work. If I take Dulcolax at night, I can be assured the next day that I will go to the bathroom. It is a lifesaver for someone who is so constipated that they are in bed for days. It is the only thing that works on me, so heads up for Dulcolax."

10 / 10
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  • rya...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 21, 2023

For Constipation "I'll be honest, I jumped on here to shout out a huge thank you to Dulcolax for what I thought was a positive outcome! Literally... but now I'm not so sure. I guess I'm just shocked that this medication worked so well for me and met every expectation I had when purchasing said medication, and now to find out that only 38% of users agree? 48% had an unpleasant experience? Unpleasant? I'm honestly concerned about the expectations some of y'all must have for a very inexpensive over-the-counter stimulant laxative that claims to work in 6 hours. I took 2, I didn't need to do that, but it's my first time, and I wanted to be sure. 2 hours passed, and I'm sure... I'm shocked at how easy and effective this product was for me. If you're feeling bloated, I'd say give it a shot. That is as long as your expectation is realistic."

10 / 10
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  • HEW...
  • September 4, 2018

For Constipation "After reading all the reviews, I was terrified to try this. But I had already taken two tablets before I read the reviews. I had drunk about six bottles of water throughout the whole day because I read water is key to avoid side effects. I took two tablets at 10 a.m., and after six hours, nothing. Woke up in the night maybe around 2 a.m. to some mild cramping, but still couldn't go to the toilet. This morning at 7 a.m., I got up to more cramping, was on and off the toilet with cramps, pooping out nothing more than a few rabbit pellets. After about two hours of up and down to the toilet with cramps and nothing coming out, everything broke loose. Finally, after a huge spasm, it all came out, except now I have diarrhea. But I'm not complaining. But I will say I've had smoother experiences with pessaries and stool softeners, and I don't have to suffer for 12 hours beforehand. Also, the smell they produce is like off urine! I'll give this one a pass next time, but at least it FINALLY did the job."

2 / 10
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  • Sor...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 4, 2017

For Constipation "Extreme cramping and vomiting! Took 2 pills at 5:15 pm. Woke up at 3 am to the worst cramps of my life. Still haven’t been able to get off the toilet, and it’s now 4 am. Still cramping and vomiting, but now with added diarrhea. Will never take these again!"

1 / 10
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  • Don...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 18, 2015

For Constipation "The medication was very effective, however, the excruciating pain I experienced while taking the medication was not a fun experience. I took two tablets at 9:00 a.m. Two hours passed, and I didn't feel anything. Then it hit just about noon, and I started getting terrible stomach cramps. If you are a first-time user, take one."

5 / 10
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  • Get...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 10, 2019

For Constipation "I rated this one so that people who are filtering by lowest rating would see it. This medication does what it's supposed to. It makes you use the bathroom. If you're complaining about the stomach pains, etc., you've obviously never taken a laxative before. It messes with your digestive tract. It stimulates your bowels and forces your body to need to evacuate. So yes, it's not going to feel comfortable. My doctor has me taking this medication the day before my colonoscopy. No, I'm not looking forward to it. But I'll come back and update you with my true experience so that you'll know what to actually expect."

1 / 10
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12 Report
  • Sti...
  • May 7, 2015

For Constipation "I have been having a little tummy trouble the past few days and hadn't had a BM, and it was starting to become unbearably uncomfortable. I took these last night about 10 pm and woke up this morning around 3-4 in excruciating pain. I was sick as a dog. I did finally have a BM after sitting for about 20 minutes, almost in tears from the cramps. Once I went, the cramps subsided, but only temporarily. I have been getting on-and-off cramps that feel like I am being repeatedly stabbed in my lower abdomen, and to the point I feel like I may vomit. Will not use this product again."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 16, 2018

For Constipation "The reviews are scary, honestly, but you just need to drink a lot of water with this medication. I took 2 pills last night around 8:30 pm. I drank 16 oz of water with the pills (recommended 8 oz per dose). Had a bowel motion around 9:30/10, which was surprising because I’d been irregular for a few days now. I woke up to a little stomach pain around 5:30 am and was on the toilet for about 30 minutes with bad pain and diarrhea (to be expected, but not horrible). And only woke up an hour later with some more, and then I’d been fine the rest of the day. I am now constipated again, though, and will not be taking another dose tonight just in case of something else wrong with my stomach."

8 / 10
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  • Tej...
  • December 23, 2017

For Constipation "I took two pills before bed last night and woke at 3 am feeling really sick. Got the dry heaves but has not relieved any constipation for me. Now I just feel like I have the flu (feel like vomiting, tired, dizzy) way worse than I did with just constipation."

1 / 10
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  • Hit...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 2, 2016

For Constipation "I have never experienced any hope of medication to assist in health before and after researching. I thought the product looked okay to try, but I was so wrong. It did work after 14 hours, but throughout the night, I was woken up by cramps and hot sweats. The cramps are worse than a menstrual cycle, and this may be too much information, but I almost passed out right before my BM and during, felt I was going to vomit all over the place, and my body feels extremely weak. For getting the medication for sensitive stomachs, it sure doesn't feel like it was meant for me, very disappointed and threw the entire package away."

2 / 10
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  • Mis...
  • February 2, 2016

For Constipation "I have been battling constipation for a week now and had finally given in and bought Dulcolax laxative tablets (worst mistake ever). I took one tablet at 9 pm, woke up in a cold sweat at 2 am, and experienced stomach cramps (with the urge to go but couldn't) and horrendous vomiting. Finally settled back into bed around 3:30 am. I am now up again at 8 am, back in the bathroom with the worst case of diarrhea and stomach cramps. Product is somewhat effective but plan to take it on a Friday night with no other weekend plans!"

3 / 10
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  • Jem...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 8, 2018

For Constipation "I took Dulcolax because the box said it was a gentle laxative. It is by far the most painful thing I have ever endured... next to childbirth, and I have two kids. I took 1 pill at 5:30 pm and went to the bathroom by 6:30 pm. This pill dried out my eyes, caused severe prolonged stomach cramps, nausea, dry heaves, and had me passing out in the bathroom and in bed. The next morning, I felt a bit stronger, but very bloated and still sick with stomach pains. I cannot wait for the 1 pill I did take to wear off. I will be throwing these away! Please do not take!"

1 / 10
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  • Bam...
  • November 19, 2015

For Constipation "One pill is plenty for me, and I'm a big guy. Don't expect a miracle in five minutes. I take it late in the evening before bedtime, and before noon the next day, it's working. I drink plenty of liquids (not milk) when taking it. If I take more than one pill, it gives me cramps and diarrhea. I find that eating foods with plenty of fiber (25-30g/day) and drinking plenty of fluids (fewer dairy products) eliminates most of my constipation problems. When I get off that diet, I tend to have the problem again. I also take some Metamucil daily, 'after' a good BM, mixed with juice or water, which gives me lots of additional fiber. This works for me, hope this helps! For serious problems, I would recommend seeing a doctor."

9 / 10
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  • Mel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 7, 2018

For Constipation "Well, I’ve had really bad, painful constipation for days now. I was able to go a little, but I hate to admit I mostly pushed (which I know you're not supposed to do, but I was desperate!). Anyway, I got my fiancé to go get the Dulcolax pink. Took it in the afternoon, and nothing happened. Figured it wouldn’t work. I read all the reviews and was horrified, thought I was going to die with these terrible cramps that people said would come my way. Woke up a couple of times through the night with light cramps, but nothing. Got up at 8:30 a.m. because holy moly, I gotta poop. Cramps were there and wow! Helped me out so much like you wouldn’t believe. Yes, my stomach is sore and I’m nauseous, but the cramps really aren’t bad at all. This drug is different for everyone, but I do recommend it. Drink lots and lots of water after taking it! I saw a review saying you won’t get the bad cramps if you drink like 10 glasses of water, so I did, and I’m fine!"

9 / 10
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  • Jes...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 29, 2024

For Constipation "It's 5:30 a.m. and I've been up for a few hours now. I took two of these laxatives before bed, and I don't know what I expected, but this isn't it. I woke up at 3 a.m. feeling sick to my stomach with cramps that feel like I'm on my period. I was able to go to the bathroom, and I tried to go back to bed. It was hopeless. As soon as I was almost asleep, I had to go to the bathroom again. Sorry for the TMI, but I have diarrhea, and I've already gone to the bathroom 5 times."

8 / 10
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  • Tom...
  • July 28, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "2 days, 2 pills a night. It will clean you out good, but at a cost. Burning pain and an hour of cramping later, you'd wish you never took it. It's not worth it. If you have another option, do it. So far, the worst pain I've ever felt."

1 / 10
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  • Mav...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 3, 2022

For Constipation "Please don't take these!!!!! I take these mostly daily for personal reasons, so that might have something to do with my experience, but reading these, it's not just me!!! I took 2 about 4:00 pm, and at 11 pm, I feel as if my stomach is being shredded apart, unbelievable pain, and you don’t know when the magic will actually happen. Just laying in pain, nausea, and lightheaded with intense stomach pulsing. It sucks!! Please consider taking these very carefully, it’s not something you want to go through!!"

3 / 10
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  • Kgd...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 12, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "I cannot handle laxatives and was shocked when they wanted me to take 4. I wanted to write her to let you know you don't need to do that if you are doing the Miralax solution too. I took 1, did the entire Miralax solution they recommended, and was clean for a colonoscopy the next day. You don't have to put yourself through 4."

9 / 10
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  • Run...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 30, 2016

For Constipation "My husband asked for something to help with pooping (he never needs help as he is very regular). I gave him what I take: Dulcolax little 5 mg gold pills, 2 pills at 11:30 pm. His first after the first poop this AM and after breakfast, he got nauseous, it has continued all day with finally taking Pepto-Bismol to help cramps (which will turn your stool watery or not very dark to black). We thought he had food poisoning, as I have taken Dulcolax for years with no problem. Then I searched, and to my surprise, this doctor-recommended laxative has made his Memorial Day weekend suck. 2 colonoscopy, no problem. He had the shivers, shakes, projectile vomiting after drinking water, and terrible stomach cramps, first time I have seen this. Big man spent most of the day in bed."

6 / 10
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  • val...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • December 4, 2016

For Constipation "I had bowel surgery in 2006 to remove an early tumor. I have had constipation for over 50 years. I walk, have a good diet, and try to drink the recommended fluids daily, but sometimes my work schedule makes this difficult. My bowel motions are usually hard and difficult to pass, and I usually go to the toilet once or twice a week. I have tried Movicol, which is effective but takes too long to work. Dulcolax does for me what it says: overnight relief. However, I usually need two. There is some cramping, but I can cope with that, as I know my bowels are working effectively."

10 / 10
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  • Tia...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 10, 2019

For Constipation "I was backed up for a week, feeling tired, bloated, and sluggish. Desperately in need of help, I took 1 Dulcolax 5 mg pill at 2 pm. Belly gurgles started within the hour. Went to bed and woke up at 7 am and had one bowel movement. Waiting for the scary storm everyone is talking about. It did give me small period-like cramps."

7 / 10
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  • Aim...
  • October 6, 2016

For Constipation "I've been severely constipated this morning. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't go. It was just too big to get out, lol. So I took 5 ml of Dulcolax at 10:30 a.m. It's 1 p.m., and I've just been to the loo, thank God. I didn't get much cramping, just the urge to go. I expect it will happen soon, though, so plan of action: stay by the loo."

8 / 10
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3 Report

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