DulcoEase

What is DulcoEase?

DulcoEase is a daily oral laxative that relieves constipation. Each capsule contains 100mg of docusate sodium, the active ingredient that softens stools. It is especially effective at reducing straining during bowel movements, including when caused by haemorrhoids or anal fissures.

You can purchase DulcoEase without a prescription. While it may be licensed for long-term use, you must discuss this option with your clinician first.

How Does DulcoEase Work?

DulcoEase contains docusate sodium, which is a stool softener and stimulant laxative. It can also be described as a 'wetting agent' that reduces the surface tension of hard, dry stools and lets water penetrate them more easily. This increases the fluid content of the stools, making them wetter and easier to pass.

Docusate sodium also has additional, albeit mild, effects on the intestinal muscles. It can help the muscles move stools more easily, reducing straining during excretion. Less strain is particularly beneficial for those with haemorrhoids or anal fissures.

How Long Does DulcoEase Take to Work?

DulcoEase generally takes 1-3 days to produce a noticeable effect, though results can vary by user. Because the laxative is a stool softener rather than one that contracts intestinal muscles to force a bowel movement, it isn't designed to work immediately.

If your constipation doesn't improve or worsens after five days of treatment, speak to your clinician.

How Effective is DulcoEase for Constipation?

DulcoEase has been clinically proven to be a safe treatment for constipation relief, though evidence on its effectiveness rates is limited. One study found that patients taking docusate sodium (DulcoEase's active ingredient) had an average bowel movement frequency of 2.9 per week.

Stool softeners, as a class of laxatives, are generally an effective way to relieve constipation. Clinical trials comparing stool softeners with other laxative types found them especially effective for avoiding straining.

How to Take DulcoEase Capsules

Take DulcoEase by swallowing one capsule whole with water. You may take it with or without food and other drinks, but water is advised. After swallowing, drink plenty of water. The standard starting dose is three capsules a day, but you may decrease it or increase it to up to five as required.

If You Take Too Much DulcoEase

If you take more DulcoEase than you should, drink lots of water. Then, contact a doctor or go straight to your nearest hospital casualty department as soon as possible. Take the medication with you.

If You Miss a Dose

If you accidentally forget to take a dose of DulcoEase, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.

DulcoEase Side Effects

Like any treatment, DulcoEase can cause side effects. These adverse reactions are generally rare, affecting up to 1 in 1,000 users or an unknown frequency. Still, it is important to know what could occur during treatment before committing to it.

If you encounter any of these effects, or any that are not listed, you should report them to your clinician or to the Yellow Card Scheme.

DulcoEase Warnings and Interactions

There are a number of factors that may affect your eligibility to take DulcoEase. You cannot use the medication if you:

• Have stomach pains
• Feel sick or have been sick in the last 24 hours
• Have a blockage in your intestine
• Are allergic to docusate sodium or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• Are intolerant to any sugars such as fructose or sorbitol
• Are taking a mineral oil laxative such as liquid paraffin

You must talk to your clinician if:

• You end up taking DulcoEase every day
• You get stomach pain which does not go away

A fuller list of the ingredients contained in DulcoEase can be found in its Patient Information Leaflet.

Can You Take DulcoEase Long Term?

You generally cannot take DulcoEase for longer than five days in a row. If your condition does not improve within this time, or worsens, speak to your clinician.

DulcoEase and Other Medicines

You must tell your clinician about any other medications you are taking, have recently taken, or may soon take. Do not use DulcoEase if you are also taking a mineral oil laxative like liquid paraffin.

Can You Take DulcoEase During Pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, ask your clinician for advice before taking this medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions About DulcoEase