Dulcolax User Reviews & Ratings

• Drugr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 24, 2021

For Constipation "I feel like my experience would be different to someone who only suffers from occasional constipation. I unfortunately get constipated to the point I can’t remember the last time I had a bowel movement. Dulcolax works for me but it is the most intense painful experience EVERY single time. And yes I have used it more than once because clearly I have a death wish. Within 2 hours the cramps start. The type of cramps where you can’t lay down, but also you can’t sit up straight because they are ripping apart your insides. By morning I am awake at 7am unable to sleep because of cramps. It usually takes 2 hours of excruciating pain to be able to actually go to the bathroom, and after that your running to the toilet once an hour quite a few times. Fun fact 24 hours after I took this stuff I trusted a fart and crapped my pants :) so taking this is not a fun time, but everyone’s experience is different. Just ... don’t trust your farts for a while."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2021

For Constipation "Whoever created dulcolax - well I don't know what they were thinking. I took three pills at around 3:30 pm. By 7 pm I started to feel ill, I had a stomachache and felt like I was going to throw up. Flash forward 3 1/2 more hours and my lower back felt like it was it on fire, my heart was palpitating, my legs were shaking, I had horrible cramps, and felt so feeble that I could barely move. A half an hour later is when all hell broke loose. It was a five hour ordeal. I was butt naked on my toilet seeing stars unsure if I was going to throw up or poop at any given time. During these five hours I migrated between writhing around on my bathroom floor and sitting in the toilet. I would have called an ambulance but I couldn’t walk to get my phone from my room. I thought life was going to be over."

• Fili
• March 19, 2021

For Constipation "I am a healthy 23yo female, 5'6'' 132 lb. This time I had incomplete evacuation for over a week and a change in schedule, so I felt blocked up. I took a Dulcolax at 11:30 hours and drank the usual amount of water I do in a day (I drink over 130oz on a normal day) and added some lemonades to help my intestines pull in electrolytes. I did feel some rumbling but that was very mild but no BM. The next morning I had 2 BMs within 3 hours and I was all clear. No side effects, no diarrhea either! Guys, BIG ADVICE here, always under dose - start with one if you're self-prescribing or go with what your doctor says. And drink huge amounts of water. Throw in some juices, electrolytes, and you'll have the gentlest evacuation ever. I hope my review helps those having popped a few pills and waiting up for the 'lighter' day! Drink water while you wait, cheers :)"

• Star
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2019

For Constipation "After I took Dulcolax yesterday afternoon I got online to check reviews and ended up TERRIFIED, so I felt compelled to leave a review too! I took 1 pill at 3:30pm yesterday, and had a soft BM at 4:30pm. I made sure to sip 25+ oz while I waited for it to work. Bed time came and I was scared to sleep. I woke up at 3:30am to tummy rumbles (but no cramps or pain), and had another BM around 5:00am, this time even softer. Again at 7:30am, and at that point it was diarrhea. Overall, I would say it's been an okay experience. It did what it was supposed to do. I have a headache this morning, and I'm tired, but I think it's because I stayed up reading reviews and was stressing myself out! So for the people like me, who are doing the same exact thing right now, I wanted to leave a good experience here too. :)"

• ANB
• July 8, 2021

For Constipation "NEVER using this stuff again!! This stuff is awful!! I wish I read the reviews before taking this. So here’s my story, I can never poop I’m lucky if I go twice a month, and I had enough and wanted relief. I tried miralax and benefiber and neither worked so I decided to try dulcolax. I took 2 of these teeny tiny bombs at 9pm, woke up at about 4am having the WORST cramps ever, felt like I was in labor. It lasted all up until 7am and I got up to try to poop, I couldn’t even push because I was hurting so bad. Then finally it all fell out. Complete diarrhea, then at the same time I got SUPER nauseous and threw up I got super hot and clammy and got super dizzy and saw stars I actually passed out on the bathroom floor mid crapping. I couldn’t get up I was so weak and everything was spinning. For the entire day I had diarrhea every hour or so, it wouldn’t stop. I had to call into work I was so sick. I could barely eat anything. I then got a raging migraine from it all."

• Tricky
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2021

For Constipation "After suffering from 2 weeks of constipation, I bit the bullet and took 2 of pills around 3:30pm. By 7pm I had a solid bowel movement and thought "great, problem solved." How wrong I was! Fast forward to 4am, I woke up soaked in sweat and feeling like my stomach was being ripped out. Barely conscious, I managed to crawl to the toilet just in time. Then all hell broke loose! The world fell out of my butt in the form of what can only be described as molten lava for the next hour and a half. This was followed by bouts of nausea, heart palpitations and feeling like I was going to black out. The next day was spent feeling like I'd been hit by a train. These pills are unbelievable and only a masochistic would take these more than once. How are they legal?"

• P-man
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2020

For Constipation "Sooo after reading all the reviews on here I figured I’d share my story. I’ve taken this drug a few times. First two times I had mild constipation and shared the same experience as most of you on here have had. Horrible cramping, sweats, explosive bowel movements, laying on the floor and overall just wanting lfe to be over! The next two times I had taken it I honestly swore I’d never take this drug again but this time my blockage had lasted over a week. That feeling alone is scary think that your intestines will explode. So I took each time right before bed. Woke up early in the morning with cramping but immediately released in the toilet. Diarrhea for the next few hours but tolerable. So to conclude this is a great product for severe constipation, I’m not talking a 3-4 days without a bowel movement, I’m talking a week or longer. Try other outlets like collace or Metamucil. Ducolax should be a last resort after a long period without. Hope that helps someone :)"

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "I'm prepping for a colonoscopy in 6 days. Due to being on strong opioids, I was advised to start dulcolax yesterday. I took ONE tablet at 2200. At 1300 today, I had a bowel motion, very soft, easy to pass. At 1430, I had a much looser, and smelly bowel motion. It's really important for people to understand that this medication takes time to work. Do NOT take more tablets if you don't open your bowels. Do NOT take more than ONE unless you are day before bowel prepping. This medication is safe to take daily, ONE per day, as that is what we give patients in hospital (I'm also a nurse). These patients don't have side effects. But it's important to only take ONE. I empathise with all those who left reviews but, don't ever take more than one tablet, every 24 hours. I wasn't prepared for how much came out today, it'll be interesting to see how things pan out over the next few days. Saying that, don't trust a fart while using and ensure plenty of fluids but stick to ONE."

• Zimba...
• September 14, 2020

For Constipation "Took two tablets at about 8am, expecting some gentle movement in a few hours. Next joke? Before 9 I was totally incapacitated with extreme cramps and nausea. This was closely followed by sweat pouring from my whole body, then the explosive diarrhoea described by many others. I genuinely thought I was going to have to call an ambulance, I felt like I was dying-slowly and very painfully. This product should not be sold over the counter."

• Worth...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 12, 2020

For Constipation "TIPS: Start with 1 the first time, and never take more than 2. Drink lots of water - if you are not hydrated they will make you feel nauseas. Only take for moderate to severe constipation, if it’s mild you will experience severe cramps. These DO work very well, but follow the above first."

• Phoenix
• February 7, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "My bowel prep instructions for my procedure said to take 4 dulcolax pills. Within an 1 hour I started vomiting, sweating & muscles in arms & legs were twitching, then about 30 min into this nightmare, I started shooting yellow liquid out my butt non stop. This, before I even started drinking the 64 oz of the other concoction I was prescribed. I had to crawl on the floor. My dog was traumatized & howling because he was so worried. It took 3 hours for the nausea, vomiting & volcano to slow enough for me to start drinking the liquid prep solution. I’ve been up all night, shooting liquid. When I get to the colonoscopy center this morning I’m telling the doctor she prescribed way too much. I’m a small person with no history of bowel problems. Last night was worse than food poisoning or any illness I’ve ever had. Never again!!!!"

• Deb
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "Ok I have extreme anxiety and was terrified of the colonoscopy prep. I’m not really sure why I was so scared except after reading everyone’s reviews I think that was the fuel. I had an EXCELLENT experience! Took two dulcolax at 12:00pm. Around 1:30 I felt some slight cramping no big deal I used a heating pad. Starting going pretty rapidly but no pain, nausea or sweating/feeling faint. I also drank miralax in between. Took two more dulcolax at 4 and then more miralax at 5. I’m proud of myself for completing the prep.. it was really no big deal! Drink LOTS of fluids. Also I didn’t eat too much the day before makes the prep easier. Don’t worry."

• Jasmine
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "DO NOT TAKE DULCOLAX!!! This pill does the job but be prepared for excruciating pain. A week ago I took two pills because I was backed up for 5 days and it was the worst experience of my life! I took this in the night and around 7 am I woke up too terribly bad cramps and this went on for like 30 minutes and I decide to go to the bathroom and thank godddd I did because it came out like a water hose and I almost threw up. And this lasted the entire day! When I finally thought it was over I ate literally just a piece/crumb of bread and I had to run to the bathroom again. I went on my phone to see reviews about this product and I was so disappointed in my self for not reading the comments before I took this. I can not imagine this pill given to a child. please do not give this pill to your child!!"

• Anony...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "This stuff Dulcolax is awful. Was taking it for colonoscopy prep. I told them I had taken dulcalax once before and it made me very sick so they gave me zofran. Zofran didn't work, all it did was give me a migraine. Took Ducalax at around 7pm and at 1 am was woken up by severe stomach pains and nausea. Rushed to the bathroom to puke however while I was barfing my guts out into the toilet, I pooped my pants. It just rushed out, I didn't even know it was coming. Left me bleaching half the bathroom and plainly throwing out my bottoms, and showering at 1:30 am. I know this is too much info, but this is to paint the pretty picture on how awful this medication is. WILL NOT TAKE AGAIN, NO MATTER WHAT. Would give 0 stars if I could."

• Kristy
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 2, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "I have Crohn’s Disease and have had 23 colonoscopies over my adult life. I have used Dulcolax as a bowel prep for the last 12 procedures. It is not fun during the bowel prep, you will probably experience painful cramping just like you would any other time you have diarrhea, but that is the point of a bowel prep. You have to be thoroughly cleaned out. You will need to be home and near a bathroom during your entire prep, this is not a time to leave your house! If you are afraid of taking this many pills, ask your doctor for a different prep. I will never go back to one of the gross liquid drink preps, this has worked 100% for me."

• Relie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 9, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "At 4pm the day before my colonoscopy I popped 2 dulcolax pills per my doc’s instructions for my bowel prep . I was curious how long it would be before it started to work, so I googled, and then found these reviews and was TERRIFIED. But, it was all good! Praise all the things. I definitely made a lot of trips to the toilet - that’s the point. But zero pain. I mean zero. I drank copious amounts of water and pretreated my bottom with Desitin, and used extra gentle TP. 24 hours later, post colonoscopy, I’m still a little rumbly, but oh so relieved that these reviews seem to represent a small segment of the population, just the most vocal segment, understandably."

• Relie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2020

For Constipation "I have taken dulcolax for severe constipation twice. I suffer with constipation frequently and have done my whole life. I take movicol but recently the periods between "going" have been getting longer. The first time I took dulcolax I took 1 and it had very little effect. Yesterday it had been almost 2 weeks since I last moved my bowels so I took 2 this morning. 10 hours later I suddenly began to feel very, very ill. Dizzy, extremely nauseated, headache, terrible stomach cramps, cold sweat, the lot. I tried unsuccessfully to move my bowels 3 times, then on the 4th time an unholy amount of poo left my body. I now feel much better. It did exactly what I took it for. Although the journey was unpleasant it was short lived."

• Anonymous
• March 3, 2020

For Constipation "This is absolutely horrendous stuff! I cannot believe they are able to sell this in shops! I took 2 last night as I’ve been constipated for a few days, woke up at 7am with stomach cramps but managed to get back to sleep, I then woke up at 8:30am thinking I was going to puke, I ran to the toilet and it was like an explosion of diarrhea, I then came over in a hot sweat and fainted on the toilet!! Ears ringing, head spinning, dripping in my own sweat. Absolutely awful stuff, avoid!!!"

• Loucol
• July 6, 2021

For Constipation "Worst experience of my life I've been taking cocodemol, this has caused 10 days of constipation. Bought Dulcolax from Tesco and read instructions which was 1 to 2 tablets when needed. So I took one to be on the safe side. I took at 8pm and by 1am I was screaming in agony with severe stomach cramps that felt like contractions but 10 times worse. Tried to go toilet, nothing happened. Cramps continued constantly and the pain was unbearable. This went on for hours. I cried, rocked and screamed with the pain I couldn't even stand up straight. Finally started going toilet at 4am, sweating, shivers, nausea, i actually saw stars. I was sitting on the bathroom floor sobbing and considering ringing 999. It is now 9am. I'm still getting stomach cramps and been on and off the loo for hours so I can't leave my house, I'm freezing cold and still feel sick. I was suppose to be at work tonight but had to phone in sick because I've no clue how long these horrible side effects will last. Believe me I would much rather have stayed constipated."

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "I left a previous review. Things are going well with ONE Dulcolax per day. Tomorrow is C-day (colonoscopy day) ! I wanted to update re: cramps. If you’re very constipated and use this, those cramps are your body’s peristalsis (muscle contractions) trying to move the poop so it can be eliminated. To make it easier for the medication to work, you need to drink more fluids. This will help minimise the cramps as the poop will move more easily. Please only take ONE every 24 hours."

• Sally
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2021

For Constipation "I was constipated so I took 2 Dulcolax Saturday night. I started having diarrhea and lots of blood with it. That continued for 36 hours. Lots of stomach cramping and vomiting. I thought it was the end of me. The cramping was exactly like child labor. I would suggest to anyone reading this review to NOT buy dulcolax. It is just so bad and should be taken off the market. I was within hours of having to go to the ER. This product is literally toxic to a human beings system."

• Natur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 20, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I had to take dulcolax twice (2 pills x 2 doses 24 hrs apart) for scope prep and spent most of the week leading up to that terrified after reading these reviews. Totally understand that some folks had adverse reactions, but if you read the drug info that’s about 1-10% of people. Most won’t come online and report a good experience. I took 2 pills at 12pm and awoke at 3:30 am with moderate cramps and diarrhea. Then I was back asleep by 4:30 and fine the next day. Next dose didn’t do anything, I was pretty cleaned out and on a liquid diet. So it CAN be an easy experience. I drank LOTS of water and didn’t eat anything too heavy the day before as recommended by some- that was helpful, so thanks! Don’t fear the dulcolax- you will likely be in the 90% that are just fine when they take it!"

• Just...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2021

"I will never take this Dulcolax ever again in my entire life. You're better off taking a liquid or e-lax pills unless you're desperate. Here's my experience.--- After 3 days without making a movement and been eating a meal that had a lot of dairy, it explained why making a movement was a bit tough, almost impossible. I grab 2 ducolax pills and am thankful I didn't take 3. This isn't gentle. I was twisting and turning about to cry from the pain thinking I should just call 911. The cramps came and went for 1-2 hours. Just don't take it, I'm glad it works but it hurts. For real DON'T TAKE THIS STUFF I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO WENT THROUGH THIS"

• Peter...
• July 21, 2021

For Constipation "I really do not recommend this medicine. I had a pretty major surgery, so I had to take pain medicine. Because of this, I became constipated. I went for a few days without any bowel movements. I think I took Dulcolax once a day for two-three days before anything happened. I woke up, and suddenly felt like I had to go to the bathroom. Then the cramps started. The cramps were horrendous. I was shaking from chills, and sweating, and I was doubled over clutching my stomach. I felt nauseous, and I felt like I couldn’t sit still. Not much was coming out, so I ended up taking a suppository which finally did the trick. The cramps, and constant running back and forth to the bathroom lasted for HOURS. I would rather have my surgery 10 times over than take this medicine again."

• Anonymous
• August 11, 2020

For Constipation "Took 2 pills and woke up about 3 hours later in excruciating PAIN! It felt like someone was stabbing me in the stomach and twisting the knife. I probably did more vomiting than number two. Cold sweats, confusing and profuse pain. I just wanted to pass out to get some type of relief! At one point the pain had gotten so bad I asked Jesus to come take me out of my misery. There is no way that stuff should still be on the market."