Bisacodyl and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• 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. Fast forward 3 1/2 more hours, and my lower back felt like it was on fire, my heart was palpitating, my legs were shaking, I had horrible cramps, and felt so feeble that I could barely move. 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 alternated between writhing around on my bathroom floor and sitting on 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."

• Lou...
• 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 were 1 to 2 tablets when needed. So I took one to be on the safe side. I took it at 8 pm and by 1 am I was screaming in agony with severe stomach cramps that felt like contractions but 10 times worse. Tried to go to the 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 to the toilet at 4 am, sweating, shivering, nausea, I actually saw stars. I was sitting on the bathroom floor sobbing and considering ringing 999. It is now 9 am. 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 supposed to be at work tonight but had to phone in sick because I have no clue how long these horrible side effects will last. Believe me, I would much rather have stayed constipated."

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

For Constipation "I have taken Dulcolax for severe constipation twice. I suffer from constipation frequently and have done so 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 attempt, 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 7 am with stomach cramps but managed to get back to sleep. I then woke up at 8:30 am 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!"

• Sal...
• 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 childbirth. 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 being's system."

• Ren...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2020

For Constipation "I took two Dulcolax pills at approx. 10 a.m. with a glass of water. Then I read the reviews and was terrified at what I was in for. But for the entire day, I felt absolutely no symptoms and no bowel movements. I wondered whether this was going to work or not. Finally, at about 2 a.m., I had tummy rumbling and gas, but really that’s it. But at 8 a.m. the next day (22 hours after dosing!), I woke with my tummy rumbling and feeling the urge of diarrhea. I rushed to the bathroom. A few minutes later, I still had the urge to diarrhea again. I’d say between 8 a.m.-1 p.m., I had diarrhea about ten times. It was a lot. But the good thing is, any discomfort was minor (my stomach rumbled all day, and I kept feeling the urge to diarrhea), so I stayed home until the feeling finally passed. I did not experience nausea, vomiting, cramps, or anything like many reviewers. Other than the 5 hours or so of diarrhea and tummy rumbling, this was really painless and effective!!!!"

• Fan...
• October 29, 2019

For Constipation "I had been constipated for several days and decided it was time to try a laxative. I picked Dulcolax because it advertised as 'gentle relief.' This was the beginning of my doom. I took two at bedtime because of the suggested dosage. I woke up a few hours later in a cold sweat with some of the worst stomach cramps ever. I rushed to the toilet and had a massive explosion of diarrhea. I honestly thought my organs were leaving my body, it felt like a never-ending evacuation out of my rear end. I felt horrible the whole time and started to get dizzy. I ended up passing out on the toilet and falling into the bathtub. Upon waking up, I stood up to get myself together and I passed out again. I ended up having to call an ambulance and went to the ER, where I had the pleasant experience of explaining to every medical professional I came in contact with that I had passed out while pooping. It did thoroughly clear out my bowels, but I would not wish this nightmare upon anyone."

• Cat...
• July 19, 2021

For Constipation "I took these pills at 9 a.m., and by 1 p.m. I was overcome with intense stomach cramps, shaking, sweating, and diarrhea. Since 1 p.m. I’ve had multiple bouts of diarrhea, and I’m extremely nauseous. It’s now 6:30 p.m., and I’m literally afraid to leave my bedroom for fear I may not make it to the bathroom. Constipation is better than this. I will be throwing this product in the trash and advise others not to use it."

• Day...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2020

For Constipation "DO NOT! JUST DON’T! Took at 9:00 pm. Woke up at midnight feeling like I was in labor, the stomach cramps were so severe. Then the spasms and convulsions started. I thought I was dying. I was too sick and embarrassed to wake my husband up, so I just sat on the toilet, nauseous, crying, convulsing, hurting, throwing up, and dizzy. I was fine by 9:00 am the next morning but very weak and tired from all the labor... I mean suffering."

• Mae...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2021

For Constipation "OMG, I took two, thinking, oh, I will be able to get my bowels to start working. Boy, I wasn’t expecting the horrible stomach cramps, nausea, bloating (to the point I feel I am a few months pregnant), and I am having a hard time just getting water down. I have put a heating pad on my stomach in hopes this will help alleviate my stomach cramps and the bloating. I will NEVER ever take this AGAIN!! I would rather do an enema than take it!!"

• Anonymous
• October 8, 2011

For Constipation "Within 8 hours of taking 2 tablets, I experienced uncontrollable sweating, body shakes, vomiting, and stomach cramps accompanied by loose bowel movements. Although technically this medication relieved my constipation, I nearly ended up in the emergency room. 24 hours later, I still have lower back pain, cramps, and am unable to keep food down. Please do not take this medication lightly!"

• Nik...
• November 26, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "DO NOT TAKE!! Tonight was my first time taking a laxative, and I happened upon Dulcolax. I woke up at 2 AM with the worst stomach cramps of my entire life. Spent two hours puking/dry heaving, bawling my eyes out, my whole body tingling and blood red, and sweating profusely while butt naked on the toilet. I seriously almost called 911. I really thought I was dying. I would much rather go through labor again than ever feel like this. Will NEVER take this again!!!"

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2021

For Bowel Preparation "Took 4 Dulcolax at 4 pm after being on clear liquid all day and already having loose stool. Started MiraLAX at 5:30. Finished the first bottle of Gatorade/MiraLAX mix by 6:30. Drank extra water. Had horrible stomach cramps, nausea, rest of the evening. Could not drink anymore till 6 am Gatorade/MiraLAX. Colonoscopy went well. 2 small polyps. 4 days later, still having stomach cramps, nausea, anorexia. I think 4 Dulcolax was overdoing it for me. I'll consider it an adverse reaction to Dulcolax tablets."

• Bar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2020

For Constipation "I had not had a bowel movement for a couple of days, so I decided to try Dulcolax. I took 2 tabs around 6 pm and went on with my usual routine, which included exercise, lots of water, and a bath. I went to bed around 9 pm and woke at 12:30 am with intense stomach cramps. The pain was almost equivalent to the time I gave birth with no pain meds. This pain went on for a couple of hours. I was sweaty and laying on the bathroom floor naked when my husband found me. He helped me to the toilet where I finally went to the bathroom. It was pure liquid. This went on for several minutes. I also ended up throwing up several times. I was so sick I had to call into work. After 24 hours, I was still weak and could not eat much. I will NEVER take this product again!!!"

• OAK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 22, 2020

For Constipation "Took two Dulcolax before bed because I had been constipated for a few days. All good until about 7 am the next morning when I woke up with the WORST pain I have ever had. I would like to mention I birthed two babies over 9 lbs :) this pain was way worse. I threw up, had sweat pouring off my body in agony. End result, it finally worked, but was not worth the severe stomach cramps. I truly thought I was going to pass out or die. Don't take it - save yourself :)"

• Sad...
• February 23, 2017

For Constipation "Lord, have mercy. I don't wish this feeling on nobody! I took two tablets at bedtime around 2:30am, woke up to stomach cramps, cold sweat, shaking, nauseated, and feeling faint! I've been on the toilet for an hour, rocking back and forth, praying. Oh my God, I feel like I'm about to die! I will NEVER in my life take another one. I'm so weak and in pain! I feel terrible and am thinking about going to the hospital! I got a trash can in front of me, throwing up and using the bathroom. Never again!"

• Hay...
• December 4, 2019

For Constipation "Please, for the love of God, do not take Dulcolax. It’s 3 am, and the only thing keeping me somewhat sane is reading these comments and knowing that I’m not the only one who is going through this nightmare. The word gentle is complete and utter bull. I took 2 pills around 9 pm tonight, and at midnight, I woke up to the worst full stomach cramps ever. The diarrhea has been pretty much nonstop and so, so painful. I wish I would’ve found this page before taking these pills. They are in the trash, and I pray that this will end soon."

• KBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2020

For Constipation "This product made me miserable. I took it at around 6 p.m., and by 1 a.m., I was bound to my bathroom. I was awoken at 12 a.m. by horrendous cramping and very loud stomach gurgling. I then proceeded to vomit twice and have liquid diarrhea for the next few hours. Good thing I don’t have anything to do the next day. Did it work? Absolutely. Will I ever take it again? Absolutely not."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "So I’m the past I have taken many different laxative brands. I used to abuse them in the past, so I know that cramped up and knotted feeling. But it’s been years since I did that. Anyway, I just recently got surgery and haven’t been using the restroom barely at all from all the pain meds. So my mom gave me these to try. She said take 2-3. So around 8 pm I decided I would take 3. By 11 pm I was done for. The worst stomach cramps had started. Those were coming in like contractions, and I began throwing up almost every 5-8 minutes for two hours. I also was going poop quite often, and once I had nothing left to throw up, I had a lot of diarrhea. I would not recommend these. A laxative should not have you in that much pain and vomiting. Also, it’s now the next day, and I’m exhausted, probably dehydrated, and my stomach is still having minor pains and bowel movements."

• Cas...
• December 4, 2020

For Constipation "My doctor told me to take 2 Dulcolax in the evening because she believed that my urgency to pass urine was due to constipation pressing on my bladder. I took 1 pill at 8 pm. It is supposed to work in 6 to 12 hours, but in my case, it worked in 4 hours. Shortly after falling asleep, I woke up with horrific sweating, cramping, and abdominal pain. I felt shaky and sick, but most of all in agony. The agony lasted for 2 and a half hours without pause until at 2:30 am in the morning, I passed a normal bowel movement. I then endured 30 minutes more of excruciating stomach spasms resulting in explosive and watery diarrhea. The pain eased away after another hour, leaving me feeling nauseated for another 2 hours. I felt ill, exhausted, and unable to sleep. I will never be taking them again."

• Amy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2023

For Bowel Preparation "Do not take Dulcolax if you have IBS. I have been tripled over with stomach cramps post-colonoscopy. I have had many colonoscopies and have never experienced stomach pains like this. No more Dulcolax for me."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 8, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I was having a colonoscopy, and Dulcolax was a part of the prep. I ended up at urgent care for severe stomach cramps, pain, nausea, and vomiting, and passing blood. Had to get an anti-nausea med to settle my system down. Will not take a colon prep again if it involves this laxative."

• Den...
• February 27, 2020

For Constipation "I have taken this before and yes I did experience stomach cramps but they were bearable. Ideally, I think 2 tablets is enough, taken just before you go to bed. They tend to ‘go through me’ at about 5 am and BM can continue for a few hours. Would definitely recommend taking but stick to weekends."

• Hia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2017

For Constipation "I take 3 pills twice a week. I take it at bedtime with tons of water. The stomach cramps wake me up about 4 am. They are fairly severe. Sometimes I get shakes or cold sweats. By 7 am, I have a BM but usually experience chills. I do get bad diarrhea for several hours after the first BM, but after this, my bloated stomach feels 1000 times better and I can eat again. I get so blocked up that I don't want to eat and feel sick. So yes, there are side effects, but they don't last forever and they are bearable. I'll take it again."

• Hia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2017

For Constipation "I take 3 pills twice a week. I take it at bedtime with tons of water. The stomach cramps wake me up about 4 am. They are fairly severe. Sometimes I get shakes or cold sweats. By 7 am, I have a BM but usually experience chills. I do get bad diarrhea for several hours after the first BM, but after this, my bloated stomach feels 1000 times better and I can eat again. I get so blocked up that I don't want to eat and feel sick. So yes, there are side effects, but they don't last forever and they are bearable. I'll take it again."