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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think dulcolax are the work of the devil?

155 replies

Salamamca · 29/08/2022 08:02

So I’ve been a bit constipated lately so on Saturday night I took a couple of dulcolax before bed.

Woke up Sunday morning with the most horrendous stomach cramps, I was sweating, nauseous, in absolute agony and felt like I was about to give birth. It was that bad I could literally see my lower abdomen moving around as though it was a baby kicking. I went to sit on toilet - nothing happened, just more pain and hot flushes. I splashed cold water on my face and went to try and make a coffee … doubled over in the kitchen, sweat pouring off my face I actually considered that I might need to go to A&E the pain was that bad. Suddenly felt the need to go to toilet, rushed there, sat down, had a normal poo and then OMG … I had a fart which I swear lasted about 15 seconds and then horrendous diarrhoea that was like water, it went on for ages. The cramping and diarrhoea went on all day and by the night time I was seeing bright red blood on the toilet paper. Started getting really concerned … googled … saw blood was a rare side effect … went to bed.

Woke up this morning feeling ok - had a coffee and the cramping has started up again.

Anyone else had such a horrible experience with these pills?? The rest are going in the bin!

AIBU to think this shouldn’t happen with over the counter medication??

OP posts:
Chamomileteaplease · 29/08/2022 08:07

I have been constipated due to painkillers recently and have been taking the liquid dulcolax on and off.

I was just thinking yesterday how good it is! The first time I took too much and had diarrohea but since then I have taken the proper amount and not every day and it has been really helpful.

I hope you feel better soon!

20viona · 29/08/2022 08:09

Sounds like what I would expect to be honest after taking them!

Original poster
Salamamca · 29/08/2022 08:13

20viona · 29/08/2022 08:09

Sounds like what I would expect to be honest after taking them!

Including the blood?? 😱

OP posts:
TheWitchersWife · 29/08/2022 08:15

You've just described every experience I've had with dulcolax.
It does the job though 🤷🏻‍♀️
I have taken them as and when needed for the past 10 years or so and will continue to do so.
Short term pain for me, is better than feeling all sluggish, bloated and blocked up.

TheWitchersWife · 29/08/2022 08:16

Oh, and for me the blood is usually just surface blood from having to wipe too much with the diarrhea. Not from my actual bowels.

isthismylifenow · 29/08/2022 08:16

I think you are only meant to take one........

Taking two, this sounds about right I am afraid.

Afterfire · 29/08/2022 08:16

Salamamca · 29/08/2022 08:13

Including the blood?? 😱

Show quote history

The blood is most likely to be from wiping yourself a lot, especially if it’s bright red.

I have severe constipation due to painkillers I take for chronic pain and I use laxido sometimes. To be honest everything you’ve described is fairly standard for a reasonable dose of a laxative!

Tashface · 29/08/2022 08:17

I've experienced similar but I only ever take one tablet now.

The blood you saw could just have been from a little scrape/tear perhaps? Or do you have/have you ever had piles? If so, it could just be related to that? Hope you feel better soon.

SavoirFlair · 29/08/2022 08:18

So I’ve been a bit constipated lately

the way you’ve written this sounds mild

so on Saturday night I took a couple of dulcolax before bed.

A couple???

The strength indicators for Dulcolax are you take one if you have mild symptoms, and two if serious, with three being the maximum dose.

indeed the Dulcolax leaflet (available for all to read online I add) states first timers to the medicine should only take one.

Why do some folk take “a couple” of everything like as if Paracetamol has conditioned them that medicine comes in twos or pairs?

You got the reaction commensurate with the dose - albeit come off here and go and see your doctor regarding the blood

YABU.

Sunshineandrainbow · 29/08/2022 08:19

They are my go to for constipation as I know they will work but I only ever take one.

Reallybadidea · 29/08/2022 08:20

I had terrible constipation when pregnant and in desperation took dulcolax one night. OMFG I thought I was going to shit the baby out too. Fortunately didn't, but I've never even considered taking it again

PeacockMansion · 29/08/2022 08:21

Ah - it is horrible when you go for the full dose. I think one tablet is safer until you know how you'll react to it. Senekot is quite a bit gentler but again, one tablet first.
Hope you feel better soon!

WhatInFreshHell · 29/08/2022 08:21

Fucking hell OP....I had the same thing! Honestly, it was an assassination attempt. Terrible! My sister said to me afterwards never to take two! I've since only used one tablet and had a much more gentle results.

FfeminyddCymraeg · 29/08/2022 08:22

I had this with them once. Brutal buggers. Did the job though!

isthismylifenow · 29/08/2022 08:24

Maybe try the suppositories next time (if you are feeling brave enough for a next time). They work way faster than the tablets. One (and for a love of god do not use two), works in about half an hour.....

Mindymomo · 29/08/2022 08:26

Duco ease is way better, ducolax is awful, stomach cramps about 4 am then constant going to toilet all morning, until you’ve completely emptied your bowels. We’ve increased our fibre intake in our house, brown bread, wheat pasta, lots of fruit, vegetables and lots of water.

Sideorderofchips · 29/08/2022 08:30

Don't ever take 3

I thought someone had shoved a nuke up my arse, exploded it and the shit was the fall out.

I honestly thought I was dying

Nobetterthansheoughttobe · 29/08/2022 08:32

Salamamca · 29/08/2022 08:13

Including the blood?? 😱

Show quote history

If the blood was bright red, it's from a 'local trauma', wiping your bum frequently, for example, or a small haemorrhoid.
Millions use dulcolax without issues, you've perhaps, a slightly more sensitive gut. Better out than in tho!

sueelleker · 29/08/2022 08:34

It was probably stronger than you needed. I use Dulco-ease, which is a stool softener rather than an actual laxative. The generic form of Dulcolax is bisacodyl, which is issued to clear the system out before having a colposcopy. That should give you an idea of how strong it is!

Original poster
Salamamca · 29/08/2022 08:34

Reallybadidea · 29/08/2022 08:20

I had terrible constipation when pregnant and in desperation took dulcolax one night. OMFG I thought I was going to shit the baby out too. Fortunately didn't, but I've never even considered taking it again

😂😂😂 shit the baby out 🤣 that has cheered me up 😁

OP posts:
isthismylifenow · 29/08/2022 08:35

Reallybadidea · 29/08/2022 08:20

I had terrible constipation when pregnant and in desperation took dulcolax one night. OMFG I thought I was going to shit the baby out too. Fortunately didn't, but I've never even considered taking it again

😂

I had a good laugh at this

ThisIsAddiction · 29/08/2022 08:36

DH normally takes senna but run out so asked me for a dulcolax (I also take them to combat pain killer side effects). He had a similar aftermath. They don’t affect me like that at all but he said it would be a cold day in hell before he repeated that exercise 😂

Therunecaster · 29/08/2022 08:37

I wish I'd read this yesterday. I took one last night at 8pm and have spent since 04:00 on the loo with cramp and violent outpourings of poo. I am no longer constipatied but feel scoured.

Original poster
Salamamca · 29/08/2022 08:38

Thanks everyone, I’m relieved to know it’s not just me and the replies have really cheered me up 😂

OP posts:
DillDanding · 29/08/2022 08:38

Bisacodyl is brutal. Taking just one would be enough.

I took one of the Superdrug own-brand ones. A tiny and innocuous looking yellow pearl. 4 hours later…bloody hell.