HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

I took one dulcolax laxative & a few dulcolax stool softeners. i had normal bm few hours after. can dulcolax cause painful cramping? very strong

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Probably, since...: Dulcolax (bisacodyl) is a stimulant laxative that works by increasing movement of intestines, helping stool to come out, assuming normal GI anatomy without inflammation, stenosis, extrinsic or instrinsic obstruction. Cramping would be a common side effect, but if persistent please seek evaluation.

Dr Placik and 3 doctors agreed

Answered 12/10/2019

3.2k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

I have had constipation, gas, and bloating for two weeks. Stool softeners and Miralax seem to cause cramping and no long term relief. Suggestions?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Hi doctors! If consistent use of Miralax, Colace, stool softeners/laxatives does not seem to help/cure right away, is there a more invasive treatment for constipation that is used/helpful? I had an overall normal colonoscopy?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I've been having really painful hard to pass bowel movements with cramps for the past few weeks.. after I pass stool I'm in pain for days. I've noticed increased amount of mucus in my stools.. I've tried laxatives enemas vitamins?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Which is best? Miralax (polyethylene glycol) or ducolax stool softener.Constipated. May have diverticulitis. will have CT friday. Took miralax (polyethylene glycol) 2 days then ducolax last nite

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I occasionally take laxatives and have been taking Ducolax Sensitive for the past 2 days, but my stool just had pretty bright red blood appear?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

How long will a Dulcolax stool softener work? Gave one to my son at 7pm last night and he is STILL pooping. Do they usually last that long?
Constipated for 3-4 days and have hemorrhoid. Dulcolax stool softener & preparation h cream doesn't help much. So painful when stool try to pass. Help?
Took Dulcolax.8hrs later had the cramps & passed bm. But got extremely nauseous- 5min later vomited. Is itFrom the laxative? Still nauseous 2hrs later
Haven't had normal bm in 2 weeks, tried stool softener, laxative, more fiber, & enema. Causes loose stool. Worried about impaction? What should I do?
Does long term use of stool softeners and laxatives cause vitam and mineral imbalances/ deficiencies?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.