Bisacodyl 5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Short-term relief of constipation when diet, fluids and fibre have not worked; Emptying the bowel before surgery, colonoscopy or X-ray procedures, as directed.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.56 to ₹1.26 per tablet across 7 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bisacodyl Tablets IP 5mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹5.63 | ₹0.56 | 19 October 2026 |
| Dulcolax | Boehringer Ingelheim | 10 | ₹9.55 | ₹0.96 | 19 October 2026 |
| Loolax 5 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹10.19 | ₹1.02 | 19 October 2026 |
| Dulcoflex | Opella Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd. | 15 | ₹18.71 | ₹1.25 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cremaffin Fresh | Abbott | 10 | ₹12.52 | ₹1.25 | 19 October 2026 |
| Gerbisa | Zydus Cadila | 10 | ₹12.57 | ₹1.26 | 19 October 2026 |
| BO Lax 5 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹12.56 | ₹1.26 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Short-term relief of constipation when diet, fluids and fibre have not worked.
- Emptying the bowel before surgery, colonoscopy or X-ray procedures, as directed.
- Occasional constipation during travel, bed rest or after a change in routine, for a day or two.
How to take it
Take the tablets at bedtime, swallowed whole with water – do not crush, chew or break them, because the coating is designed to release the medicine in the bowel. It usually works in 6 to 12 hours, so you should have a bowel movement the next morning. Do not take it within 1 hour of milk, curd or antacids, as these dissolve the coating early and cause stomach cramps. Take no more than once a day and not for more than a week without a doctor's advice. Drink plenty of water and add fibre to your diet. If you still have no bowel movement, or you have stomach pain, vomiting or a sudden change in bowel habit lasting more than 2 weeks, see a doctor.
Side effects
Common
- Stomach cramps or discomfort.
- Feeling faint or dizzy.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhoea if the dose is too high.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Rectal bleeding – stop and see a doctor.
- Laxative dependence and loss of normal bowel function with regular use.
- Dehydration and low potassium with prolonged or repeated use – weakness, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat.
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction, but alcohol dehydrates you and worsens constipation; limit it.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Fibre and gentler laxatives are usually tried first; use bisacodyl only on a doctor's or pharmacist's advice.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease; repeated use can upset fluid and salt balance.
Liver problems
No specific precautions are listed; tell your doctor about liver disease.
Children
Do not give to children without a doctor's advice; paediatric doses and suppositories differ from adult tablets.
Missed dose
It is taken when needed, so just take the next dose at bedtime when you need it. Do not take two doses in one day.
Interactions
- Antacids (Gelusil, Digene) and acidity tablets (pantoprazole, omeprazole) – wait at least 1 hour between them and bisacodyl.
- Milk, curd and dairy products – avoid within 1 hour of the tablet.
- Diuretics (water pills) and steroids – more risk of low potassium with repeated use.
- Heart medicines such as digoxin – low potassium from laxative overuse can cause problems.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dulcoflex take to work?
Usually 6 to 12 hours, which is why it is taken at bedtime so you pass stool the next morning. Do not take a second dose the same day if nothing happens – see a doctor if it keeps failing.
Can I take Dulcoflex daily?
No. Bisacodyl is for short-term use – not more than once a day and not beyond a week without advice. Regular use can make the bowel dependent on laxatives.
Why should I not take Dulcoflex with milk or antacids?
The tablet has a coating that releases the medicine in the bowel. Milk, curd and antacids dissolve the coating in the stomach, causing cramps and reducing the effect. Keep a 1 hour gap.
Dulcoflex vs Cremaffin – which is better for constipation?
Dulcoflex (bisacodyl) is a stimulant laxative that works overnight. Cremaffin syrup is a softener and osmotic laxative that is gentler and can be used longer. Cremaffin Fresh tablets, however, contain bisacodyl like Dulcoflex. Ask a pharmacist which suits you.
Is Dulcoflex safe in pregnancy?
Check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Fibre, fluids and gentler laxatives such as lactulose or isabgol are usually tried before bisacodyl in pregnancy.
Can I give Dulcoflex to my child?
Not without a doctor's advice. Children need different doses, and constipation in children is usually managed with diet, fluids and gentler laxatives first.
Does Dulcoflex cause stomach pain?
Cramps are the most common side effect. Taking it with milk or antacids, or taking too much, makes cramps worse. Stop and see a doctor if you have severe pain or bleeding.
Does Dulcoflex need a prescription?
No. Bisacodyl 5 mg tablets are sold over the counter in India, but see a doctor if constipation lasts more than 2 weeks or comes with pain, weight loss or blood in the stool.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Bisacodyl (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms