What is Dulcoease?
Dulcoease is a stool softener that effectively softens hard stools for an easier, more comfortable way to go to the loo. It is especially helpful if you are suffering from constipation, piles or anal fissure.
How does it work?
Dulcoease contains the active ingredient
docusate sodium. Docusate sodium decreases the surface tension of the stool, which allows more water and salts to be absorbed, making the stool softer. Each soft gel capsule contains 100mg of docusate sodium. Dulcoease also contains macrogol 400, propylene glyrol, gelatin, glycerol, sorbitol, titanium dioxide (E171), water and colours (E104, E110).
Is Dulcoease right for me?
Dulcoease is a suitable choice if you find you are straining when passing bowel movements or/and you are passing harder or drier stools than usual. It is also recommended if you are suffering from haemorrhoids or anal fissures as softer stools will cause less pain and discomfort when you go to the loo. Dulcoease can also be used alongside most other laxatives.
How often should I take Dulcoease?
Dulcoease can be taken up to 5 times per day, but most people find that 3 per day is usually sufficient.
How long does Dulcoease take to work?
Dulcoease has a gradual effect and usually takes around 2 days to take its full effect.
Can Dulcoease help with piles?
Dulcoease does not directly treat piles, but because it softens stools it can make piles much easier to cope with. For specific piles treatments, see our
piles page.
When should I not take Dulcoease?
If you suffer from abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or intestinal obstructions, you should seek medical advice. If you have had a reaction to Dulcoease, then you should seek medical advice before taking it again. Do not take if you are taking mineral oil or are allergic to fructose.
What else can I do besides taking Dulcoease?
Drinking plenty of water and eating foods with plenty of fibre (such as fruit and vegetables) will help you to pass looser, softer stools.
Will Dulcoease make my bowel movements more frequent?
Dulcoease helps to produce stools with a higher water content, so you may find that your stools become more bulky more quickly. You are also more likely to pass stools sooner after eating than you would normally, but this is a good thing as it is unhealthy to have lots of stool inside you, it is better to pass it out quicker!
What if Dulcoease does not work?
If Dulcoease is not working for you, the first thing to do is to check that you are following the instructions correctly. You need to take up to 5 capsules per day with water, at regular intervals. You also need to drink plenty of water and eat a high-fibre diet.
If you still find your stools hard to pass, it may be that you need something stronger like a laxative. In this case, you may like to try
Dulcolax, from the makers of Dulcoease.
