Enema – normally 1 tube of liquid is all you need. If you need a second dose, you can use it later in the day or the next day.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you can try to treat constipation without taking a medicine. This involves eating more fibre and drinking plenty of fluids. It may also help to do gentle exercise. The Dulcolax range is used for the short term treatment of occasional constipation, always read the label. Prolonged use of DulcoEase should be avoided. If you are still constipated after five days of treatment, if you need to take a laxative every day, or if you have persistent abdominal pain, you should consult your doctor for advice. If diet and lifestyle changes do not work, your doctor or midwife may recommend a laxative, such as lactulose or Fybogel. These laxatives are quite often used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Docusate in pregnancyDocusate also stimulates the nerve endings in the walls of the large bowel (colon) and rectum. This makes the muscles in the bowel wall contract more often and with increased force, which moves the stools through the colon to the rectum so that the bowel can be emptied. You should not take DulcoEase with laxatives containing liquid paraffin (mineral oil). What other medicines contain docusate sodium? Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. What if I take too much?

DulcoEase capsules contain the active ingredient docusate sodium, which is a type of medicine called a laxative. Prolonged, excessive use of laxatives can lead to diarrhoea, low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalaemia) and an imbalance in the amount of fluid and salts (electrolytes) in the body. Prolonged, excessive use may also make the constipation worse in the long-term, as the gut can become reliant on the laxative. Don't exceed the recommended dose of DulcoEase or use it for more than five days unless advised to by your doctor.

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You will usually feel more comfortable within 1 or 2 days of treatment. Reduce the dose as your condition gets better. Stool softeners are just that — products that help make hard, dry, painful poo softer. They work by softening the poo in the intestine, which makes it easier and more comfortable to pass. When used as directed, stool softeners are a safe, gentle way to keep things moving.