DulcoEase 100mg Capsules – 30 Pack are stool-softening laxative capsules designed to relieve constipation and make bowel movements easier and more comfortable.

Each capsule contains 100mg docusate sodium, an active ingredient that helps water penetrate hard, dry stools, making them softer and easier to pass.

Unlike stimulant laxatives, which primarily encourage the bowel muscles to contract, DulcoEase works mainly by softening stools. This makes it a useful treatment option for people who experience difficulty passing hard stools or discomfort when straining.

DulcoEase is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over and may be particularly helpful when hard stools cause discomfort associated with haemorrhoids (piles) or anal fissures.

Constipation can occur for many reasons, including changes in diet, insufficient fluid intake, lack of exercise, certain medicines or changes in normal bowel habits.

DulcoEase provides a convenient oral treatment option to help manage constipation and support more comfortable bowel movements.

How Does DulcoEase Work?

DulcoEase contains docusate sodium, a medicine classified as a stool softener.

Docusate sodium works by reducing the surface tension of stools, allowing water and fats to penetrate accumulated hard, dry faeces more easily.

This increases stool moisture, helping stools become softer and easier to pass.

Docusate sodium also has some stimulant laxative activity, but its main role in DulcoEase is stool softening.

The medicine generally helps people feel more comfortable within one to two days, although the response may vary.

Benefits of DulcoEase 100mg Capsules

Softens Hard, Dry Stools

Docusate sodium increases the amount of water within stools, making them easier to pass.

Relieves Constipation

Helps treat constipation when stools are difficult to pass or bowel movements become uncomfortable.

Reduces Straining

Softer stools may reduce the need to strain during bowel movements.

Helpful for Haemorrhoids

May make passing stools more comfortable for people with haemorrhoids, where straining can cause additional discomfort.

Supports Anal Fissure Management

Softening stools may reduce discomfort when passing stools in people with anal fissures.

Convenient Capsule Format

The capsules can be swallowed whole with water without needing to prepare a powder or liquid.

What Is DulcoEase Used For?

DulcoEase 100mg Capsules are used for the prevention and treatment of chronic constipation and to help prevent hard, dry stools.

They may also be useful when reducing straining is important, including in people experiencing:

  • Constipation: Hard, dry or difficult-to-pass stools.
  • Haemorrhoids (piles): Swollen blood vessels around the anus or lower rectum that can become uncomfortable during bowel movements.
  • Anal fissures: Small tears in the lining of the anus that may cause pain when passing stools.
    DulcoEase helps manage stool consistency but does not directly treat haemorrhoids or heal anal fissures.

If you have persistent rectal pain, bleeding or worsening symptoms, seek medical advice.

What Is the Difference Between DulcoEase and Dulcolax?

Although both products belong to the Dulco family, they contain different active ingredients and work differently.

DulcoEase 100mg Capsules contain docusate sodium, which primarily softens stools by allowing water to penetrate hard faeces.

Dulcolax Adult 5mg Tablets contain bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative that encourages bowel contractions.

DulcoEase may be particularly relevant when stools are hard and difficult to pass, while Dulcolax is intended for short-term relief of occasional constipation.

Do not combine laxatives without advice from a healthcare professional.

Who Can Take DulcoEase Capsules?

DulcoEase 100mg Capsules are suitable for:

  • Adults aged 18 years and over.
  • Older adults.
  • Children and adolescents aged 12–17 years.

DulcoEase should not be given to children under 12 years of age.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor before taking this medicine.

When Should DulcoEase Not Be Used?

Do not take DulcoEase if you:

  • Are allergic to docusate sodium or any other ingredient.
  • Have stomach pain that is not related to constipation.
  • Feel sick or have vomited within the previous 24 hours.
  • Have an intestinal obstruction or suspected bowel blockage.
  • Have hereditary fructose intolerance.
  • Are taking a mineral oil laxative, such as liquid paraffin.

If you are uncertain about the cause of your constipation or have persistent abdominal symptoms, speak to a healthcare professional before use.

Can DulcoEase Help With Haemorrhoids?

DulcoEase may be useful for people with haemorrhoids because it helps soften stools and reduce straining during bowel movements.

Hard stools and repeated straining can aggravate discomfort associated with piles.

By making stools easier to pass, DulcoEase may help reduce bowel-related discomfort.

However, it does not directly shrink haemorrhoids or treat the underlying condition.

Can DulcoEase Help With Anal Fissures?

Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus that can cause pain during bowel movements.

Passing hard stools may aggravate an existing fissure.

DulcoEase can help soften stools and reduce straining, potentially making bowel movements more comfortable while the fissure heals.

Persistent pain or rectal bleeding should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Supporting Healthy Bowel Habits

Alongside treatment, maintaining healthy bowel habits can help prevent constipation.

Try to eat a balanced diet containing fibre-rich foods, drink enough fluids, remain physically active and avoid delaying bowel movements when you feel the urge to go.

If you need DulcoEase every day or constipation repeatedly returns, consult a pharmacist or doctor.

Active Ingredient

Docusate Sodium – 100mg per capsule

Docusate sodium is a stool-softening laxative.

It works by reducing the surface tension of stools, allowing water and fats to penetrate hard, dry faeces.

This helps stools become softer and easier to pass, reducing the need for straining.

Each capsule contains 100mg docusate sodium.

Other Ingredients

DulcoEase 100mg Capsules also contain:

  • Macrogol 400.
  • Propylene glycol.
  • Gelatin.
  • Glycerol.
  • Sorbitol (E420).
  • Titanium dioxide (E171).
  • Purified water.
  • Sunset yellow (E110).
  • Quinoline yellow (E104).

Important Ingredient Information

Contains sorbitol.

Each capsule contains approximately 19.3mg sorbitol, which is a source of fructose.

People with hereditary fructose intolerance should not take this medicine.

Contains sunset yellow (E110).

This colouring may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Contains propylene glycol.

Each capsule contains approximately 11.5mg propylene glycol.

Contains gelatin.

The soft capsule shell contains gelatin and may not be suitable for people following vegetarian or vegan diets.

Sodium content

DulcoEase contains less than 1mmol sodium per capsule and is considered essentially sodium-free.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet for the complete ingredient information.

Adults and Children Aged 12 Years and Over

The recommended starting dose is one 100mg capsule three times daily.

The dose can then be increased or reduced according to your response.

Maximum daily dose: Five capsules (500mg docusate sodium) in 24 hours.

Do not exceed the maximum recommended dose.

Children Under 12 Years

Do not give DulcoEase 100mg Capsules to children under 12 years of age.

Ask a pharmacist or doctor about an age-appropriate constipation treatment.

How to Take DulcoEase Capsules

  • Read the product label and Patient Information Leaflet.
  • Start with one capsule three times daily.
  • Swallow each capsule whole with a glass of water.
  • Adjust the dose according to your response, following the product instructions.
  • Do not take more than five capsules in 24 hours.
  • Reduce or stop treatment as your bowel movements become more comfortable.

Do not chew or open the capsules.

How Long Does DulcoEase Take to Work?

DulcoEase generally helps people feel more comfortable within one to two days of treatment.

The exact time can vary depending on the severity of constipation, hydration and individual bowel habits.

Do not exceed the recommended dose if you do not experience immediate relief.

How Long Can You Take DulcoEase?

DulcoEase should not be taken every day for a long period without medical advice.

For self-treatment, seek medical advice if constipation has not improved after five days or if symptoms worsen.

If you find yourself needing DulcoEase every day, speak to a doctor or pharmacist to investigate the underlying cause.

Can You Take DulcoEase With Other Medicines?

Do not take DulcoEase with mineral oil laxatives such as liquid paraffin.

Docusate may increase the absorption of mineral oil, potentially causing unwanted effects.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about any prescription medicines, over-the-counter treatments or supplements you are taking.

Do not combine multiple laxatives unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice before taking DulcoEase.

During pregnancy, it should be used only when a healthcare professional considers that the expected benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Use during breastfeeding also requires caution.

Storage Instructions

Store DulcoEase Capsules below 25°C.

Keep them in their original packaging to protect them from moisture.

Do not use the medicine after the expiry date shown on the packaging.

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Like all medicines, DulcoEase 100mg Capsules can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them.

Most people tolerate docusate sodium, but digestive symptoms and skin reactions can occur.

Rare Side Effects

These may affect fewer than 1 in 1,000 people.

Nausea

Some people may feel sick while taking DulcoEase.

If nausea is persistent or troublesome, stop taking the medicine and seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor.

Diarrhoea

DulcoEase may cause loose or watery stools.

This can occur if the stool-softening effect is greater than required.

If you develop diarrhoea, stop taking DulcoEase and drink sufficient fluids to avoid dehydration.

Stomach Cramps

Abdominal cramps may occur during treatment.

If you experience severe or persistent stomach pain, stop taking DulcoEase and seek medical advice.

Side Effects With Unknown Frequency

The following have been reported, but their frequency cannot be estimated from available data.

Skin Rash

A skin rash may develop as a reaction to the medicine or one of its ingredients.

Itching (Pruritus)

Some people may experience itching during treatment.

Stop taking DulcoEase and speak to a healthcare professional if you develop a rash or itching.

Can DulcoEase Cause Dehydration?

Diarrhoea caused by excessive laxative use may lead to dehydration.

Symptoms can include increased thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, weakness and reduced urination.

The risk is greater if you take more than the recommended dose.

What Happens If You Take Too Much DulcoEase?

Taking too much DulcoEase may cause excessive fluid and electrolyte loss.

If you take more than the recommended amount, drink water and seek urgent medical advice.

Do not take additional doses to try to make the medicine work faster.

When Should You Stop Taking DulcoEase?

Stop taking DulcoEase and seek medical advice if you experience:

  • Persistent or severe abdominal pain.
  • Significant diarrhoea.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Signs of dehydration.
  • Skin rash or itching.
  • Constipation that persists or worsens.

Seek emergency medical help if you develop difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience a suspected side effect, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

You can also report suspected medicine side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard 

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