Compare Dulcolax vs. senna
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats constipation.
Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) works fast and the suppositories work even faster to relieve your constipation, as long as you're okay with it "cramping" your style a bit.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 160 reviewsforDulcolax
Relieves occasional constipation.
Senokot (senna) is gentle and effective for occasional constipation, but it can't be used as a long-term treatment.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 69 reviewsforsenna
Upsides
- Most people said it was worth taking and it wasn't too much of a hassle.
- Tablets give overnight relief of your constipation.
- Dulcolax can also be used to treat constipation caused by spinal cord injury.
- Suppositories give you quick relief without having to drink a large amount of liquid medicine.
- Senokot (senna) is tolerated well and has few side effects.
- Approved for children as young as 2 years old.
Downsides
- Dulcolax can cause cramping, stomach upset, feeling faint, and the feeling that you "have to go right now".
- You have to be comfortable with putting the medicine in your rectum.
- Suppositories can cause slight rectal burning.
- Using Senokot (senna) often or for a long period of time can increase the risk of dehydration, especially if you are older or also taking diuretics.
- Might take a few days to work which is slower than some of its alternatives.
- Can only be used as a short-term treatment.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Suppository
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$2.00
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$9.00
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Reviews
160 reviews so far
65%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Dulcolax (Bisacodyl)?
Leave a review69 reviews so far
58%
saidit'sworth it
35%
saiditworked well
10%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Senokot (senna)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Senokot (senna) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Bowel blockage
- Age 60 or older
- Malignancy
- Other condition that causes blockage or narrowing of bowel
- Taking medications that cause constipation
- Laxative dependence
- Age 60 or greater
- Taking medications that cause constipation
- People who can't walk or move well (immobility)
- Risk to fetus
- Women of childbearing age
- Bowel blockage
- Laxative dependence