Food and medicine interaction
Milk and other dairy products and bisacodyl tablets (Dulcolax and store brands), a stimulant laxative
EstablishedEvidence level: established. Shown in drug labeling or in controlled studies in people.
Last reviewed
What can happen
The bisacodyl label warns against taking the tablets within 1 hour after milk or an antacid. The laxative can cause stomach discomfort, faintness and cramps.
- Why it happens
- The tablets are enteric coated to pass the stomach intact; milk and antacids lower stomach acidity and are thought to let the coating break down too early.
- At ordinary food amounts
- Ordinary amounts count: the warning applies to a normal glass of milk or serving of dairy within the hour before the tablet.
What to do
Wait at least 1 hour after dairy or an antacid before taking bisacodyl tablets, as the label and MedlinePlus advise. Ask a pharmacist if you need a laxative often or the timing is hard to manage.
Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to the prescriber.
Common questions
Can I have milk and other dairy products while taking laxatives?
Wait at least 1 hour after dairy or an antacid before taking bisacodyl tablets, as the label and MedlinePlus advise. Ask a pharmacist if you need a laxative often or the timing is hard to manage. Ordinary amounts count: the warning applies to a normal glass of milk or serving of dairy within the hour before the tablet.
Sources
Related
- RemedyYogurt and kefir: the full evidence pageCultured milks with the clearest evidence of any fermented food: their live bacteria help digest lactose. Other claims rest on probiotic supplement trials or observational data.
- Interaction · EstablishedMilk, yogurt, cheese and calcium-fortified juice and tetracycline antibiotics and fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin