As the Artemis II mission marks humanity’s return to lunar orbit, a familiar name in digestive care has found its place onboard. Dulcolax, an Opella brand, is part of NASA’s official formulary and first aid kit for astronauts on the 10-day mission. Space travel presents unique physiological challenges. In microgravity, intestinal activity slows and changes in the microbiome, limited mobility, and specialised diets can lead to constipation. Dulcolax, the only brand included in NASA’s formulary for such conditions, has been trusted for decades, including aboard the International Space Station. Its Bisacodyl tablets are designed to stimulate natural bowel movement, offering predictable relief in as little as six hours, while remaining non-habit forming.
In India, Dulcolax has been marketed as Dulcoflex since 2017, offering a range of solutions including tablets and suppositories for both adults and children. The brand traces its origins to the discovery of bisacodyl in 1948 and is now present in over 60 markets globally. Nupur Gurbaxani, Director Brand & Innovation at Opella India, said, “Being included in NASA’s mission is a testament to the trust and reliability that healthcare professionals and consumers have placed in our brand for decades.”
In Kolkata, where consumer awareness around digestive health has been steadily increasing, Dulcoflex continues to see demand driven by lifestyle-related digestive issues. Pharmacists report a growing preference for predictable, fast-acting OTC solutions, especially among urban consumers dealing with irregular routines, travel, and dietary shifts. The association with NASA is likely to further strengthen brand recall and consumer confidence in the region.
