India, 9 April 2026: As NASA’s Artemis II mission marks mankind’s return to lunar orbit, a trusted solution for digestive health is on board, an Opella brand in India, will join the crew on the 10-day mission[1] as part of the official Formulary Dulcolax and First Aid kit for NASA astronauts[2].
In India Dulcolax was renamed to Dulcoflex in 2017.
Space travel is extraordinary – but digestion still follows earthly rules. Without the pull of gravity, intestinal activity can slow significantly and result in changes in the intestinal microbiome[3]. This, combined with restricted movement and a specialized diet, makes constipation a common concern for astronauts.[4] That’s why NASA relies on solutions that are proven, predictable, and trusted.
Dulcolax is the only brand included in NASA’s formulary and first aid kit for the relief of constipation and its symptoms like bloating, straining, and hard stools. Its long-standing presence on the International Space Station[5], reflects the trust placed in the solution for several decades.
Dulcolax Bisacodyl tablets activates the natural gut movement to help get things going again – predictably, in as little as six hours. It provides gentle relief Non-Habit Formingan important reassurance in environments where reliability truly matters.
Nupur Gurbaxani – Director Brand & innovation, Opella (India), “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. This highlights our dedication to delivering dependable solutions that perform everywhere – from your home to outer space.”
In space, reliability is mission critical. Back on Earth, it’s just as valuable when stress, travel, or a change in routine throws digestion off track. From everyday life to lunar orbit, when nature needs a nudge, Dulcolax is ready for lift-off.
In India, the Dulcoflex portfolio of Bisacodyl spans formats for every relief need —
- 5 mg tablets for predictable, gentle overnight relief in 6–8 hours.
- 5 mg suppositories for mess‑free, fast action suited for children (0–10 years).
- 10 mg suppositories for mess‑free, immediate relief for adults (10+ years).
About Dulcoflex.
Earlier known as Dulcolax – Dulcoflex is a consumer health brand committed to empowering people to manage constipation effectively and confidently. For over decades, Dulcoflex has pioneered science-based solutions for digestive health, beginning with the discovery of bisacodyl in 1948. Today, the brand offers a broad range of predictable, well-tolerated products designed to provide fast, comfortable relief and support better everyday wellbeing. Present in more than 60 markets worldwide, Dulcoflex continues to combine innovation, education, and advocacy to break the taboo around digestive health and help consumers reclaim their daily potential.
Follow and find more details on Dulcoflex-Instagram
About Opella.
Opella (Sanofi Consumer Healthcare India*) is the self-care challenger with the purest and third-largest portfolio in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) & Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market globally. Our mission is to bring health in people’s hands by making self-care as simple as it should be. For half a billion consumers worldwide – and counting. Opella is the proud maker of many of the world’s most loved brands, including Allegra, Combiflam, Avil, Depura and Enterogermina. B Corp certified globally, we are active players in the journey towards healthier people and planet.
*Sanofi Consumer Healthcare India Limited (SCHIL) has emerged as a distinct legal entity following its demerger from Sanofi India Limited. SCHIL is now operating independently, with a dedicated focus on the Consumer Healthcare sector. SCHIL is transitioning to its new identity Opella, as done across the globe.
[2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41526-024-00414-3/tables/1
[3] Ramos-Nascimento A et al. Human gut microbiome and metabolite dynamics under simulated microgravity. Gut Microbes 2023; 15(2): 2259033.
[4] Roma PG et al. Assessment of Spaceflight Medical Conditions’ and Treatments’ Potential Impacts on Behavioral Health and Performance. Life Sciences in Space Research 2021; 30: 72–81.
[5] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Emergency Medical Procedures Manual for the International Space Station (ISS) [partial], 2016 (governmentattic.org)
