OilDell in Japan: Hard Stools, Capsule Dose and COLAC II Differences

Sources checked: 19 October 2026 | Japanese product

Hard stool that is difficult to pass? OilDell (オイルデル) combines a stool-softening ingredient, DSS, with powdered hemp seed. It does not contain COLAC II’s stimulant ingredient, bisacodyl. That makes the formulas different; it does not make OilDell suitable for everyone or guarantee painless relief.

I’m Irene, a Taiwan-born, Japan-licensed pharmacist working in a Japanese drugstore. With this orange box, I would check two things before the capsule count: whether hard stool is the main difficulty, and whether you have already taken another laxative.

First decide whether to ask about OilDell

Find the orange box, then check the full name

Look for オイルデル, the yellow drop and 24カプセル (24 capsules). Kobayashi currently lists this pack as a Class 2 OTC medicine. Its official foreign-language index spells the name “Oildel”; you may also see “OilDell” or “Oil Dell” in travel information. Match the Japanese name rather than relying on the Roman spelling. The current listing does not guarantee stock at every shop.

What DSS and hemp seed do

DSS (dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate) helps water penetrate hard stool, making it softer. Powdered hemp seed, called 麻子仁末 on the label, supplies fatty oils that help lubricate stool. These are the two active ingredients, not a recommendation to take ordinary dietary oil or a hemp supplement instead.

The label’s ingredient amounts are DSS 200 mg and powdered hemp seed 1,000 mg in 8 capsules. Eight capsules is the maximum daily total at the labelled dose, not a single dose. Do not compare this number with another product’s DSS amount to decide which will work better.

How many capsules, and when?

For this product, “empty stomach” means preferably at least 2 hours after a meal. It is not a “take just after breakfast and dinner” instruction. If that timing is difficult with your other medicines, ask a pharmacist to help plan it.

Push each capsule out of its blister before taking it; never swallow the plastic-and-foil packaging. The photo helps identify the capsule format, but its on-screen size is not an actual-size guide. Capsule colour can vary slightly because the medicine contains a herbal ingredient.

How is it different from COLAC II?

Both have a role in softening hard stool, but shared DSS does not mean interchangeable doses, timing or suitability. The COLAC II ingredient total is DSS 24 mg plus bisacodyl 15 mg in 3 tablets. That is a different combination, not a strength ladder.

For COLAC II’s bedtime/empty-stomach directions, coated-tablet handling and milk/antacid precautions, use the full COLAC and COLAC II guide. Do not take OilDell and COLAC II together, or combine either with another laxative.

Who should ask first, and when should you stop?

Before OilDell, consult a doctor, pharmacist or registered medicine seller if you are under medical treatment, pregnant or possibly pregnant, or have severe abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Bring your other medicines and supplements, or clear package photos, for a check.

“Herbal” and “non-stimulant” do not mean side-effect-free or suitable for indefinite self-treatment. If constipation keeps returning, get help with the cause and a longer-term plan instead of repeatedly buying another box. For travel routines and warning signs that need medical care, read the constipation while travelling in Japan guide.

Three useful questions before buying

Will it work before tomorrow’s departure?

Do not count on a particular clock time or take extra capsules to meet a journey’s schedule. The Japanese leaflet does not give a fixed onset time. Tell the pharmacist about any upcoming flight or long ride so that timing and toilet access can be considered.

Is a 24-capsule box a one-week course?

No. At 3 capsules twice daily, it contains 4 days of doses; at 4 capsules twice daily, 3 days. This is pack arithmetic, not a prescribed course or an instruction to finish the box. The leaflet’s “about one week without improvement” is a stop-and-consult point.

Can I tip the capsules into a travel pill box?

Keep the medicine in its original packaging, somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and children. Do not transfer it to another container, and do not use it after the expiry date.

At the shop, show the photo and ask 「オイルデルはありますか？」 (“Do you have OilDell?”). Then explain your symptoms and any laxative already taken. Finding the correct box is only the first step.