Dulcolax class action alleges laxative soft chews falsely marketed as ‘cramp free’

Dulcolax class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: A New York consumer filed a class action lawsuit against Chattem Inc.
• Why: She claims Chattem falsely advertises its Dulcolax fruit-flavored soft chews as being “cramp free.”
• Where: The Dulcolax class action lawsuit was filed in New York state court.

A new class action lawsuit accuses Chattem Inc. of falsely advertising its Dulcolax fruit-flavored soft chews as being “cramp free.”

Plaintiff Tamica Westbrook’s lawsuit alleges Chattem Inc. falsely advertised its Dulcolax laxative as being “cramp free” despite the fact that its active ingredient, magnesium hydroxide, commonly causes abdominal cramps.

Chattem, a Tennessee-based company, sells a variety of over-the-counter medications, including the Dulcolax laxative, which is marketed as a gentle, fruit-flavored chewable tablet.

Westbrook’s lawsuit claims the company’s misrepresentation led consumers to pay more for the product than they would have if they had known about the potential side effect.

The product’s packaging prominently displays the phrase “Cramp Free!” leading consumers to believe it would not cause abdominal discomfort, Westbrook says. However, she argues that this claim is misleading, citing multiple sources that confirm magnesium hydroxide can cause cramping.

The lawsuit points to medical experts and institutions, including the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic, which note that magnesium hydroxide can cause abdominal cramping.

Westbrook also cites a clinical study that found magnesium hydroxide caused more cramping than other common laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol and lactulose.

Dulcolax lawsuit claims consumers paid a premium for a falsely advertised product

The Dulcolax class action argues that the plaintiff was caused to pay more than she would have paid for the Product, based on the identified misrepresentations and omissions. 

The plaintiff claims she relied on the “Cramp Free!” label when purchasing the product between July 2022 and May 2025, paying a premium price of $17.99. She argues that she would have paid less if she had known the product could cause cramps.

Westbrook says she still obtained value from the product as a laxative but seeks compensation for the price difference between the product as advertised and its actual effects.

Westbrook wants to represent a class of New York residents who purchased Dulcolax fruit-flavored soft chews in the state for personal use during the statute of limitations, claiming Chattem is guilty of violating New York’s General Business Law. She demands a jury trial and requests actual damages for herself and all class members.

In another class action targeting false claims, the supplement Prevagen was accused of misleading consumers about its memory-improving benefits.

Have you ever purchased Dulcolax fruit-flavored soft chews? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates P.C.The Dulcolax class action lawsuit is Tamica Westbrook v. Chattem Inc., Case No. 812833/2025E, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Bronx.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Lawsuit alleges Hello Toothpaste contains dangerous levels of heavy metals
• Class action claims Alaska Airlines halved benefits of Flight Pass program
• Class action says GoMacro snack bars are advertised as ‘healthy’ despite excessive sugar
• Judge refuses to let Meta and Google off the hook in GoodRx health data sharing lawsuit