Bisacodyl

Generic Name:  bisacodyl (bis AK oh dil)
Brand names: Alophen, Bisac-Evac, Bisco-Lax, Carters Little Pills, Correctol, Doxidan Tablet, Dulcolax Laxative, Evac-U-Gen, Ex-lax Ultra, Feen-A-Mint, Fleet Bisacodyl, Gen Lax, Gentlax Tablet, Gentle Laxative, Laxative Gentle Suppositories, Magic Bullet, Modane, Veracolate, Dulcogen, Bisa-Plex, Bisolax, Colax 

What is bisacodyl? 

Bisacodyl is  a laxative that stimulates bowel movements. 

Bisacodyl  is used to treat constipation or  to empty the bowels before surgery, colonoscopy, x-rays, or other intestinal medical procedure. 

Bisacodyl may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. 

What  is the most important information I should know about bisacodyl? 

Do not use bisacodyl if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea,  or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor.
 
If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using  a laxative.

Bisacodyl products should not be used  for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by  your healthcare provider. 

Rectal bleeding  or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a  more serious condition. Stop using bisacodyl and contact your healthcare provider. 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using bisacodyl? 

You  should not use  this medication if you are allergic to bisacodyl, or if you have: 

• severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting; 
• a perforated bowel; 
• a blockage in your intestines; 
• fructose or galactose intolerance; 
• an allergy  to yellow food dye; 
• severe constipation  or dehydration; 
• inflammatory bowel disease, toxic megacolon;  or
• A sudden change in  bowel habits lasting 2 weeks  or longer.

People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor. 

If you have  any of these other conditions,  you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use bisacodyl: 

• kidney disease; 
• trouble swallowing; 
• a history  of bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis,  or other intestinal disorder; or 
• If you are taking  a diuretic ("water pill"). 

Do not use bisacodyl without telling  your doctor if you are pregnant.  Do not use  bisacodyl without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.  Do not give this medication to a child without the advice  of a doctor. 

When used to treat constipation,  bisacodyl is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet and exercise. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely. 

How should I use bisacodyl? 

Use this medication  exactly as directed on the label,  or as  prescribed by your doctor. Do not  use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. 

For best results, take  bisacodyl on an empty stomach, or at bedtime. Do  not crush, chew,  or break the enteric-coated tablet. Swallow it whole. The enteric-coated pill has a special coating to protect  your stomach. Breaking the pill could damage this coating.  Do not take a  bisacodyl rectal (enema or suppository) by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum. 

Try  to use the rectal form  of this medicine at  a time when you can lie down afterward and hold the medicine in. Avoid using the bathroom during this time. 

If you are using  bisacodyl before surgery or a medical procedure,  follow your doctor's instructions about the timing of your dose (the number of days or hours) before your procedure. 

Remove the outer wrapper from  the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling  the suppository too long or it will melt  in your hands.

Lie on your side and gently  insert the suppository pointed end first. For best results, hold  in the suppository  for a 15  to 20 minutes. The suppository will melt quickly once inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding  it in. Avoid using the bathroom just after  you have inserted the suppository. 

Shake the rectal enema gently just before use.  Remove the protective cap from the applicator tip. You may use the enema lying  down or seated  on a toilet.  Gently insert the tip  into your rectum and lightly squeeze  the bottle to release  the enema.  Hold the enema in for a few minutes and then release into the toilet. 

The rectal forms of bisacodyl should produce a bowel movement within 15 minutes to 1 hour. 

The tablet form of bisacodyl should produce a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours, or overnight when taken at bedtime. 

Call  your doctor if you do not have a bowel movement after using  this medication. Do not use bisacodyl for more than 7 days  in a row unless your doctor tells you to.  Store bisacodyl at room temperature away from moisture  and heat. 

What happens if  I miss a dose? 

Since bisacodyl is used only once or as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. 

What happens if I overdose? 

Seek emergency medical attention if  you think you  have used too much of this medicine. 

Overdose symptoms may include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, muscle weakness, or urinating less than usual. 

What should I avoid while using bisacodyl? 

Avoid using any other medications within 2 hours before or after using bisacodyl. 

Avoid drinking milk within 1 hour after using bisacodyl. 

Bisacodyl side effects 

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: 

• urinating less than usual or not at all; 
• drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting; 
• swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath; 
• rectal bleeding;
• severe stomach pain or cramps, severe or ongoing diarrhea or vomiting; or 
• low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling). 

Less serious side effects may include: 

• dizziness, weakness; 
• increased thirst; 
• mild stomach pain, gas, indigestion; 
• diarrhea or loose stools; 
• mild nausea; or 
• skin rash. 

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

What other drugs will affect bisacodyl? 

There may be other drugs that can interact with bisacodyl. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. 

Where can I get more information? 

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about bisacodyl. 
• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. 
• The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are using, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. 

Notes: DrJMinor

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EditText of this page (last edited December 21, 2009)