Bisacodyl enema
What is bisacodyl enema?
BISACODYL (Fleet® Bisacodyl Enema) is a stimulant laxative, a medicine that empties the bowel. Bisacodyl treats constipation and may be used to empty and prepare the colon (bowel) for rectal or colon exams (diagnostic tests) or surgery. Generic bisacodyl enemas are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use bisacodyl?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions
-
appendicitis
-
intestinal blockage
-
persistent constipation
-
rectal tears or fissures
-
stomach pain
-
ulcerative colitis
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to bisacodyl, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
How should I use this medicine?
Bisacodyl enema is for use in the rectum (back passage). Do not take by mouth. Read package instructions carefully before use. Shake well before using. Lying on your left side, extend the left leg and draw the right leg forward for balance or pull toward the chest. Remove the protective covering from the applicator tip and put the applicator tip gently into the rectum; with tip pointed toward your stomach, squeeze the bottle steadily to discharge the suspension. For best results, try to keep the solution in as long as possible. Wash hands well after use. Use only as, and not more often than directed. Bisacodyl is not intended for long-term use.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. Bisacodyl is not for regular use, but for use on an as needed basis.
What drug(s) may interact with bisacodyl?
There are none known.
What should I watch for while taking bisacodyl?
Long-term use or use of large doses can lead to laxative dependence and chronic constipation.
What side effects may I notice from using bisacodyl?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Bisacodyl suppositories
What are bisacodyl suppositories?
BISACODYL (Dulcolax®, Magic Bullet® and many others) is a stimulant laxative, a medicine that empties the bowel. Bisacodyl treats constipation and may be used to empty and prepare the colon (bowel) for rectal or colon exams (diagnostic tests) or surgery. Generic bisacodyl suppositories are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use bisacodyl?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions
-
appendicitis
-
intestinal blockage
-
persistent constipation
-
rectal tears or fissures
-
stomach pain
-
ulcerative colitis
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to bisacodyl, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
How should I use this medicine?
Bisacodyl suppositories are put into the rectum (back passage). Do not take by mouth. Wash your hands. Take off the foil wrapping. Lie on your side and raise your knee to your chest. Using your finger push the suppositroy, with the pointed end first, into the rectum. Try and keep the suppository in your rectum for 15 to 20 minutes. If you feel it must come out at once, it was not inserted high enough and should be pushed higher. Wash your hands well after use. Use exactly as directed; do not exceed the recommended dose, and do not use more often than directed. Bisacodyl is not intended for long-term use.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. Bisacodyl is not for regular use, but for use on an as needed basis.
What drug(s) may interact with bisacodyl?
There are none known.
What should I watch for while taking bisacodyl?
Do not use bisacodyl for more than one week without consulting your prescriber or health care professional. Long-term use or use of large doses also can lead to laxative dependence and chronic constipation.
If the suppository seems soft, hold it inside the foil wrapper under cold water for one or two minutes.
What side effects may I notice from using bisacodyl?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Bisacodyl tablets
What are bisacodyl tablets?
BISACODYL (Carters® Little Pills, Correctol®, Dulcolax®, Evac-U-Gen®, Feen-a-mint®, Fleets® Laxative and many others) is a stimulant laxative, a medicine that empties the bowel. Bisacodyl treats constipation and may be used to empty and prepare the colon (bowel) for rectal or colon exams (diagnostic tests) or surgery. Generic bisacodyl tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take bisacodyl?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions
-
appendicitis
-
intestinal blockage
-
persistent constipation
-
rectal tears or fissures
-
stomach pain
-
ulcerative colitis
-
an unusual or allergic reaction to bisacodyl, tartrazine dye, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
How should I take this medicine?
Take bisacodyl tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a good drink of water; do not crush or chew. Take exactly as directed; do not exceed the recommended dose, and do not take more often than directed. Bisacodyl is not intended for long-term use.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. Bisacodyl tablets are not for regular use, but are taken on an as needed basis.
What drug(s) may interact with bisacodyl?
What should I watch for while taking bisacodyl?
Do not use bisacodyl for more than one week without consulting your prescriber or health care professional. Long-term use or use of large doses also can lead to laxative dependence and chronic constipation.
Antacids and milk can destroy the protective coating on bisacodyl tablets and upset your stomach. Do not take antacids and milk within 1 to 2 hours of the bisacodyl dose.
What side effects may I notice from taking bisacodyl?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-
mild diarrhea
-
nausea
-
stomach cramps
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.