Bisacodyl: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is bisacodyl used for?

Bisacodyl is a drug primarily used to treat constipation or constipation. Bisacodyl can also be used to clean the intestines before intestinal examinations or surgery.

Bisacodyl is known as a stimulant laxative aka laxative drug. The way this drug works is by stimulating bowel movements and helping the excretion of feces.

Bisacodyl is included in the type of over-the-counter drugs. You can get this drug at a pharmacy either with a doctor's prescription or without a doctor's recommendation. However, make sure you are still careful in using various drugs.

Not only oral form that is taken directly, this drug is also available in the form of suppositories (capsules) and fluids that are usually inserted directly through the anus.

How is bisacodyl used?

There are several things you should do while using this drug, including the following.

• Take the tablet medicine using a glass of mineral water.
• Do not chew, crush, or break the medicine into pieces.
• Take this medicine according to the rules given by the doctor. If you are self-medicating, follow all directions on the product packaging.
• Do not use it within an hour of taking antacids, milk or dairy products, as they can damage the coating of the tablets and can increase the risk of stomach upset and nausea.
• The dosage is based on age, medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase the dose or use this medication more often than directed.
• Do not use this medication for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. Serious side effects can occur if overused.
• It may take 6-12 hours before this medicine causes a bowel movement.
• Tell the doctor if the condition does not improve or gets worse, or if bleeding from the rectum occurs. If you think you have a specific medical problem, seek medical help immediately.

How to use bisacodyl rectal enema

This bisacodyl drug is in liquid form and is generally inserted into the anus. Here's how to use it:

• Shake the liquid medicine first before using it. Open the lid of the medicine container.
• Sleep on your left side with your right foot in front of your chest and your body slightly protruding forward.
• Gently insert the tip of the enema bottle through the anus and point it towards the belly button.
• Slowly squeeze the bottle until the bottle is empty, and remove the bottle from the anus.
• For best results, hold the enema solution against your anus for up to 10 minutes. After that you can drain the liquid in the toilet.

How to use bisacodyl rectal suppositories

This type of drug is a solid that is inserted through the anus. Here's how to use it:

• Unwrap the suppository, but do not hold the suppository for too long as it may melt in your hands.
• If the suppository is smooth, you can temporarily put it in the refrigerator.
• Lie on your left side with your right knee in front of your chest. Insert the suppository into the anus.
• Keep lying down for a few minutes while holding the suppository until the suppository melts in the anus.
• Use one suppository once a day.

How do I store bisacodyl?

This medication is best stored at room temperature and in a place away from direct light exposure and moisture. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom and do not freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the bisacodyl dosage for adults?

Adult dosage for colonoscopy preparation

• Tablets: 5 to 15 milligrams (mg) taken by mouth once daily as needed
• Rectal enema: 10 mg inserted into the large intestine through the anus once daily as needed
• Rectal suppository: 10 mg (1 suppository) inserted into the large intestine through the anus once a day as needed

The maximum duration of use of the drug is one week.

Adult dosage for constipation

• Tablets: 5 to 15 mg taken once daily as needed
• Rectal enema: 10 mg inserted into the large intestine through the anus once daily as needed
• Rectal suppository: 10 mg (1 suppository) inserted into the large intestine through the anus once a day as needed

The maximum duration of use of the drug is one week.

What is the dose of bisacodyl for children?

Children's dosage for colonoscopy preparation

Tablet:

• Children under 6 years of age: Dosage adjustments may be required; however, there are no definite rules regarding children's dosage for use of this drug.
• Children 6-11 years of age: 5 mg orally once a day as needed
• Children 12 years of age and older: 5 mg orally once a day

The maximum duration of use of this drug is one week.

Rectal by means of an enema:

• Children under 12 years old: not recommended
• Children 12 years of age and over: 10 mg intravenously once a day as needed

The maximum duration of use of this drug is one week

Rectal with suppositories:

• Children under 6 years old: not recommended
• Children 6-11 years of age: 5 mg (1/2 suppository) administered anus once a day as needed
• Children 12 years and over: 10 mg (1 suppository) inserted through the anus once a day as needed

The maximum duration of use of this drug is one week

Children's dosage for constipation

Tablet:

• Children under 6 years of age: Dosage adjustments may be required; however, there are no definite rules regarding children's dosage for use of this drug.
• Children 6-11 years of age: 5 mg orally once a day as needed
• Children 12 years of age and older: 5 mg orally once a day

The maximum duration of use of this drug is one week.

Rectal by means of an enema:

• Children under 12 years old: not recommended
• Children 12 years of age and over: 10 mg intravenously once a day as needed

The maximum duration of use of this drug is one week

Rectal with suppositories:

• Children under 6 years old: not recommended
• Children 6-11 years of age: 5 mg (1/2 suppository) inserted through the anus once daily as needed
• Children 12 years and over: 10 mg (1 suppository) inserted through the anus once a day as needed

The maximum duration of use of this drug is one week

In what dosage is bisacodyl available?

Bisacodyl is available in the following dosages:

• Enema, Rectal:
• Bisacodyl Fleet: 10 mg / 30 mL (37 mL)
• Suppository, Rectal:
• Bisac-Evac: 10 mg
• Bisacodyl Laxative: 10 mg
• Biscolax: 10 mg
• Dulcolax: 10 mg
• Laxative: 10 mg
• Magic Bullets: 10 mg
• Generic: 10 mg
• Delayed Release Tablets, Oral:
• Bisac-Evac: 5 mg
• Bisacodyl EC: 5 mg
• Correct: 5 mg
• Ducodyl: 5 mg
• Dulcolax: 5 mg
• Ex-Lax Ultra: 5 mg
• Fleet Laxative: 5 mg
• Gentle Laxative: 5 mg
• Stimulant Laxative: 5 mg
• Womens Laxative: 5 mg

Side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to bisacodyl?

Each drug certainly has side effects, although not all side effects are dangerous. However, you still have to pay attention to some of the conditions that may arise as a result of using the drug.

Side effects that can arise from using bisacodyl include:

• Pain in the stomach or stomach
• Cramps
• Nausea
• Diarrhea or weakness may occur.
• Body feels weak

If any of these side effects do not improve or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.

Serious side effects may appear, although they are rare, such as:

• Nausea / vomiting / diarrhea that doesn't get better
• Muscle cramps / weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizzy
• Rarely or not
• Mood changes
• So dazed

Very serious allergic reactions to this drug are rare. However, seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Immediately stop using the drug if you experience any of the following conditions:

• bleeding in the anus
• the absence of movement in the intestines, causing constipation

If your doctor prescribes this medicine for you to use, be aware that your doctor has weighed the benefits outweigh the risks of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Not everyone experiences the side effects mentioned above. There may be some side effects that you experience but not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using bisacodyl?

Before using bisacodyl, there are things you should know and do, such as:

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bisacodyl, any other drugs or ingredients in this product. Check the label or ask the pharmacist for a list of the ingredients of this drug.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription or nonprescription medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal products you are using.
• If you are taking an antacid, wait up to at least an hour before using bisacodyl.
• Tell your doctor if you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or a change in bowel movements that last more than 2 weeks.
• Tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using bisacodyl, call your doctor.
• Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication if you are 65 years of age or older. Elderly people are usually prohibited from using bisacodyl because it is not safe or not as effective as other drugs that can treat the same condition.
• Do not give this medicine to children who are under two years of age.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to use bisacodyl if you have any of the following health problems:

• changes in bowel activity lasting up to two weeks or more
• hemorrhoids or the lining of the anus is torn
• other problems with your intestines
• anorexia or bulimia
• if you can't swallow food without chewing it first
• Elderly should not use bisacodyl in rectal form without doctor's recommendation.

Is bisacodyl safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

However, it is better if you always be careful with all the use of drugs and vitamins during pregnancy.

Always consult your doctor and pharmacist about the various types of drugs you have and want to take. Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Make sure the medicine you are taking is good for you and your baby.

Interaction

What medicines may interact with bisacodyl?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur.

In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. However, not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Although certain drugs should not be used at the same time, in certain cases, two different drugs can be used together, even if interactions are possible.

Can food or alcohol interact with bisacodyl?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with bisacodyl?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Appendicitis (appendicitis)
• Rectal bleeding due to unknown cause - This condition requires prompt medical attention from a doctor
• Bowel obstruction - Use of laxatives can cause other problems if this condition is present.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Because this medicine is only used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.