Before taking/using bisacodyl

Before having bisacodyl make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have intestinal obstruction (a blocked bowel).
• If you have inflammation of the bowel.
• If you have severe pain in the abdomen with a feeling of sickness.
• If you are very dehydrated or take diuretics ('water tablets').
• If you have recently had any bowel or abdominal surgery.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take/use bisacodyl

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take bisacodyl exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Bisacodyl should only be used for a short time. This is because the bowel can start to rely on this type of laxative to make it work rather than working on its own.
• Stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl should not be given to children unless a doctor has prescribed them.
• Bisacodyl tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew the tablets.
• Bisacodyl tablets take about 10-12 hours to work and therefore should be taken at bedtime.
• Bisacodyl suppositories only take about 20-60 minutes to work and therefore should be used in the morning as directed by your doctor.
  
  How to use suppositories:
  1. If the suppository is too soft, it may be chilled in the refrigerator or under cold running water before unwrapping. Remove the wrapping and moisten the suppository with water. Lie on your left side (if you are right-handed) and draw your knees up towards your chest, with the right leg drawn up more than the left.
  2. Using your index finger or middle finger (whichever you find easier) gently push the suppository into the rectum (back passage) as far as possible, pointed end first.
  3. Lower your legs to a comfortable position to help you to hold the suppository in place.
  4. Always wash you hands after use.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as the tablets. Take them at least an hour before or an hour after a dose of bisacodyl.
• Many people take laxatives when they do not need to because they believe that they should go to the toilet every day. This is not the case, as for many people it is normal not to go to the toilet every day.
• A healthy diet containing fibre (whole grain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables) with 6 to 8 full glasses of water each day and daily exercise are important in maintaining healthy bowel function.
• Drinks containing caffeine (tea, coffee, colas) or alcohol can make constipation worse as they have a diuretic effect, which means they cause a loss of fluid from the body.

Can bisacodyl cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store bisacodyl

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Dulcolax® Tablets 5 mg, Boehringer Ingelheim Limited Consumer Healthcare, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2008, accessed February 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Dulcolax® Suppositories, Boehringer Ingelheim Limited Consumer Healthcare, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2008, accessed February 2010.
• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.