Bisacodyl

About Bisacodyl

This belongs to the group of medicines known as stimulant laxatives.

Stimulant laxatives are used to treat constipation. Constipation can be caused by a poor diet, not drinking enough water and not going to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to. Pregnancy, a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines, including some painkillers, can also cause constipation.

Bisacodyl works by encouraging the muscles in the bowel to increase the movement of waste products through the body helping you to go to the toilet.

Bisacodyl is available as tablets and suppositories.

It is also sometimes known as: Biolax; Dulcolax. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking or using Bisacodyl

Before taking or using Bisacodyl make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have any pain in the lower abdomen or if you feel bloated or have stomach cramps
• if you are feeling or being sick
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to take or use Bisacodyl

• Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• 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 should not be given to children unless a doctor has prescribed them.
• Bisacodyl tablets should be swallowed whole, not chewed, with a full glass of water.
• 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.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than your doctor has told you. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Bisacodyl contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as these 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, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Tummy cramps or griping (colic). The suppositories can sometimes cause irritation around the bottom.

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

How to store Bisacodyl

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Do not keep unwanted or out of date medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 07/02/2005