Bisacodyl

What is bisacodyl?

Constipation can be caused by a poor diet, not drinking enough water and not going to the toilet as soon as you feel you 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.

However, many people take laxatives when they do not need to because they believe that they are constipated unless they go to the toilet every day. This is not the case. A useful definition of constipation is going to the toilet less frequently than is normal for you, and passing hard stools (faeces) when you do go.

Bisacodyl works by encouraging the muscles in your bowel to move stools through your body. This helps you to go to the toilet. Tablets usually have an effect within 10-12 hours. Suppositories will take between 10-60 minutes to work, but usually have their effect within 30 minutes. Bisacodyl preparations are available to buy without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

Bisacodyl is sometimes used to clear the bowel before a medical examination which requires the bowel to be empty. When it is used like this, you will be provided with a small supply of bisacodyl by your hospital or clinic.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, ask for advice from a doctor or pharmacist before you start using bisacodyl if any of the following apply to you:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.

• If it is for a child under 10 years of age. This is because bisacodyl should only be given to children on the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional.

• If you have severe pain in your tummy (abdomen) and feel sick (nausea).

• If you have recently had any bowel or abdominal surgery.

• If you are lacking in fluid in the body (dehydrated) or take 'water tablets' (diuretics).

• Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médecines complémentaires.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
  

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about bisacodyl and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take one or two 5 mg tablets with a drink of water (do not take with milk). Bisacodyl tablets take about 10-12 hours to work; therefore, they are best taken at bedtime. Do not chew or break the tablets.

• A suppository can be used instead of taking tablets. Use one suppository daily. It will take between 10-60 minutes to work and therefore should preferably be used in the morning. It will usually have its effect within 30 minutes. There are two strengths of suppository: 10 mg which is suitable for adults, and 5 mg which is suitable for older children (and younger children when prescribed by a doctor).

• Bisacodyl should only be used for a short time. This is because your bowel can start to rely on this type of laxative to make it work rather than working on its own. If you are still constipated after taking bisacodyl for five days, you should speak with your doctor.
  

How to use a suppository

1. Retirez le suppositoire de l'emballage.

2. Moisten the suppository with a little tap water.

3. Using your finger, gently push the suppository into the back passage (rectum) as far as is comfortable.

4. Remain still for a little while to help hold the suppository in place. It will start to work in about 20 minutes or so.

5. Wash your hands after use.

• Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time as bisacodyl tablets. This is because bisacodyl tablets have a special coating on them which is affected by antacid preparations. If you need to take something for indigestion, make sure you take it more than two hours before you take bisacodyl, or alternatively wait for two hours after you have taken bisacodyl.

• A healthy diet containing fibre (whole grain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables) with six to eight full glasses of water each day and daily exercise are important in maintaining healthy bowel function.

• You can read more about how to prevent or treat constipation in the separate leaflets called Constipation (for adults) and Constipation in Children.

En plus de leurs effets bénéfiques, la plupart des médicaments peuvent provoquer des effets secondaires indésirables, bien que tout le monde ne les ressente pas. Ceux-ci s'améliorent généralement à mesure que votre corps s'adapte au nouveau médicament, mais parlez à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien si l'un des effets secondaires suivants persiste ou devient gênant.

Important: do not use bisacodyl for more than five days without speaking to your doctor or a pharmacist. Overuse of stimulant laxatives is harmful; it leads to loss of fluids and can make you dehydrated. It can also prevent your intestines from working properly. Signs you are dehydrated include feeling thirsty, dark urine, shaky or weak muscles, blurred vision and fainting

Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes que vous pensez être dus à ce médicament, parlez-en à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien.

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur directe et de la lumière.