How does it work?

Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative, which acts on nerve endings in the walls of the intestine and the rectum. It causes the muscles in the intestine to contract more often and with increased force. When the intestine contracts it moves the gut contents along faster, thereby relieving constipation. The suppositories produce an effect in about 30 minutes. When used to empty the bowel prior to surgery or investigative procedures, bisacodyl tablets should be used in combination with the suppositories, in order to produce complete evacuation. The adult suppositories should be used for children over the age of ten years, whilst children under ten years should use the half-strength, children's suppositories.

What is it used for?

Bowel evacuation prior to radiological examinations

Bowel evacuation prior to surgery

Constipation

Warning!

This medicine is not to be taken by mouth.

This medicine should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless on medical advice.

Laxatives should not be used continuously for long periods. If laxatives are needed every day, the cause of constipation should be investigated. Consult your doctor.

Prolonged, excessive use may lead to electrolyte imbalance and low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalaemia). Prolonged, excessive use may also lead to rebound constipation.

Not to be used in

Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction)

Obstruction of the intestines due to loss of intestinal movement or physical blockage (ileus)

Severe dehydration

Sudden abdominal conditions requiring surgery, such as appendicitis

Sudden attacks of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

Tear in the lining of the back passage (anal fissure)

Ulceration and inflammation of the rectum (ulcerative proctitis)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The use of this medicine during breastfeeding is not recommended. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Diarrhoea

Abdominal discomfort

Rectal irritation

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no significant interactions reported with this medicine. When taken together with diuretics or steroids there may be an increased risk of electrolyte imbalance. This will only arise if excessive doses of bisacodyl are taken.

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