|
This medication is used to relieve occasional constipation. It is also used to clean out the intestines before bowel examinations/surgery. Bisacodyl belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulant laxatives. It works by increasing the amount of fluids that enter your bowels, causing a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours.This drug may also be used to treat constipation due to certain medications, bowel diseases (e.g., irritable bowel disease, spastic colon syndrome), and nervous system disorders (neurologic constipation).
|
|
| |
|
|
Woman's Laxative-Bisacodyl images:
|
| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
|
Woman's Laxative-Bisacodyl
Uses
This medication is used to relieve occasional constipation. It is also used to clean out the intestines before bowel examinations/surgery. Bisacodyl belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulant laxatives. It works by increasing the amount of fluids that enter your bowels, causing a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours.This drug may also be used to treat constipation due to certain medications, bowel diseases (e.g., irritable bowel disease, spastic colon syndrome), and nervous system disorders (neurologic constipation).
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.It is usually best to avoid or relieve constipation by eating a proper diet (including high fiber content such as bran), drinking enough fluids (4 to 6 glasses of water daily), responding promptly when you have the urge to have a bowel movement, and exercising.
- The normal frequency of bowel movements varies from once daily to 1 to 2 times weekly.
Storage
- Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not expose to temperatures above 86 degrees F (30 degrees C).
- Do not store in the bathroom.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
- Symptoms of overdose may include: muscle cramps/weakness/spasms/twitching, tiredness, irregular heartbeat, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, sudden weight loss, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion), seizures, trouble breathing.
How To Use
- Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters), usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.
- To reduce stomach upset, do not take within 1 hour after taking an antacid or drinking milk.Swallow this medication whole.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.
- Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- In children, dosage may also be based on weight.This medication may cause a condition known as laxative dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for more than 7 days.
- In such cases, ongoing constipation and loss of normal bowel function may occur.
- To prevent laxative dependence, consult your doctor if your condition persists and you need to use this medication for more than 1 week.Tell your doctor if you do not have a bowel movement within 12 hours of taking this medication.
- This could be a sign of a serious condition.
Side Effects
- Stomach/abdominal discomfort, faintness, or cramps may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: rectal bleeding, persistent diarrhea, dizziness, decreased urination, muscle cramps/weakness, irregular heartbeat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking bisacodyl, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: bowel blockage, appendicitis.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current stomach pain/nausea/vomiting, sudden change in bowel habits lasting over 2 weeks, difficulty swallowing without chewing, rectal bleeding, vitamin/mineral deficiencies.This drug may make you dizzy.
- Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.Caution is advised when using this drug in children younger than 6 years old because they may have difficulty swallowing the tablet whole without chewing.
- Consult the doctor for more information.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
- Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antacids.
|
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
|