Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Bisacodyl Suppositories



Pronunciation: bis-AK-oh-dil
Generic Name: Bisacodyl
Brand Name: Examples include Bisa-Lax and Dulcolax


Bisacodyl Suppositories are used for:

Relieving occasional constipation and irregularity. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Bisacodyl Suppositories are a stimulant laxative. It acts directly on the bowels, stimulating the bowel muscles to cause a bowel movement.


Do NOT use Bisacodyl Suppositories if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Bisacodyl Suppositories

  • you have severe stomach pain; appendicitis; severe constipation; stomach, intestinal, or rectal bleeding; or intestinal blockage

  • you are having abdominal surgery

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Bisacodyl Suppositories:


Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have heart failure, abnormal levels of fluids or electrolytes in your body, nausea, vomiting, or undiagnosed stomach pain

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Bisacodyl Suppositories. However, no specific interactions with Bisacodyl Suppositories are known at this time.


Ask your health care provider if Bisacodyl Suppositories may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Bisacodyl Suppositories:


Use Bisacodyl Suppositories as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Remove the wrapper from the suppository.

  • Insert suppository well up into the rectum as directed by your doctor or on the package labeling. Retain the suppository for 15 to 20 minutes.

  • If you have hemorrhoids, coat the tip of the suppository with petroleum jelly before inserting.

  • Drinking extra fluids while you are using Bisacodyl Suppositories are recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.

  • If you miss a dose of Bisacodyl Suppositories and are using it regularly, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Bisacodyl Suppositories.



Important safety information:


  • Do not use for longer than 1 week without checking with your doctor. Using Bisacodyl Suppositories for a long time may result in loss of normal bowel function.

  • Do not take additional laxatives or stool softeners with Bisacodyl Suppositories unless directed by your doctor.

  • Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may be a sign of a serious condition. Stop use and contact your doctor.

  • If you develop nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain, stop using Bisacodyl Suppositories and check with your doctor.

  • If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks or more, do not continue using Bisacodyl Suppositories. Instead, check with your doctor.

  • Use Bisacodyl Suppositories with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • Bisacodyl Suppositories are not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Bisacodyl Suppositories while pregnant. It is not known if Bisacodyl Suppositories are found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding take Bisacodyl Suppositories, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.


Possible side effects of Bisacodyl Suppositories:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Cramps; faintness; stomach discomfort.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Bisacodyl side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea; stomach cramps.


Proper storage of Bisacodyl Suppositories:

Store Bisacodyl Suppositories at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store in a tightly closed container away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Bisacodyl Suppositories out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Bisacodyl Suppositories, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Bisacodyl Suppositories are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Bisacodyl Suppositories. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Bisacodyl resources


  • Bisacodyl Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Bisacodyl Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Bisacodyl Drug Interactions
  • Bisacodyl Support Group
  • 24 Reviews for Bisacodyl - Add your own review/rating


Compare Bisacodyl with other medications


  • Bowel Preparation
  • Constipation

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