bisacodyl enema - rectal

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This product is used to clean stool from the intestines before surgery or certain bowel procedures (e.g., colonoscopy, radiography) usually with other products. It may also be used for relief of constipation. However, milder products (e.g., laxatives taken by mouth) should be used whenever possible for constipation.Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that works by increasing the amount of fluid/salts in the intestines. This effect usually results in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes.This product is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years unless directed by a doctor.

HOW TO USE: This product is for rectal use only. Read and follow all directions on the product package at least 24 to 48 hours before your surgery/procedure, or use as directed by your doctor. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Be sure to also follow any diet instructions given by your doctor or medical staff for your surgery/procedure. If you are using this product for constipation, use as directed by your doctor.Wash your hands before and after using this product. Shake the bottle well before removing the protective shield. Lie on your left side with knee bent. Instead, if you find it more comfortable, you may kneel, then lower your head and chest forward until the left side of the face is resting on the surface with your left arm folded comfortably. With steady pressure, gently insert enema tip into the rectum with a slight side-to-side movement, pointing the tip toward the navel. Do not force the enema tip into the rectum because doing so can cause injury. Squeeze the bottle until nearly all of the liquid is inside the rectum. It is not necessary to empty the bottle completely because it has more liquid than needed. Remove the bottle tip from the rectum. Stay in position for 15 to 20 minutes if possible until you feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement.If this product is used too frequently, it may cause loss of normal bowel function and an inability to have a bowel movement without using the product (laxative dependence). If you notice symptoms of overuse such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased weight, or weakness, contact your doctor promptly.If you are using this product to prepare for surgery/bowel procedure, contact your doctor promptly if you do not have a bowel movement within 2 hours of using this product. He or she may need to give you other directions.Seek immediate medical attention if you think you may have a serious medical problem.

SIDE EFFECTS: Rectal irritation/burning/itching, mild abdominal discomfort/cramps, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this product, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this product do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: rectal bleeding/blisters, persistent diarrhea.Persistent diarrhea may result in a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness/lightheadedness, or pale/wrinkled skin.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 (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using bisacodyl, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.This product should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: intestinal blockage (obstruction).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other bowel problems (e.g., ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding), current stomach/abdominal symptoms (e.g., pain, cramping, persistent nausea/vomiting).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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.Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

QUESTION

You are constipated if you don't have a bowel movement every day. See Answer

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: To maintain normal bowel habits, it is important to drink plenty of fluids (four to six 8-ounce glasses daily), eat foods high in fiber, and exercise regularly.

MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.

STORAGE: Refer to storage information on the package label. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Protect from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all drug products away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.