DULCOLAX®
Boehringer Ingelheim
Self Medication Division
Bisacodyl
Laxative
Indications And Clinical Uses: For the treatment of occasional constipation. In the preparation for diagnostic procedures, in pre- and postoperative treatment, and in conditions which require defecation to be facilitated, the use of bisacodyl must be under medical supervision.
Contra-Indications: In patients with ileus, intestinal obstruction, acute surgical abdominal conditions like acute appendicitis, acute inflammatory bowel diseases, and in severe dehydration.
Bisacodyl is also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to substances of the triarylmethane group.
Precautions: Do not use bisacodyl in the presence of abdominal pain, nausea, fever or vomiting, or within 2 hours of another medicine since the desired effect of the other medicine may be reduced. Since extended use of any laxative can cause dependence for bowel function, do not take for more than 1 week unless directed by a health professional. If the use of bisacodyl every day for a week does not result in a bowel movement, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Prolonged excessive use may lead to electrolyte imbalance and hypokalemia, and may precipitate the onset of rebound constipation.
The use of suppositories may lead to painful sensations and local irritation, especially in anal fissures and ulcerative proctitis.
Pregnancy: As with all medications, bisacodyl should only be taken during pregnancy on medical advice.
Children: Children under 6 years old should not take bisacodyl without medical advice.
Adverse Reactions: Rarely, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea have been reported.
Drug Interactions: The concomitant use of diuretics or adrenocorticosteroids may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance if excessive doses of bisacodyl are taken.
Electrolyte imbalance may lead to increased sensitivity to cardiac glycosides.
Symptoms And Treatment Of Overdose: Symptoms: If high doses are taken, watery stools (diarrhea), abdominal cramps, and a clinically significant loss of potassium and other electrolytes can occur.
Treatment: Within a short time after ingestion of oral forms of bisacodyl, absorption can be minimized or prevented by inducing vomiting or gastric lavage. Replacement of fluids and correction of electrolyte imbalance may be required. This is especially important in the elderly and the young.
Dosage And Administration: For constipation: Tablets: Adults: 5 to 15 mg. Children 6 to 12 years: 5 mg, taken at bedtime or in the morning before breakfast to produce evacuation approximately 8 hours later. Tablets have a special coating and therefore should not be taken together with milk or antacids. Tablets should be swallowed whole with adequate fluid.
Suppositories: Adults: one 10 mg suppository. Children 6 to 12: one 5 mg pediatric suppository, unwrapped and inserted into the rectum pointed end first. Suppositories are usually effective in about 30 minutes.
Micro-enema: Adults: the contents of 1 micro-enema. Children 6 to 12 years: one half the contents of 1 micro-enema, administered rectally. Micro-enema is usually effective in about 30 minutes.
For diagnostic procedures or pre-operatively: Tablets should be combined with the suppositories or micro-enema in order to achieve complete evacuation of the intestine. Adults: 10 to 20 mg orally (tablets) at bedtime and one 10 mg suppository, or 1 micro-enema, to be inserted rectally the following morning. Children 6 to 12 years: 5 mg orally (tablet) at bedtime and one 5 mg suppository, or one half the contents of 1 micro-enema, inserted rectally the following morning.
Availability And Storage: Micro-Enema: Each 5 mL plastic disposable tube contains: bisacodyl 10 mg. Also contains parabens. Sodium:
Suppositories: Each rectal suppository contains: bisacodyl 5 mg (children) or 10 mg (adult). Boxes of 3 (5 mg); boxes of 3, 6 and 100 (10 mg). Store at room temperature (less than 30°C).
Tablets: Each yellow, enteric-coated tablet contains: bisacodyl 5 mg. Also contains lactose, polyethylene glycol and tartrazine. Sodium-free. Energy: 1.09 kJ (0.26 kcal). Packages of 10, 30 and 100.
DULCOLAX® Boehringer Ingelheim Self Medication Division Bisacodyl Laxative
Posted by RxMed