Bisacodyl

Tablets

Capsule

Injection

Birth Control Device

Ointments

Syrups

Bisacodyl is a popular non-prescription type of stimulant laxative. The drug reduces short-term constipation and is also used for preparing the colon or rectum for an examination or surgical procedure. This over-the-counter laxative can be taken by mouth or through rectum

Brand Names of Bisacodyl

Dulcolax, Fleet, Alophen, Correctol, Bisac-Evac, Carters Little Pills, Bisco-Lax, Correctol, Doxidan Tablet, Dulcolax Laxative, Feen-A-Mint, Fleet Bisacodyl, Evac-U-Gen, Ex-lax Ultra, Gen Lax, Gentlax Tablet, Laxative Gentle Suppositories, Gentle Laxative, Modane, Veracolate Magic Bullet etc.

Uses of Bisacodyl Tablets

It helps in bowel movements.
It treats constipation.
It helps to empty the bowels before surgery.
It also helps n clearing bowels in various other intestinal medical procedure like colonoscopy or x-rays.

Working of Bisacodyl

Bisacodyl works by stimulating colon movement (peristalsis). Constipation problem is usually solved within 15 minutes to 60 minutes after administration of a suppository form and in six to twelve hours after oral administration. Bisacodyl works by stimulating enteric nerves to produce colonic mass movements. It also increases fluid and NaCl secretion.

Dosage and Administartion of Bisacodyl

The drug needs to be taken at night , if administered orally, and during morning if taken through the rectum. The drug is usually sold as 5mg tablets, 10mg suppositories, or 5mg paediatric suppositories. When taken orally, the dosage is 5 or 10 milligrams. Maximum up to 20 milligrams can be taken. If taken in the afternoon or early evening, the drug's effect starts during sleep with undesirable results. Do not crush or chew the tablet. You need to swallow bisacodyl tablets whole. It is advisable not to take this medicine within 1 hour of drinking milk or taking antacids and also not to eat anything in preparation for a barium enema.

The other way of administering the drug is through rectum. Two suppositories can be taken at once if a strong, enema-like result is needed. As a small commercially prepared enema, it is usually effective in 5 to 20 minutes.

The Process of Taking Bisocodyl Suppository

Remove the wrapper. Take some luke warm water and dip the tip of the suppository in it. The patient should lie on the left side and raise his right knee to his chest. Using his finger, the suppository should be inserted high into your rectum. Hold it in place as long as possible. The hands should be washed thoroughly.

The Process of Taking Bisacodyl Enema

The enema bottle should be shaked well. The protective shield from the tip should be removed. Here also the patient should lie on the left side and raise his right knee to his chest. Then the enema bottle should be inserted into the rectum gently with the tip pointing toward the navel. Squeeze the bottle gently until nearly all the medicine is expelled. Remove the bottle from the rectum and the the enema contents should be hold in place for as long as possible.

Side Effects of Bisocodyl

The drug has certain side effects, that can affect individuals in different ways. The following are some of the side effects, that are often associated with the drug: