BISACODYL

Do not use bisacodyl if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in bisacodyl
• you have severe stomach pain; appendicitis; severe constipation; stomach, intestinal, or rectal bleeding; or intestinal blockage
• you cannot swallow without chewing
• you are having abdominal surgery

These side effects apply to bisacodyl oral tablets delayed-release, rectal suppositories, and rectal suspension:

• Some degree of abdominal discomfort, nausea, cramps, griping, and/or faintness with therapeutic doses.
• Diarrhea, stomach irritation, and fluid and electrolyte depletion.
• Gastric irritation and the possibility of vomiting if enteric coating of tablets is disrupted.
• Rectal administration of bisacodyl suspensions or suppositories may cause irritation and a sensation of burning of the rectal mucosa and mild proctitis.
• Liver damage if sufficient tannic acid is absorbed from bisacodyl tannex

Precautions

Before taking 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.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially appendicitis or symptoms of appendicitis (such as nausea/vomiting, sudden or unexplained stomach/abdominal pain), a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for longer than two weeks, bleeding from the rectum, and intestinal blockage.

Interactions

Some medicines may interact with bisacodyl. However, no specific interactions with bisacodyl are known at this time.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if bisacodyl 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.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, bring the victim to the nearest hospital right away. Symptoms of bisacodyl overdose may include severe stomach/abdominal pain or cramping, and persistent nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Available brands:

• Bisalax (Cipla)
• Dulcolax (Boehringer Ingelheim)
• Vesilac (YSP)