Indications/Uses
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is indicated in patients suffering from constipation and for preparation of diagnostic procedures, in pre- and post-operative treatment and in conditions which require defecation to be facilitated.
Dosage/Direction for Use
Unless otherwise prescribed by the physician, the following dosages are recommended: See Table 1.
It is recommended to start with the lowest dose. The dose may be adjusted up to the maximum recommended dose to produce regular stools.
The maximum daily dose should not be exceeded. (See Table 2.)
The maximum daily dose should not be exceeded.
Children aged 10 years or younger with chronic or persistent constipation should only be treated under the guidance of a physician.
It is recommended to take the enteric coated tablets at night to promote bowel movement the following morning.
They should be swallowed whole with an adequate amount of fluid.
The coated tablets should not be taken together with products reducing the acidity of the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as milk, antacids or proton pump inhibitors, in order not to prematurely dissolve the enteric coating.
Suppositories should be unwrapped and inserted into the rectum, pointed end first.For preparation of diagnostic procedures, in pre- and post-operative treatment and in medical conditions which require defecation to be facilitated, Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) should be used under medical supervision.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) coated tablets should be combined with the suppositories in order to achieve complete evacuation of the intestine. (See Table 3.)
Overdosage
High doses usually result to watery stools (diarrhoea), abdominal cramps and a clinically significant loss of fluid, potassium, and other electrolytes.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax), as with other laxatives, when taken in chronic overdose may cause chronic diarrhoea, abdominal pain, hypokalaemia, secondary hyperaldosteronism, and renal calculi.
Renal tubular damage, metabolic alkalosis, and muscle weakness secondary to hypokalaemia have also been described in association with chronic laxative abuse.
After ingestion of oral forms of Bisacodyl (Dulcolax), 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.
Administration of antispasmodics may be of value.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax), as with other laxatives, when taken in chronic overdose may cause chronic diarrhoea, abdominal pain, hypokalaemia, secondary hyperaldosteronism, and renal calculi.
Renal tubular damage, metabolic alkalosis, and muscle weakness secondary to hypokalaemia have also been described in association with chronic laxative abuse.
After ingestion of oral forms of Bisacodyl (Dulcolax), 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.
Administration of antispasmodics may be of value.
Contraindications
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) should not be given to patients with ileus, intestinal obstruction, acute abdominal conditions including appendicitis and acute inflammatory bowel diseases and severe abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting which may be indicative of severe conditions.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is also contraindicated in severe dehydration and in patients with known hypersensitivity to bisacodyl or any other component of the product.
In cases of rare hereditary conditions that may be incompatible with an excipient of the product, the use of the product is contraindicated.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is also contraindicated in severe dehydration and in patients with known hypersensitivity to bisacodyl or any other component of the product.
In cases of rare hereditary conditions that may be incompatible with an excipient of the product, the use of the product is contraindicated.
Special Precautions
As with all laxatives, Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) should not be taken on a continuous daily basis or for extended periods without investigating the cause of constipation.
Prolonged excessive use may lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalance and hypokalaemia.
Intestinal loss of fluids can promote dehydration. Symptoms may include thirst and oliguria. In patients suffering from fluid loss where dehydration may be harmful (e.g. renal insufficiency, elderly patients) Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) should be discontinued and only be restarted under medical supervision.
Stimulant laxatives including Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) do not help with weight loss (see Pharmacology under Actions).
Patients may experience haematochezia (blood in stool) that is generally mild and self-limiting.
Dizziness and/or syncope have been reported in patients who have taken Bisacodyl (Dulcolax). The details available for these cases suggest that the events would be consistent with defecation syncope (or syncope attributable to straining at stool), or with a vasovagal response to abdominal pain related to the constipation, and not necessarily to the administration of bisacodyl itself.
The use of suppositories may lead to painful sensations and local irritation, especially in patients with anal fissure and ulcerative proctitis.
Patients with rare hereditary conditions of galactose intolerance, e.g. galactosaemia, and fructose intolerance should not take this medicine.
No studies on the effects of Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed.
However, patients should be advised that due to a vasovagal response (e.g., to abdominal spasm) they may experience dizziness and/or syncope. If patients experience abdominal spasm, they should avoid potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery.
Prolonged excessive use may lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalance and hypokalaemia.
Intestinal loss of fluids can promote dehydration. Symptoms may include thirst and oliguria. In patients suffering from fluid loss where dehydration may be harmful (e.g. renal insufficiency, elderly patients) Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) should be discontinued and only be restarted under medical supervision.
Stimulant laxatives including Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) do not help with weight loss (see Pharmacology under Actions).
Patients may experience haematochezia (blood in stool) that is generally mild and self-limiting.
Dizziness and/or syncope have been reported in patients who have taken Bisacodyl (Dulcolax). The details available for these cases suggest that the events would be consistent with defecation syncope (or syncope attributable to straining at stool), or with a vasovagal response to abdominal pain related to the constipation, and not necessarily to the administration of bisacodyl itself.
The use of suppositories may lead to painful sensations and local irritation, especially in patients with anal fissure and ulcerative proctitis.
Patients with rare hereditary conditions of galactose intolerance, e.g. galactosaemia, and fructose intolerance should not take this medicine.
No studies on the effects of Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed.
However, patients should be advised that due to a vasovagal response (e.g., to abdominal spasm) they may experience dizziness and/or syncope. If patients experience abdominal spasm, they should avoid potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery.
Use In Pregnancy & Lactation
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Long experience has shown no evidence of undesirable or damaging effects during pregnancy.
Nevertheless, as with all drugs, Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) should be taken during pregnancy only on medical advice.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) can be used during breast-feeding.
No studies on the effect on human fertility have been conducted.
Nevertheless, as with all drugs, Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) should be taken during pregnancy only on medical advice.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) can be used during breast-feeding.
No studies on the effect on human fertility have been conducted.
Adverse Reactions
Abdominal pain & diarrhoea. Anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, hypersensitivity; dehydration; dizziness, syncope; abdominal cramps, nausea, haematochezia, vomiting, abdominal & anorectal discomfort, colitis eg, ischaemic colitis.
Drug Interactions
The concomitant use of diuretic and adreno-corticosteroids may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance if excessive doses of Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) are taken. If so, electrolyte imbalance may increase the sensitivity to cardiac glycosides.
The concomitant use of other laxatives may enhance the gastrointestinal side effects of Bisacodyl (Dulcolax).
The concomitant use of other laxatives may enhance the gastrointestinal side effects of Bisacodyl (Dulcolax).
Storage
Store 5 mg suppositories at temperatures not exceeding 30°C.
Store 10 mg suppositories at temperatures not exceeding 25°C.
Store 10 mg suppositories at temperatures not exceeding 25°C.
Action
Pharmacology: As a laxative that acts on the colon, bisacodyl specifically stimulates the natural evacuation process in the lower region of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, bisacodyl is ineffective in altering the digestion or absorption of calories or essential nutrients in the small intestine.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is a locally acting laxative from the diphenylmethane derivatives group.
As a contact laxative, bisacodyl stimulates peristalsis of the colon and promotes accumulation of water in the colonic lumen which leads to stimulation of defecation, reduction of transit time and softening of stool.
The laxative effect of Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) occurs upon contact with the colonic mucosa where it stimulates the sensory nerve endings that results to increased peristaltic contractions of the large intestine to produce soft well-formed stools. This results in a stimulation of defecation, reduction of transit time, and a softening of the stool. It is a reversible reaction wherein colonic function would return to its normal condition after defecation occurs.
The tablets usually exert a laxative effect within 6-12 hours after intake. The suppositories usually take effect in about 20 minutes (range 10 to 30 minutes); in some cases, it occurs 45 minutes after administration.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is a locally acting laxative from the diphenylmethane derivatives group.
As a contact laxative, bisacodyl stimulates peristalsis of the colon and promotes accumulation of water in the colonic lumen which leads to stimulation of defecation, reduction of transit time and softening of stool.
The laxative effect of Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) occurs upon contact with the colonic mucosa where it stimulates the sensory nerve endings that results to increased peristaltic contractions of the large intestine to produce soft well-formed stools. This results in a stimulation of defecation, reduction of transit time, and a softening of the stool. It is a reversible reaction wherein colonic function would return to its normal condition after defecation occurs.
The tablets usually exert a laxative effect within 6-12 hours after intake. The suppositories usually take effect in about 20 minutes (range 10 to 30 minutes); in some cases, it occurs 45 minutes after administration.
MedsGo Class
Laxatives, Purgatives
Features
Brand
Dulcolax
Full Details
Dosage Strength
5mg
Drug Ingredients
- Bisacodyl
Drug Packaging
Suppository (Pediatric) 1's
Generic Name
Bisacodyl
Dosage Form
Suppository (Pediatric)
Registration Number
DR-XY44940
Drug Classification
Over-The-Counter (OTC)
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| CODE | Dosage Strength | Drug Packaging | Availability | Price | ||
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NONRXDRUG-DR-XY44940-1pc
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In stock
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₱6700 |