Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Laxative Gentle Suppositories?
Bisacodyl is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements.
Bisacodyl is used to treat constipation or to empty the bowels before surgery, colonoscopy, x-rays, or other intestinal medical procedure.
Bisacodyl may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use bisacodyl if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:
- a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer;
- hemorrhoids or anal fissures (small tears in the skin tissues around your rectum);
- ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other intestinal disorder;
- a history of perforation (a hole or tear) of your intestines;
- an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia); or
- (for bisacodyl tablets) if you cannot swallow without chewing.
Older adults should not use rectal bisacodyl without a doctor's advice.
It is not known whether bisacodyl will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether bisacodyl passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.
How should I use Laxative Gentle Suppositories
Use Laxative Gentle Suppositories (Rectal) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Overuse of laxatives can cause your bowels to function improperly, or can make you dependent on laxative use.
In some cases, bisacodyl is taken by mouth. The enema and suppository forms of this medicine are for use in the rectum.
Do not crush, chew, or break a bisacodyl tablet. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water.
Bisacodyl taken by mouth should produce a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours.
Bisacodyl used in the rectum can produce much faster results. You should have a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes after using a rectal suppository, or within 5 to 20 minutes after using the rectal enema.
Do not take a rectal suppository or enema by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.
Try to empty your bladder just before using bisacodyl in the rectum.
Wash your hands before and after using rectal bisacodyl.
To use the rectal suppository:
- Remove the wrapper from the suppository. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands. If the suppository is soft, you may hold it under cool running water or refrigerate it for a few minutes.
- Lie on your left side with your right knee up toward your chest. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum about 1 inch, pointed tip first.
- Stay lying down for a few minutes. The suppository will melt quickly and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in.
- Do not use more than one rectal suppository per day.
To use the rectal enema:
- Shake the rectal enema before using it. Remove the cap from the enema tip.
- Lie on your left side with your right knee up toward your chest, leaning forward slightly. Gently insert the tip of the enema bottle into your rectum, aiming toward your navel.
- Gently squeeze the bottle until it is empty, and then remove it from your rectum.
- For best results, hold the enema liquid in your rectum for up to 10 minutes. Then empty your rectum while seated on a toilet.
Call your doctor if you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, or if you have constipation for longer than 7 days.
If you are using bisacodyl to prepare for a medical test, follow your doctor's instructions about when to use the medicine.
Store bisacodyl oral or rectal medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Since bisacodyl is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.
If you are preparing for a medical test and you miss your dose, call your doctor for instructions.
Laxative Gentle Suppositories side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using bisacodyl and call your doctor at once if you have:
- rectal bleeding; or
- no bowel movement after using bisacodyl.
Common side effects may include:
- stomach pain or discomfort;
- feeling light-headed; or
- rectal burning.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Laxative Gentle Suppositories?
Avoid using other medications within 2 hours before or 2 hours after using bisacodyl.
Avoid drinking milk or taking an antacid within 1 hour before you take bisacodyl by mouth.