What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Bisacodyl Suppositories.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using Bisacodyl Suppositories against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.
What Bisacodyl Suppositories are used for
Bisacodyl Suppositories are used for the short term treatment of constipation and for bowel evacuation prior to investigational procedures or surgery.
Bisacodyl belongs to a group of medicines called laxatives. A laxative is a medicine which is used for the treatment of constipation.
This medicine works by stimulating the bowel promoting emptying of the bowels.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
Bisacodyl Suppositories are available from your pharmacist without a doctor's prescription.
Before you use Bisacodyl Suppositories
When you must not use it
Do not use Bisacodyl Suppositories if you have an allergy to:
- any medicine containing Bisacodyl
- any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Do not use Bisacodyl Suppositories if you have one of the following conditions:
- intestinal obstruction
- acute abdominal conditions requiring surgery or where the diagnosis is uncertain
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.
Before you start to use it
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
- bowel obstruction
- inflammatory bowel disease
- ulcerated haemorrhoids
- rectal bleeding
Bisacodyl suppositories should be used with caution in patients with anal fissures, ulcerated haemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
Avoid use during the first three months of pregnancy. Frequent or excessive use during the remaining period of pregnancy is not recommended unless advised by your doctor. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start using Bisacodyl Suppositories.
Prolonged use of Bisacodyl Suppositories is not recommended. Prolonged use of laxatives is undesirable. If your symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Taking other medicines
No interactions with Bisacodyl Suppositories have been noted.
How to use Bisacodyl Suppositories
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the pack, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
Bisacodyl Suppositories are for use in adults and children over 10 years of age only.
How much to use
Use one suppository when required. Repeat if necessary.
How to use it
To remove suppository, tear one from the strip along the perforation, then peel it from the container by pulling apart the tabs at the top of the suppository. If suppository is soft, place in refrigerator for 30 minutes prior to use.
You may lubricate the tip of the suppository with lubricating jelly before insertion to make insertion easier.
Insert one suppository well up in the rectum (back passage) and allow to remain for 15 to 30 minutes.
Lie on one side and pull up knees. Gently insert suppository, pointed end first, high into the rectum. Onset of action usually between 15 to 60 minutes.
Avoid pushing suppository into faecal matter as this will delay its action.
If you are not sure how to use a suppository, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
If you use too much (overdose)
Signs of overdose may include diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Diarrhoea may lead to excessive loss of water and salts. Seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist or Poisons Information Centre.
While you are using Bisacodyl Suppositories
Things you must do
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are using Bisacodyl Suppositories.
Tell any other doctors and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking this medicine.
If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor.
Things you must not do
Bisacodyl Suppositories should not be swallowed.
Do not take Bisacodyl Suppositories to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Bisacodyl Suppositories. This medicine helps most people with constipation but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Bisacodyl suppositories may have the following side effects:
- abdominal cramps or pain
- diarrhoea
- rectal irritation or inflammation
Allergic reactions such as rash, swelling or difficulty breathing are very rare.
If you are concerned by any of these reactions, discontinue use and consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
After using Bisacodyl Suppositories
Storage
Keep your suppositories in the pack until it is time to use them. If you take the suppositories out of the pack, they may not keep well.
Keep your suppositories in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store Bisacodyl Suppositories or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.
Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Bisacodyl Suppositories are white opaque suppositories.
Bisacodyl Suppositories are supplied in packs containing 10 and 12 suppositories.
Ingredients
Bisacodyl suppositories contains bisacodyl as the active ingredient in Witepsol H15 suppository base.
This medicine does not contain lactose, sucrose or gluten.
Supplier
Bisacodyl Suppositories are supplied by:
Petrus Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Level 3, 1060 Hay Street,
West Perth WA 6005
Australia
ABN 21 108 884 126
Telephone number (08) 9368 5954
The Australian Registration number is AUSTR 46400.
This leaflet was prepared in June 2007.
Published by MIMS August 2008