Bisacodyl: Uses, indications and cautions when using

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Bisacodyl is commonly used to treat constipation or to cleanse the bowels. The drug is often prescribed for people with persistent constipation, patients preparing for a test or undergoing bowel surgery.

1. What is Bisacodyl?

Bisacodyl is known as a medicine for constipation, stimulant laxatives or, in some cases, bowel cleansing prior to bowel surgery. It works by increasing the movement of the intestinal parenchyma, making it easier for stool to pass.
MORE: Prolonged constipation and supportive measures | Vinmec

2. How to use Bisacodyl

Bisacodyl is taken by mouth as directed by the manufacturer or prescribed by your doctor. If you are self-treating at home, follow all instructions on the medication packaging.
Precautions for taking:
Swallow the medicine whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablet. After 1 hour after taking the medicine, do not take any more antacids, milk or dairy products to avoid losing the bisacodyl coating and increasing the risk of abdominal pain and nausea. Dosage is based on age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase the dose or take the medicine more often than directed. To avoid side effects, do not take Bisacodyl for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. It may take 6 to 12 hours before Bisacodyl is effective. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or continues to get worse after taking the medicine.

3. Bisacodyl side effects

Some of the possible side effects of Bisacodyl are:
Stomach pain, abdominal pain Cramps Nausea Diarrhea Asthenia Tell your doctor right away if you notice any serious side effects such as:
Nausea and vomiting Persistent diarrhea Muscle cramps and weakness Irregular heartbeat Dizziness Fainting Decreased urination Mood changes (confusion) Severe allergic reaction: Rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue) , throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, etc. These are very rare side effects.
The above side effects may not be exhaustive. If you experience any of the above abnormal signs or other side effects, you should immediately notify your doctor for appropriate intervention.

4. Measures to prevent side effects of the drug Bisacodyl

Before taking Bisacodyl, tell your doctor if you are allergic to the drug or have any other allergic conditions. Before using the drug, the patient should consult a doctor if he has appendicitis or signs of appendicitis (such as vomiting, nausea, sudden or unexplained abdominal pain), habitual Diarrhea changes suddenly and lasts more than 2 weeks, rectal bleeding, bowel obstruction.
Before taking the medicine, the patient needs to inform the doctor about all the medicines he is taking. Bisacodyl is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known whether Bisacodyl passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breast-feeding.

5. Bisacodyl drug interactions

Bisacodyl may interact with other medicines such as: antacids for gastric juices (eg, H2 blockers such as ranitidine, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole). Therefore, before taking Bisacodyl, patients need to talk to their doctor about all the medicines they are taking.
In case of overdose and serious symptoms such as fainting, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting, persistent diarrhea... . If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on time. Do not take a double dose.
Different brands of these medications have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store the medicine. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of the product properly when it expires or when it is not needed.

Patients need to use Bisacodyl exactly as prescribed by the doctor to treat constipation effectively... At the same time, when there are abnormal symptoms suspected to be side effects of the drug, the patient should immediately notify the doctor. to be dealt with in a timely manner. In addition, lifestyle changes can prevent or reduce constipation such as: exercise, drink enough water and add fiber-rich foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
In the case of taking medicine but constipation does not improve, the patient should go to the hospital to be checked about the use of the drug and necessary, the doctor can prescribe other measures to improve the condition of the patient. be better.
Currently, Vinmec Times City International Hospital is applying a treatment method for cases of constipation due to a decrease or loss of defecation reflex by anal electrical stimulation combined with interference waves, biofeedback episode. study (Biofeedback). The above method has helped the patient recover the defecation reflex, improve bowel motility and the process of expulsion of stool. Thanks to the application of modern treatment methods, it has brought success with a high rate of patients achieving desired treatment results. Therefore, customers can consult and choose the best service for themselves.

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Reference source: webmd.com