Bisacodyl tablets and capsules

What is this medication?

BISACODYL (bis a KOE dill) prevents and treats occasional constipation. It works by helping the muscles in your intestines move stool. This helps produce a bowel movement. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alophen, Bisac-Evac, Corrective Laxative for Women, Correctol, Dacodyl, Doxidan, Dulcolax, Ex-Lax Ultra, Feen-A-Mint, Fematrol, Femilax, Fleet, Reliable Gentle Laxative, Veracolate

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions

• Appendicitis
• Persistent constipation
• Stomach pain or blockage
• Ulcerative colitis or other bowel disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to bisacodyl, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew. Do not take this medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be used in children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use, and should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

• Antacids
• H2-blockers like cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine
• Proton pump inhibitors like esomeprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Do not use this medication for longer than directed by your care team. This medication can be habit-forming. Long-term use can make your body depend on the laxative for regular bowel movements, damage the bowel, cause malnutrition, and problems with the amounts of water and salts in your body. If your constipation keeps returning, check with your care team.

Do not take this medication within 1 hour of taking antacids or eating dairy products like milk or yogurt. These items can destroy the protective coating on the tablets and increase stomach upset and cramps.

If you do not have a bowel movement within 12 hours after using this medication, or you experience rectal bleeding, contact your care team. These may be signs of a more serious condition.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Stomach cramping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.