Bisacodyl 10mg Suppository

Bisacodyl 10mg Suppository is a rectal suppository that contains bisacodyl 10 mg, a stimulant laxative. It is supplied in a strip of 10 suppositories, and each one is a small, torpedo-shaped solid that is inserted into the rectum rather than swallowed. The suppository softens and melts at body temperature after insertion, releasing the active ingredient in the lower part of the bowel. Because it is applied rectally, it bypasses the stomach completely.

Bisacodyl is a diphenylmethane derivative that has been available for many decades. When it comes into contact with the lining of the bowel, enzymes convert it into its active form, known as BHPM. Only a very small amount reaches the bloodstream, so exposure in the rest of the body stays limited when it is used at the labelled dose. The medicine stimulates the nerve endings and muscle activity of the colon wall, and the suppository form typically produces an effect within 15 to 60 minutes.

Suppositories of this kind are intended for occasional, short-term use according to the pack directions, not as a long-term daily routine. The 10 mg strength is meant for adults and children above 10 years, while younger children need a lower strength and a doctor’s advice. Anyone with abdominal pain of unknown cause, rectal bleeding, or a recent change in bowel habits should speak to a healthcare professional before using any laxative. The DoctorOnCall pharmacist team is available to go through the label with you before you order.

Wash your hands thoroughly and remove the foil wrapping from one suppository. Lie on your left side with your right knee pulled up towards your chest (reverse this if you are left-handed). Gently slide the suppository into the rectum, pointed end first, and push it in as far as it comfortably goes.

Remain lying down for a few minutes, then wash your hands again. The suppository is for rectal use only and must never be swallowed. If it feels too soft to handle, hold the wrapped suppository under cool running water or place it in a cool place for a few minutes before removing the foil.

Adults and children above 10 years: one 10 mg suppository once a day, inserted into the rectum. Children under 10 years should not use the 10 mg suppository unless a doctor specifically advises it. Do not use more than one suppository in 24 hours.

This product is meant for occasional use. Do not use it for more than a few days in a row (generally no more than about 5 days) without medical advice, because prolonged use can upset the body’s salt and fluid balance and may make the bowel dependent on laxatives. See a doctor if there is no bowel movement after using the suppository or if the need for a laxative keeps coming back.

Use before the expiry date printed on the strip and carton. Do not use suppositories that have melted, changed shape, or whose foil wrapping is damaged.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight. Suppositories soften in hot weather, so avoid leaving them in a car, a bag exposed to sunlight, or near a stove. Follow any storage temperature stated on the pack, and keep the suppositories out of the reach of children.

• Known allergy (hypersensitivity) to bisacodyl or to any other ingredient in the suppository.
• Intestinal obstruction or ileus (a blocked or paralysed bowel).
• Acute abdominal conditions such as appendicitis, and acute inflammatory bowel disease.
• Severe dehydration.
• Anal fissures, ulcerated haemorrhoids, or proctitis with damaged rectal lining, because the suppository can cause further irritation.
• Abdominal pain of unknown cause, especially when it comes with nausea or vomiting.
• Children under 10 years of age for this 10 mg strength.

• Diuretics (water tablets) and corticosteroids: using a laxative together with these medicines can increase the loss of potassium, particularly if the laxative is used for more than a few days.
• Digoxin and other heart glycosides: low potassium levels can make the heart more sensitive to these medicines, so tell your doctor if you are using a laxative regularly.
• Other laxatives: combining several laxatives adds to the effect on the bowel and raises the chance of cramps, diarrhoea, and fluid loss.
• No food or drink interactions are known for the suppository form.

• Use the suppository only when it is needed and stop as soon as the bowel has moved.
• Try to choose a time when a toilet is easily reachable, since a bowel movement usually follows within about an hour.
• Drinking plenty of water and eating enough fibre through the week is commonly recommended alongside occasional laxative use.
• Remove the foil completely before insertion, and do not cut or split the suppository unless a doctor tells you to.
• Wash your hands before and after every application, and never share a strip with another person.
• Keep a record of how many days in a row you have used a laxative so that you can tell a doctor if the need continues.

Precautions: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Bisacodyl 10mg Suppository if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or take diuretics or heart medicines, because the loss of salts can matter more in these situations. Avoid using it in children under 10 years without medical advice. Do not use it for longer than a few days in a row, and do not use it if you have unexplained abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Stop using the suppository and see a doctor if you notice rectal bleeding, severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, or a swollen abdomen. Get medical advice if there is no bowel movement after using it, if diarrhoea continues, or if you notice a lasting change in your bowel habits such as alternating constipation and loose stools. A pharmacist can also help if you are unsure whether the suppository is suitable together with the other medicines you take.