Novolax Bisacodyl Bp 5mg Tablet

Novolax Bisacodyl BP 5mg Tablet is an oral stimulant laxative tablet, manufactured by KRKA. It belongs to the diphenylmethane class of stimulant laxatives, a well-established category of medicines formulated to encourage bowel movement, and is presented as a small, enteric-coated tablet, a standard formulation approach for bisacodyl designed to protect the stomach lining and allow the tablet to act further along in the digestive tract.

Each tablet contains Bisacodyl BP 5mg, meaning the active ingredient is manufactured and tested to British Pharmacopoeia (BP) standard. Novolax is sold OTC (Over-the-Counter) in Malaysia, meaning it can be purchased at pharmacies and online without needing a doctor’s prescription.

Novolax tablets are commonly sold in strips of 15 tablets, and are also available in larger cartons made up of multiple strips (for example, boxes of 105 tablets, made up of 7 strips of 15). Because the tablets are enteric-coated, they should always be swallowed whole rather than crushed, chewed or broken.

Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet, as doing so can damage the enteric coating that is designed to protect the stomach and allow the tablet to act in the colon; damaging the coating can lead to stomach irritation and reduce the tablet’s intended effect.

Avoid taking Novolax within 1 hour of antacids, milk, or other dairy products, as these can raise stomach pH and dissolve the enteric coating prematurely. Many people find it convenient to take the tablet at bedtime, allowing it to act by the following morning, but always follow the specific timing on the product label or a doctor’s advice.

The usual adult dose is 1 to 2 tablets (5-10mg) taken once daily, generally at bedtime. Do not exceed 2 tablets (10mg) in a 24-hour period. Bisacodyl products, including Novolax, are generally intended for short-term or occasional use; if regular use for more than about a week is being considered, check with a doctor or pharmacist first, as prolonged use of stimulant laxatives can lead to reduced bowel responsiveness or electrolyte disturbances.

Use in children should follow the specific age guidance on the packaging or the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, as bisacodyl is generally not recommended for young children without medical advice. If a dose is missed, simply take the next planned dose as scheduled rather than doubling up. See a doctor if there is no bowel movement after using this product, if you experience severe abdominal pain, or if you find yourself needing to use a laxative regularly to have a bowel movement.

Use Novolax Bisacodyl BP 5mg Tablet before the expiry date printed on the strip and outer carton. Do not use tablets that appear discoloured, damaged, or where the enteric coating has visibly cracked or worn away.

Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original blister strip until ready to take, and store out of the sight and reach of children.

Bisacodyl

Digestive Enzymes

• Known hypersensitivity to bisacodyl or any other ingredient in the tablet.
• Intestinal obstruction, or an acute abdominal condition such as suspected appendicitis, where increased bowel movement could be harmful.
• Severe dehydration.
• Young children — not recommended without the specific guidance of a doctor or pharmacist regarding age-appropriate dosing.

• Avoid taking within 1 hour of antacids, milk or other dairy products, or acid-reducing medicines such as proton-pump inhibitors or H2-blockers, as these can dissolve the enteric coating prematurely and cause stomach irritation.
• Concurrent use with diuretics or corticosteroids may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance, particularly potassium loss, if bisacodyl is used regularly or for a prolonged period.
• Avoid combining with other stimulant laxatives at the same time, to prevent a duplicated laxative effect and increased risk of side effects.
• No major food interaction is known beyond the antacid/dairy timing note above.

• Swallow the tablet whole — do not crush or chew it.
• Taking it at bedtime is a common approach, allowing it to act by the next morning.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day while using this product.
• Avoid taking it with milk or antacids, as this can affect the tablet’s coating.
• Do not use for more than about a week without checking with a doctor or pharmacist.
• Store below 25°C, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Bisacodyl

Digestive Enzymes

Precautions: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should check with a doctor before use. Elderly individuals should be mindful of the risk of dehydration or electrolyte disturbance with repeated or excessive use. This product is intended for short-term or occasional use and is not intended for regular, long-term reliance without medical guidance.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor if there is no bowel movement after using this product, if rectal bleeding occurs, if abdominal pain is severe or persistent, or if you find you need to use a laxative regularly for more than about a week.