|
Fleet Bisacodyl description. Rectal laxatives are used as enemas or suppositories to produce bowel movements in a short time. There are several different types of rectal laxatives and they work in different ways. Since directions for use are different for each type, it is important to know which one you are taking. The different types of rectal laxatives include:Carbon dioxide-releasingCarbon dioxide-releasing laxatives (e. g. , potassium bitartrate and sodium bicarbonate) are suppositories that encourage bowel movements by forming carbon dioxide, a gas. This gas pushes against the intestinal wall, causing contractions that move along the stool mass. HyperosmoticHyperosmotic laxatives (e. g. , glycerin; sodium phosphates) draw water into the bowel from surrounding body tissues. This provides a soft stool mass and increased bowel action. LubricantMineral oil coats the bowel and the stool mass with a waterproof film. This keeps moisture in the stool. The stool remains soft and its passage is made easier. StimulantsStimulant laxatives (e. g. , bisacodyl; senna), also known as contact laxatives, act on the intestinal wall. They increase the muscle contractions that move along the stool mass. Stool softeners (emollients)Stool softeners (emollient laxatives-e. g. , docusate) encourage bowel movements by helping liquids mix into the stool and prevent dry, hard stool masses. This type of laxative has been said not to cause a bowel movement but instead allows the patient to have a bowel movement without straining. Rectal laxatives may provide relief in a number of situations such as: before giving birth. for a few days after giving birth. preparation for examination or surgery. to aid in developing normal bowel function following a period of poor eating habits or a lack of physical exercise (glycerin suppositories only). following surgery when straining should be avoided. constipation caused by other medicines. Some of these laxatives are available only with your doctor's prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions for the proper use and dose for your medical condition. Why prescribed Fleet Bisacodyl. Bisacodyl, a laxative, is used on a short-term basis to treat constipation. It also is used to empty the bowels before surgery and examinations such as X-ray procedures using barium enemas. Bisacodyl is available with or without a prescription. Fleet Bisacodyl is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. How used Fleet Bisacodyl. Bisacodyl comes as a tablet to take by mouth and a suppository and enema to use rectally. It is usually taken the evening before (tablets) or at the time that (suppositories or enema) a bowel movement is desired. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. To empty the bowels, bisacodyl usually is taken orally the night before and rectally the morning of surgery or an examination. The tablets normally cause a bowel movement in 6-8 hours, suppositories in 15-60 minutes, and the enema in 3-5 minutes. Do not take bisacodyl more than once a day or for more than 1 week without talking to your doctor. Do not crush or chew bisacodyl tablets; swallow them whole. Do not take tablets within 1 hour of drinking milk or taking antacids. Do not eat after taking bisacodyl tablets in preparation for a barium enema. Take bisacodyl exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Frequent or continued use of bisacodyl may make you dependent on laxatives and cause your bowels to lose their normal ability. If you do not have a regular bowel movement or you have rectal bleeding after taking Fleet Bisacodyl as directed for 1 week, call your doctor. Do not give bisacodyl to a child less than 10 years of age unless a doctor tells you to. If you are to insert a bisacodyl suppository, follow these steps: Remove the wrapper. Dip the tip of the suppository in lukewarm water. Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.) Using your finger, insert the suppository high into your rectum. Hold it in place for a few moments. Try to keep it there for as long as possible. Wash your hands thoroughly. If you are to use a bisacodyl enema, follow these steps: Shake the enema bottle well. Remove the protective shield from the tip. Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.) Gently insert the enema bottle into the rectum with the tip pointing toward the navel. Squeeze the bottle gently until nearly all the medicine is expelled. Remove the enema bottle from the rectum. Hold the enema contents in place for as long as possible. Wash your hands thoroughly. Some brand names: - Dulcolax - Enemol - Fleet Babylax - Fleet Bisacodyl - Fleet Enema - Fleet Enema Mineral Oil - Fleet Enema for Children - Fleet Glycerin Laxative - Fleet Laxative - Fleet Pediatric Enema - Gent-L-Tip |