Bisacodyl: side effects, special instructions

pharmachologic effect

Pharmacological action: laxative.

Diphenylmethane derivative. Increases the secretion of mucus in the large intestine, accelerates and enhances its peristalsis. The action is due to direct stimulation of nerve endings in the mucous membrane of the large intestine. The laxative effect begins 6–10 hours after taking the drug orally, in the form of one or two bowel movements in the form of formed stool. This latent period is necessary for transport of the drug to the large intestine, where it acts as a contact laxative. When using suppositories, the laxative effect begins within 15–60 minutes. Bisacodyl is not absorbed from the intestine, and therefore there is no risk of developing serious side effects.

Composition and release form

The main component of the drug is bicasodil. Excipients have different compositions depending on the dosage form. These are cellulose, lactose, powdered sugar, talc, wax, magnesium stearate, medical polyvinylporrolidone, corn starch.

The laxative is dispensed in the form of:

1. Tablets - have a soluble intestinal coating, for oral administration. Light brown, biconvex, round in shape. The package contains several blisters of 10 pieces.
2. Suppositories are administered rectally. Contains 10 mg of active substance. Packaged in cardboard packaging of 10 suppositories.

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications for the use of laxatives are:

1. Children under 2 years of age.
2. Allergic reaction to active or auxiliary components.
3. Violation of the integrity of the anus.
4. Severe gastrointestinal diseases.
5. Inflammation of the anterior abdominal wall.
6. Hernia.
7. Spastic constipation.
8. Intestinal neoplasms.
9. Pain in the epigastric region of unknown etiology.
10. Inflammatory lesion of the caecum.
11. Gynecological bleeding.
12. Cystitis.
13. Dehydration of the body.
14. Violation of water balance.
15. Blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract.

It is also not recommended to use the drug during pregnancy, lactation, liver and kidney diseases.

How does the laxative Bisacodyl work?

Bicasodil is a strong drug. The main pharmacological effect is laxative. It has a direct effect on the nerve receptors of the large intestine, helping to restore peristalsis and its natural release. The drug stimulates the synthesis of mucus, so emptying the body occurs easily.

Along with the normalization of intestinal motor function, Bicasodil accumulates fluid in it. Due to this, the feces soften and are excreted without problems.

After oral administration, the therapeutic effect of the laxative is observed after 6 hours. When using a suppository, the effect occurs after 30-60 minutes.

Bisacodyl Hemofarm: basic information

A round, yellowish tablet containing 5 mg of active substance is coated, freely soluble in the intestine. In addition to tablets, the product is produced in the form of dragees (5 mg) and rectal suppositories (10 mg suppositories), demonstrating an effect similar to tablets. What is included in the medication:

The tablets are packaged in blisters (10 pieces), the medicine package can contain two or four blisters. Suppositories are packed in vacuum containers of six or ten suppositories. To purchase the Bisacodyl Hemofarm brand drug, which demonstrates a persistent laxative effect, you do not need a prescription.

Review of analogues

Absolute analogues are drugs with an identical name, to which the manufacturer’s company identifier is added. The medications contain the same type of active substance (bisacodyl) in a dosage (5 mg). Having the same effect, indications and restrictions, the drugs help treat constipation. List of the most famous laxative compounds:

• Bisacodyl Grindeks (Latvia);
• Bisacodyl Acri (Russia);
• Bisacodyl OBL (Russia);

• Bisacodyl Akrikhin (Russia);
• Bisacodyl Altfarm (Russia).

Due to the presence of a unique shell, which prevents the release of the active substance, the tablet form is successfully transported to the intestines. When it enters its alkaline environment, the active ingredient is released, but without absorption by the walls of the rectum. Metabolized bisacodyl causes irritation of the receptors with which the intestinal mucosa is saturated, which leads to increased peristalsis along with an increase in the volume of mucous secretion in the organ cavity.

List of drugs with similar effects

Analogues of the drug Bisacodyl Hemofarm, but with a different name, include Guttalax Express, presented in the form of suppositories (rectal). The drug Dulcolax is produced in tablets and suppositories with the same parameters as those produced by the manufacturer Hemofarm. Substitutes for the original remedy for constipation include oral Duphalac syrup and Picolax tablets. Herbal laxative pills to induce stool Senade, which should not be taken for more than 2 weeks, as well as several dosage forms of Laxatin.

Guttalax and Picolax

Bisacodyl analogues made on the basis of sodium picosulfate are prescribed according to indications. The products differ from each other in the form of release. Picolax is produced in tablets of 5 mg or 7.5 mg, drops of 0.75% concentration, their use is especially convenient for helping young children. Dosage of any form according to age category.

The medication Guttalax is presented as a solution of transparent drops, which helps women during pregnancy and lactation. And the active substance has a local laxative effect, making bowel movements easier in the morning if you take drops at night. How to use a laxative solution during a short treatment period:

• adults and children over 10 years old should take 10-20 drops;
• The dosage for small patients 4 to 10 years old is 5-10 drops.

The fact of overdose threatens the development of diarrhea, intestinal spasms, loss of electrolytes, which requires symptomatic treatment. The droplet form of release is not intended for long-term therapy; contraindications include acute inflammation of the retroperitoneal organs. A product called Guttalax Express, available in the form of suppositories (rectal), contains 10 mg of the active substance bisacodyl in one suppository.

Dulcolax

The manufacturer produces the medicine in tablets and suppositories with the same parameters as the manufacturer Hemofarm. The choice of an analogue of Bisacodyl, which helps treat constipation, is relevant for prescribing it to elderly patients, as well as to bedridden patients (after childbirth, surgery).

The use of tablets is accompanied by increased peristalsis after at least 6 hours.

The use of rectal suppositories is characterized by a more rapid onset of a relaxing effect due to direct (local) stimulation of the nerve receptors of the intestinal mucosa.

Like any medication, Dulcolax has a specific list of contraindications, which are described in detail in the annotation for the drug. Among the prohibitions on treatment with strong laxatives are children under 6 years of age, an inadequate reaction to the components of the medicinal composition, and bleeding (rectal, uterine, gastric). An overdose of any form of medication leads to dehydration and the development of hypokalemia.

Duphalac

The medication, produced in the form of a lactulose-based syrup, is used to treat chronic constipation that affects elderly patients. In addition, the regulator of physiological rhythms of bowel movements helps to cleanse the intestines before a medical examination or surgery in the area of ​​the large intestine or anus. An analogue of Bisacodyl is used by patients with hemorrhoids, as well as those suffering from intestinal dysbiosis and enteritis. How to take the product according to indications:

• starting dose for softening stool for adults - 15-45 ml daily;
• dosage to maintain bowel regularity - 15-30 ml.

Laxative syrup can be diluted with water or drunk undiluted in one or two doses before the morning meal. Features of choosing a pediatric dose depending on the age of the child are described in detail in the instructions for Duphalac. The use of syrup during pregnancy is not prohibited, since the presence of the active substance does not harm the fetus. The short list of contraindications includes signs of acute intestinal obstruction, a negative reaction to lactose, and a tendency to bleeding (intestinal).

Other analogues

The medicine Senade, made from the leaf part of the herb senna, is a combination of calcium sennosides. The product in tablet form, which does not irritate the mucous membrane, helps to liquefy stool, which makes defecation easier.

However, laxative pills are not taken in long courses; using 2-3 tablets can only treat occasional constipation, but not chronic pathology. An overdose results in the development of prolonged diarrhea; in case of persistent constipation (more than a week), a doctor’s consultation is necessary.

When treating constipation, it is important to consider the danger of compatibility of Senade with cardiac glycosides, corticosteroids, licorice root preparations, as well as medications for arrhythmia.

The medicine for constipation Laxatin, produced on the basis of bisacodyl, has a slightly wider range of names - it is produced not only in the form of tablets (enteric-soluble), but also suppositories (rectal). Side effects of Laxatin therapy include symptoms of gastrointestinal, neurological and metabolic disorders.

Dragee belongs to the line of homeopathic remedies with a complex composition, including 5 natural ingredients. Granules of the homeopathic analogue are taken several times a day according to a special scheme in 5 day courses with breaks.

How to take the laxative Bisacodyl

Depending on the dosage form, Bicasodil has features in its use.

Suppositories are intended for administration into the colon. The dose of the drug is 10-20 mg per day. For the first dose, no more than 1 suppository per day. If there is no therapeutic effect, the dosage is doubled.

To empty the intestines, the suppository is administered at any time, the effect occurs within an hour. The pharmacological activity of the laxative does not depend on food intake.

To cleanse the body before medical procedures, you need to take 2-4 tablets one time in the evening and insert 1 suppository into the anus in the morning.

The dose for children over 12 years of age and adults is 1-3 tablets or 5-15 mg per day. It is advisable to take 1 tablet before bedtime. If there is no laxative effect, double doses of the drug are used.

The pills are taken regardless of food, at a convenient time. The therapeutic effect occurs after 6 hours. The first dose of Bisacodyl should be started with a minimum dose of 5 mg per day. Subsequently increase to 10-15 mg if necessary.

To prevent overdose, do not take more than 4 tablets per day.

Do not chew dragees and tablets; take them with plenty of water. When using the drug, it is recommended to monitor the liquid you drink during the day, at least 1.5 liters.

The course of therapy with Bicasodil is a week. If it is necessary to use the drug for a long time, take a break.

If the activity of the excretory system is disrupted and there is liver pathology, the drug should be taken with caution. Dosage per day is no more than 1 tablet.

During the treatment course, it is important to exclude dairy products and mineral water from the diet. They contribute to the rapid dissolution of the drug, which leads to a lack of therapeutic effect.

Side effects

A laxative can cause negative reactions such as:

1. Gas formation.
2. Pain in the epigastrium.
3. Feeling nauseous.
4. Possible vomiting.
5. Diarrhea, including the profuse type, which leads to dehydration.
6. Lack of intestinal motility.
7. Allergic manifestations in the form of swelling, itching, development of urticaria symptoms.
8. Local irritation in the anus when taking suppositories.

When is Bisacodyl prescribed?

The use of the drug and its direct analogs as auxiliary agents is indicated for hypotonic and atonic constipation, including episodes of stool retention in elderly patients. Bisacodyl, as a composition for short-term treatment, helps restore intestinal tone during the postoperative or postpartum period. Short-term therapy with the drug is justified for mild symptoms of proctitis and hemorrhoids, to restore bowel regularity in patients with anal fissures.

Bisacodyl taken orally will have a relaxing effect on the stomach only after 6 hours; if you drink the drug at night, the appearance of stool is expected after a maximum of 12 hours (in the morning).

Indications for prescribing Bisacodyl tablets may include preparation for surgery, instrumental examination, and radiography.

On the eve of surgery, laxative pills (2-4 pieces) are taken the night before. The same scheme is used to prepare for diagnostic studies. However, we should not forget that treatment of constipation can provoke the development of adverse reactions. The patient may experience nausea, intestinal colic or flatulence, bloating, and pain in the anus when using suppositories.

General recommendations

The tablet version of the drug Bisacodyl Hemofarm helps empty the stomach when taken orally once a day. The tablets are taken before breakfast (30 minutes before) or in the evening before bed. The pill should not be broken or chewed, it should be swallowed whole, washed down with a small amount of clean water.

If hemorrhoids are found in a patient, the instructions recommend using suppositories instead of tablets to eliminate the possibility of diarrhea. This form of taking Bisacodyl acts faster and brings relief, relieving irritable bowel syndrome. Treatment with suppositories is prohibited if the patient has non-healing anal fissures.

The drug from Hemofarm is prescribed during pregnancy if necessary. Although uterine stimulation is a drug, its use is recommended in minimal doses due to the high activity of intestinal peristaltic movements. When prescribing Bisacodyl in light of its indications, it should be taken into account that it acts as a weight loss factor. However, for weight loss it is better to use rectal suppositories, then the active substance goes directly into the rectum, bypassing the stomach, which pleases with a quick effect.