Constipation is treated temporarily with rectal bisacodyl. In preparation for surgery and other medical operations, it is also used to empty the bowels. A group of drugs known as stimulant laxatives includes bisacodyl. It works by causing a bowel movement by causing the intestines to become more active.

Bisacodyl for rectal usage is available as an enema and suppository. It is typically utilized while having a desired bowel movement. Both the suppositories and the enema typically result in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. Without consulting your doctor, don’t take bisacodyl more than once per day or for longer than a week. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions you do not understand, and carefully follow any instructions on the packaging or on the label of your prescription. Follow the rectal bisacodyl instructions precisely. Use of bisacodyl on a regular basis or long-term may result in dependence on laxatives and loss of normal bowel function. Do not take bisacodyl again, and consult your doctor if you do not have a regular bowel movement after taking it.

Follow these steps if using a bisacodyl suppository:

1. Before removing the wrapper, if the suppository is soft, hold it under cold water or put it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to harden it.
2. Take the wrapping off.
3. Use a clean, sharp knife or blade to cut the suppository in half if you were instructed to only use half of it.
4. Raise your right knee to your chest while lying on your left side.
5. With your finger, push the suppository into your rectum until it passes the muscular sphincter of the rectum, which in adults is approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters). The suppository might come out if it is not put past this sphincter.
6. Keep it there as long as you can.
7. Clean your hands completely.

To administer a bisacodyl enema, do the following:

1. Well-shake the enema bottle.
2. Take off the tip’s shield of defense.
3. To comfortably rest your head and chest, either lie on your left side with your right leg raised to your chest or kneel and lean forward.
4. The enema bottle should be gently inserted into the rectum with the tip facing the navel.
5. Gently squeeze the bottle until it is almost empty.
6. From the rectum, remove the enema bottle. Keep the contents of the enema in place for as long as you can, up to 10 minutes.
7. Clean your hands completely.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before using rectal bisacodyl,

• If you have an allergy to bisacodyl, any other drugs, or any of the substances in these products, notify your doctor right away. A list of the ingredients can be found on the label or by asking your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products that you are now taking or intend to use. Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• Inform your doctor if you experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or an abrupt change in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks.
• If you are expecting a child, intend to get pregnant, or are a nursing mother, let your doctor know. Call your physician if you find out you’re pregnant while taking rectal bisacodyl.
• If you are 65 years of age or older, discuss with your doctor the advantages and disadvantages of using this medicine. Since rectal bisacodyl is less secure and less efficient than other drugs that can be used to treat the same condition, older adults should typically avoid using it.

Regular bowel function depends on a regular diet and exercise routine. As advised by your doctor, consume a diet high in fiber and get eight glasses of water daily.

Typically, this medication is taken as needed. If your physician has instructed you to consistently use rectal bisacodyl, take the missed dose as soon as you are aware of it. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Side effects from rectal bisacodyl are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Stomach pain
• Faintness
• Digestive discomfort
• Discomfort in the rectum

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away and stop taking bisacodyl if you have this symptom:

• Abdominal bleeding

Other side effects of rectal bisacodyl are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or by phone at 1-800-332-1088 if you have a serious side event.

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it at room temperature and out of the bathroom and other places with excessive heat and moisture.

In order to stop pets, children, and other individuals from taking unused medicines, they must be disposed of safely. However, you shouldn’t flush away this medication. As an alternative, using a medicine take-back program is the best way to dispose of your medication. Speak to your pharmacist or your city’s waste/recycling department to learn more about take-back initiatives in your area. If a take-back program is not available to you, you can find more information on the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Dial 1-800-222-1222 to reach your local poison control center if someone has ingested rectal bisacodyl. Dial 911 to reach the nearest emergency services if the sufferer has collapsed or has stopped breathing.

If you have any inquiries concerning rectal bisacodyl, ask your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.