Sometimes constipation is a nuisance, isn't it? You fill up your stomach and don't feel like doing anything. Today, we're going to talk about a medicine that can be used to provide quick relief from occasional constipation. That's a laxative called Bisacodyl. It can be found in the market under names like Dulcolax.
Simply put, what kind of medicine is this?
This is a laxative. Simply put, when you insert this powder into the rectum, it stimulates the muscles in the intestines and helps the stool pass. This increases the movement of the intestines and makes it easier to push the stool out.
The most important thing is to only use this for occasional constipation . This is not a daily remedy. If you have persistent constipation, it is important to find the cause.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
If you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely inform your doctor before using this medicine, as it can be dangerous to use this medicine in such cases.
| Illness or condition | Why do you need to tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Appendicitis or severe stomach pain | Using a laxative in this situation can make the situation worse. |
| Suspected stomach blockage | If you use this when your intestines are blocked, there is a risk of damage to your intestines. |
| Diseases such as ulcerative colitis | These types of illnesses can become serious. |
| Allergies to Bisacodyl or other medications/foods | This is important to prevent a severe allergic reaction. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
How exactly do you use this tool?
It is very important to use this correctly. This is for rectal use only. Do not take it orally for any reason.
1. Cleanliness: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
2. Preparation: Remove the foil from the pasta. If the pasta seems a little soft, place it in cold water for a minute or two, right off the foil. This will firm it up a bit.
3. To make insertion easier: Wet the pointed end of the syringe with cold water. This will make insertion easier.
4. Position: Lie on your side and bring your top leg towards your chest. This is the easiest position.
5. Insertion: Now use one of your fingers to insert the penis into the anus, with the pointed end of the penis going in first. Push it in as far as it will go.
6. Holding: After inserting the catheter, try to keep it in for about 15 to 20 minutes . This is usually the time it takes for the urge to pass stool to come. If you feel like you need to pass stool right after inserting it, it's not fully inserted. You need to push it in a little more.
7. End: Wash your hands thoroughly again after use.
Things to watch out for and side effects
Is it good to make this a habit?
No. Not good at all. There are several possible side effects of using this medicine for a long time.
- Habit-forming: With continued use, your body will begin to rely on this medicine to help you pass stool. Your ability to pass stool normally may decrease.
- Damage to the intestines: Long-term use can damage the nerves in the intestines.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Imbalances in the amount of water and salts in the body can occur.
If your constipation persists, it's wise to see your doctor to find out the cause, rather than suppressing it with a medication like this.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach discomfort | Bloating, gas, stomach cramping, nausea. |
When should I definitely see a doctor?
- If stool has not passed after 12 hours of using the laxative.
- If you notice bleeding from your anus .
These could be signs of a more serious condition, so see your doctor immediately if this happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children use this?
A doctor may prescribe this for children over 6 years of age in some special cases. However, there are special precautions. Never give this medicine to children without a doctor's advice.
What to do if you take too much?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
How to store the medicine?
Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature, below 25 degrees Celsius. Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Bisacodyl is a laxative used for occasional constipation. It is not recommended for long-term use.
- This is for rectal use only. Do not take it orally for any reason.
- If you do not have a bowel movement within 12 hours or if you have rectal bleeding, see your doctor immediately.
- It's safest to talk to your doctor before using any medication, especially if you have other medical conditions or allergies.
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