💊 Bisacodyl Tablet 5 mg
📄 Description:
Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative used for the short-term treatment of constipation and for bowel cleansing before medical examinations like colonoscopy or surgery. It works by stimulating peristalsis (intestinal muscle contractions) and increasing fluid secretion in the bowel.
🧾 Prescription / Indications:
Indicated for:
- Relief of occasional constipation
- Bowel clearance before diagnostic procedures or surgery
Dosage (Adults and children ≥12 years):
- 5 to 15 mg once daily, preferably at bedtime
- Usually 1 to 3 tablets (5 mg each) orally
Onset of action: 6 to 12 hours after oral administration
🔬 Nature:
- Form: Enteric-coated tablet
- Strength: 5 mg
- Route: Oral
- Pharmacologic class: Stimulant laxative
- Mechanism: Acts directly on the colon to stimulate peristalsis; causes accumulation of water and electrolytes in the intestinal lumen
🌟 Advantages:
- Fast, effective relief from constipation
- Useful for preparing bowel before procedures
- Minimal absorption into bloodstream — acts locally
📦 Common Packaging:
- Blister packs of 10 or 20 tablets
- Also available in strips or cartons, depending on the manufacturer
🧊 Storage:
- Store at room temperature (15–25°C)
- Protect from moisture and light
- Keep out of reach of children
⚠️ Precautions:
- Do not chew or crush tablets (enteric coating protects from stomach acid)
- Avoid prolonged use (>7 days) without medical advice – may lead to dependency or electrolyte imbalance
- Contraindicated in:
- Intestinal obstruction
- Acute abdominal conditions (e.g., appendicitis)
- Severe dehydration
- Use with caution in:
- Elderly
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (only if prescribed)
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Take with a full glass of water, do not take with milk or antacids
- Take at bedtime for morning relief
- Report symptoms like persistent cramping, nausea, or dizziness
- Ensure adequate hydration during use
- Not intended for chronic constipation unless advised by a doctor