Bisacodyl Rectal

Bisacodyl rectal is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used to treat constipation.

Bisacodyl rectal is available under the following different brand names: Fleet Bisacodyl Enema and Fleet Bisacodyl Suppository.

Dosages of Bisacodyl Rectal:

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Enema

• 10mg/30mL

Suppository

• 10mg

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Constipation

• Enema:
  • Adults and children over 12 years: Contents of 1 bottle (i.e., 37 mL) rectally as a single dose

• Suppository:
  • Adults and children over 12 years: Remove outer wrap and insert 1 suppository into the rectum
  • Children 6-12 years: Remove outer wrap and insert the one-half suppository into the rectum

Enema Administration

• The patient should lie on the left side with the right knee bent
• Gently insert enema tip into the rectum using slight side-to-side movement; point enema tip toward navel (ease insertion by having patient bear down, as if having a bowel movement, to relax anal muscles)
• Do not force the enema tip into the rectum
• Squeeze bottle to deliver the appropriate dose
• Remove enema tip from rectum
• Retain enema by doctor's instructions

Common side effects of Bisacodyl Rectal include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Excessive diarrhea
• Electrolyte and fluid imbalance
• Rectal burning
• Spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Vomiting

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Bisacodyl rectal has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Bisacodyl rectal has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Moderate interactions of bisacodyl rectal include:
  • deflazacort
• Mild interactions of bisacodyl rectal include:
  • potassium acid phosphate
  • potassium chloride

Warnings

• This medication contains bisacodyl rectal. Do not take Fleet Bisacodyl Enema or Fleet Bisacodyl Suppository if you are allergic to bisacodyl rectal or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Obstruction
• Severe impaction
• Symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen
• Vomiting
• Rectal bleeding
• Gastroenteritis

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information is available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Bisacodyl Rectal?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Bisacodyl Rectal?"

Cautions

• Excessive use may cause electrolyte imbalance, steatorrhea, osteomalacia, diarrhea, and cathartic colon

Pregnancy and Lactation

• No information is available regarding the use of bisacodyl rectal during pregnancy.
• It is unknown if bisacodyl rectal is excreted into breast milk.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek the advice of a health professional before using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.