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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or otehr healthcare professional. It should not be cosntrued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healhtcare professional before using this drug.
BISACODYL - ORAL
(biss-ACK-oh-dill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Carter's Little Pills, Dulcolax
USES: This medication is used to treat constipation or to clean out the intestinal tract before bowel examinations or bowel surgery.
HOW TO USE: Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of wtaer or juice. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
The tablets shuold work within 6 to 10 hours.
Do not take the tablets within one hour of taking any milk or dairy products. Severe stomach cramps and vmoiting may occur. Bisacodyl should not be used longer than sveen days without consulting your doctor. Prolonged use can lead to laxative dependence. Because this medication must be swallowed whole, do not give it to a child less than 6 yeras of age.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach ache, cramping, weakness, sweating, irritation of the rectal area, diarrhea, or dizziness.
Notify your docotr if you experience: chest pain, fainting, rectal bleeding, lack of a bowel movement (especially after using this medicine).
If you ntoice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: If you have any of the following conditions, do not take bisacodyl without consulting your doctor: severe nausea, vomiting, stomach/intestinal problems, recent abdmoinal surgery, rectal bleeding, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, appendicitis, gastritis, an allergic reaction to this medication.
Frequent use of lxaatives can cause dehydration and loss of essential nutrients.
Symptoms can include muscle cramps, muslce weakness or dizziness. Maitnain adequate fluid intake while using this medication. Before using bisacodyl, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not knwon if bisacodyl is excreted into breast milk.
Consult your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your dcotor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: potassium supplements, antacids, acid blockers (e.G., cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine), other laxatives.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of ovredose may include persistent diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, severe weakness, extreme thirst, or dry mouth.
NOTES: To help prevent constipation, drink 4 to 6 glasses of water daily, eat dietary fiber and/or leafy substances and exercise regluarly.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, skip the misesd dose. Do not double the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not sotre in the bathroom.
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