Numark Constipation Relief
PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
Bisacodyl Tablets BP 5 mg
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine. Keep this leaflet until you have finished all the prescribed course of Bisacodyl. If you have any questions concerning your medicine ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information
About your medicine
The active ingredient is Bisacodyl BP.
Bisacodyl 5 mg tablets contain Bisacodyl BP 5.00 mg.
Bisacodyl tablets are round sugar-coated yellow tablets.
Bisacodyl Tablets 5 mg also contain the following inactive ingredients:
Lactose, maize starch, magnesium stearate, pregelatinised maize starch, talc, cellulose acetate phthalate, diethylpthalate, sucrose, povidone, titanium dioxide, E104
Bisacodyl tablets are available as a P product in containers and blister packs of 8, 10, 28, 30, 50, 56, 60, 84, 100, 250, 500 & 1000 tablets. The GSL product is available in blister packs of 10 and 20 tablets.
The active ingredient in Bisacodyl tablets, Bisacodyl, is a stimulant laxative.
The name and address of the Product Licence Holder is:
Chelonia Healthcare Limited, Boumpoulinas 11, 3rd Floor, Nicosia, P.C. 1060, Cyprus The Manufacturer of Bisacodyl is either:
DDSA Pharmaceuticals Ltd., 310 Old Brompton Road, London SW5 9JQ Or
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (UK) Ltd., 208-214 York Road, London SW11 3SD What are Bisacodyl Tablets for?
Bisacodyl is used in the treatment of chronic or recent constipation.
It is also used to evacuate the bowels before surgery, labour or X-rays Bisacodyl Tablets do not help with weight loss.
Check before you take Bisacodyl Tablets
Do not take Bisacodyl tablets if any of the following apply to you:
• If you are allergic to Bisacodyl or to any of the ingredients listed above
• If you suffer from intestinal obstruction
• If you are using suppositories
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not take antacids within one hour of taking Bisacodyl.
These tablets should not be used every day for long periods. If laxatives are needed every day, then you should go and see your doctor.
If possible Bisacodyl should not be used for the treatment of constipation in children.
This medicine should not be relied upon. Often only the simple provision of time and privacy for going to the toilet may be required.
If you go to a doctor, dentist or hospital for any reason, tell them you are taking Bisacodyl
When and how to take Bisacodyl Tablets
Tablets should be taken with water and should be swallowed whole not chewed or crushed.
Dosage for constipation:
Adults including the elderly and children over 10 years.
1 to 2 tablets at night.
Children under 6 years:
Consult your doctor.
What to do if too many tablets are taken at the same time
If you accidentally take more tablets than recommended drink plenty of water and contact your nearest doctor or hospital casualty department at once. Take any remaining tablets with you and keep them in the original container or package so that they can be identified.
It may be harmful to
• Take too much of Bisacodyl Tablets or
• Take Bisacodyl Tablets for too long
This is because taking too much for too long may lead to:
• A ' lazy bowel', where the muscle in the bowel becomes too relaxed. This means that bowel emptying happens less often. This can lead to long-term constipation.
• Imbalance of fluid and salts in the body. This can affect the tightness of muscles such as those in the bowel. It can also affect the salts in the blood.
• Low levels of potassium in the blood (called 'hypo-kalaemia'). This can make you tired, dizzy, make your muscles weak and cause an uneven heart-beat.
• Dehydration, making you thirsty, feel faint and giving you headaches. It can also mean you cannot pass enough urine.
What side effects can Bisacodyl have?
Prolonged use of laxatives like Bisacodyl can lead to 'lazy bowels' (atonic non-functioning colon) and further cases of severe constipation.
Bisacodyl can also cause hypokalaemia (low blood potassium), gripping pains and abdominal cramps
If you notice any of the above reactions or side effects, or if you notice other unusual or worrying changes to your health contact your doctor.
Storing your medicine
You must keep this medicine in a safe place where children cannot get at it. Your medicine could harm them.
Keep your medicine in a dry place, below 25°C. Keep the tablets in the container in which they were given to you.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date shown on the container or blister pack.
A reminder
This leaflet does not contain the complete information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist who have access to additional information.
PL No: 33414/0016
This leaflet was last revised in 01/2015