Bisacodyl Rectal Enema

What is this medication?

BISACODYL (bis a KOE dill) treats occasional constipation. It may also be used to clean the bowel out before a medical procedure. It works by helping the muscles in your intestines move stool. This helps produce a bowel movement. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fleet

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Change in bowel habits that has lasted more than 2 weeks
• Rectal bleeding
• Stomach or intestine problems, such as tears in the stomach, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis
• An unusual or allergic reaction to bisacodyl, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for rectal use only. Do not take it by mouth. Take it as directed on the label. Do not use more often than directed.

Wash your hands before and after use. Remove top of enema. Lie on your side with your lower leg straightened out and your upper leg bent forward toward your stomach. Lift upper buttock to expose the rectal area. Gently insert the tip into rectum. Squeeze the bottle until it is empty. Wait a few seconds before removing the bottle. Hold buttocks together for a few seconds. Remain lying down for about 15 minutes to avoid having the medication come out.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be given to children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Contact your care team if you do not pass stool 20 minutes after taking this medication.

This medication can be habit-forming. Long-term use may worsen constipation. It may also cause serious side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Rectal bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Feeling faint or lightheaded
• Rectal burning after use
• Stomach cramping
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.