BISACODYL 5 mg TABLETS ( 1 Strip = 10 Tablets )

Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets as instructed in this leaflet to get the best results from it. • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. • Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice. • You must contact your pharmacist or doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after five days treatment. • If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.  See section 4. What is in this leaflet 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. What Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets are and what they are used for What you need to know before you take Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets How to take Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets Possible side effects How to store Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets Contents of the pack and other information What Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets are and what they are used for Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets are used for the short-term relief of occasional constipation. Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets contain bisacodyl and belong to a group of medicines known as stimulant laxatives, which increase bowel movements. This medicine does not help with weight loss. What is constipation? Normal and regular bowel movement is important for most people. However, what is “normal and regular” varies from person to person. Some may have a bowel movement every day, others less often. Whatever it is like for you, it is best that your bowel movement has a regular pattern. • Constipation is an occasional problem for some people. • For others, it may happen more often. • It happens when the normal muscle actions in the bowel (large intestine) slow down. This can mean that material is not easily eliminated from the body The cause of constipation is often not known. It can be associated with: • Sudden change of diet • A diet with not enough fibre • Not drinking enough fluids • Loss of ‘tone’ of the bowel muscles in older people • Pregnancy • Medicines such as morphine or codeine • Having to stay in bed for a long time • Lack of exercise Whatever the cause, constipation can be uncomfortable. It may make you feel bloated and heavy or generally “off colour”. Sometimes it causes headaches. It is recommended to use changes in diet and bulk forming medicines to control constipation before using this medicine.

These healthy tips are recommended to try to prevent constipation happening: • Eat a balanced diet including fresh fruit and vegetables • Drink enough water so that you do not become dehydrated • Keep up your exercise and stay fit • Make time to empty your bowels when your body tells you 2. What you need to know before you take Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets Do not take Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets if you: • are allergic to bisacodyl or any of the other ingredients in the medicine (listed in Section 6). • are intolerant to or cannot digest some sugars (as the tablet contains a small amount of lactose monohydrate) • have severe dehydration • have a bowel condition called “ileus” (blockage in the intestine) • have a serious abdominal condition such as appendicitis • have severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting • have a blocked bowel (intestinal obstruction) • have inflammation of the bowel (small or large intestine) Do not take this medicine if any of the above applies to you. Do not use in children under the age of 12 years. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets. Warnings and precautions As with all laxatives, Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets should not be taken every day for more than five days. If you need laxatives every day, or if you have abdominal pain which does not go away, you should see your doctor. Does this help with weight loss? Stimulant laxatives (including bisacodyl) do not help with weight loss. They do not reduce the absorption of calories or nutrients. They can cause watery stools (diarrhoea), abdominal cramps and dehydration. Dehydration can seem like weight loss. Overuse of laxatives may damage your health by: • Causing disturbances of electrolyte and mineral balances. Sodium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus are electrolytes and minerals that are present in very specific amounts necessary for proper functioning of the nerves and muscles, including those of the colon and heart. Upsetting this delicate balance can cause incorrect functioning of these vital organs. • Severe dehydration may cause tremors, weakness, blurry vision, fainting, kidney damage, and, in extreme cases, death. Dehydration often requires medical treatment. • Overuse of laxatives must be avoided as it may harm the intestinal function. Other medicines and Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets Please tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. This includes herbal medicines. This is because Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets can affect the way some other medicines work. Also, some other medicines can affect the way Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets work. In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking: • Water tablets (diuretics) such as bendrofluazide or furosemide (frusemide). • Steroid medicines such as prednisolone. • Other laxative medicines. If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines Some people may feel dizzy or faint while taking this