Durolax

Generic Name: Bisacodyl
Product Name: Durolax

Indication

Bisacodyl is used to:

• Relieve constipation.
• Prepare the bowel for diagnostic or surgical procedures requiring the bowel to be empty.

Action

Bisacodyl acts by directly stimulating the nerve endings in the mucosa of the colon, increasing the movement of the intestines.

Dose advice

1. Constipation:
   Bisacodyl may be given as follows:
   Adults
   • 5-15 mg orally given as a single dose at night
   • 10 mg rectally given once a day when required.

   Children

   • Children aged greater than 3 years should be given 5-10 mg orally as a single dose at night or 5-10 mg rectally once a day as required.
   • Children aged less than 3 years should be given 5 mg rectally once a day as required.
2. Bowel preparation
   Adults: Up to 30 mg orally on the night before the procedure or 10 mg each night for 2 nights before the procedure. This is usually followed by a 10mg bisacodyl suppository on the morning of the procedure. Elderly patients taking Bisacodyl have an increased risk of faecal incontinence.
   Bisacodyl can be used during lactation, however, it should only be used occasionally during pregnancy.
   The onset of action of Bisacodyl is as follows:
   • Oral: 6-12 hours.
   • Suppository: 15-60 minutes.
   • Enema: 5-15 minutes.

Schedule

Unscheduled

Common side effects

• Abdominal cramps and/or pain
• Flatulence
• Diarrhoea
• Local pain and irritation if the patient suffers a painful anal condition concurrently.

Uncommon side effects

• Irritation of the rectum
• Abdominal cramps
• Fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

For further information talk to your doctor.