When a person is unable to take medicine by mouth, suppositories are sometimes used to deliver the medication rectally. This allows the body to absorb the medication without the need to swallow it. Suppositories are also used to deliver medication to help to alleviate diarrhea and, as with bisacodyl suppositories, to relieve constipation.
Bisacodyl is a laxative that works to stimulate the bowels. It increases the amount of fluids and salts in the intestinal tract. When bisacodyl suppositories are used, a bowel movement usually occurs in under an hour.
Laxatives are for the treatment of constipation, but that may mean different things to different people. While some people consider less than one bowel movement a day to be constipation, for others a normal frequency may be as few as three movements per week. If the feces become impacted or it is hard to evacuate the bowels, a person is usually considered to be constipated.
It is recommended that bisacodyl suppositories not be a first-line treatment for problems with constipation. Instead, doctors recommend drinking adequate fluids and eating a diet high in fiber for best, long-term results. Regular exercise can also benefit those who suffer from this problem, as it will help to keep the entire system, including the bowels, regular. Oral laxatives are generally considered a better choice for temporary relief, as they are milder and easier on the body’s systems, but a bisacodyl suppository can be used if oral laxatives don’t help.
When constipation is a frequent problem and needs recurring treatment, it is best to consult with a physician to discover the cause. The problem could be dietary or there could be a more serious condition causing the constipation. If constipation alternates with diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) may be the underlying cause. For situations where the problem is ongoing, there may be other conditions the doctor wants to explore as well.
To use bisacodyl suppositories, they must be firm, not soft. If the suppository feels soft, chill it for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The foil must be removed, and the suppository inserted into the rectum, normally with the person taking it lying on his or her left side, with the right knee slightly bent. The person should remain lying down for about 20 minutes to give the medication a chance to be absorbed.
Bisacodyl suppositories generally have few side effects, but overuse can cause weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weakness. It is also possible to become dependent on the laxative effect. When this happens, a person is unable to have a bowel movement without using a suppository or other laxative. This product is generally considered safe to use as needed, but not for use more than is absolutely necessary.