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Laxatives  (Rectal)

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Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

  • Bisco-Lax1
  • Ceo-Two5
  • Dacodyl1
  • Deficol1
  • Dulcolax1
  • Fleet Babylax3
  • Fleet Bisacodyl1
  • Fleet Enema7
  • Fleet Enema for Children7
  • Fleet Enema Mineral Oil4
  • Fleet Glycerin Laxative3
  • Fleet Laxative1
  • Sani-Supp3
  • Senokot6
  • Theralax1
  • Therevac Plus2
  • Therevac-SB2

In Canada—

  • Apo-Bisacodyl1
  • Bisacolax1
  • Dulcolax1
  • Enemol7
  • Fleet Enema7
  • Fleet Enema Mineral Oil4
  • Fleet Pediatric Enema7
  • Gent-L-Tip7
  • Laxit1
  • PMS-Bisacodyl1
  • Senokot6

Note:

For quick reference, the following laxatives are numbered to match the corresponding brand names.
This information applies to the following medicines:
1.  Bisacodyl (bis-a-KOE-dill)
2.  Docusate (DOK-yoo-sate)
3.  Glycerin (GLI-ser-in)
4.  Mineral Oil
5.  Potassium Bitartrate and Sodium Bicarbonate (pot-TAS-ee-um bye-TAR-trayte and SOE-dee-um bye-KAR-boe-nate)
6.  Senna
7.  Sodium Phosphates (SOE-dee-um FOS-fates)
‡  Generic name product may be available in the U.S.
§  Generic name product may be available in Canada
*  Not commercially available in the U.S.
†  Not commercially available in Canada

Category


Description

Rectal laxatives are used as enemas or suppositories to produce bowel movements in a short time.

There are several different types of rectal laxatives and they work in different ways. Since directions for use are different for each type, it is important to know which one you are taking. The different types of rectal laxatives include:

Carbon dioxide-releasing

Carbon dioxide-releasing laxatives (e.g., potassium bitartrate and sodium bicarbonate) are suppositories that encourage bowel movements by forming carbon dioxide, a gas. This gas pushes against the intestinal wall, causing contractions that move along the stool mass.

Hyperosmotic

Hyperosmotic laxatives (e.g., glycerin; sodium phosphates) draw water into the bowel from surrounding body tissues. This provides a soft stool mass and increased bowel action.

Lubricant

Mineral oil coats the bowel and the stool mass with a waterproof film. This keeps moisture in the stool. The stool remains soft and its passage is made easier.

Stimulants

Stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl; senna), also known as contact laxatives, act on the intestinal wall. They increase the muscle contractions that move along the stool mass.

Stool softeners (emollients)

Stool softeners (emollient laxatives—e.g., docusate) encourage bowel movements by helping liquids mix into the stool and prevent dry, hard stool masses. This type of laxative has been said not to cause a bowel movement but instead allows the patient to have a bowel movement without straining.

Rectal laxatives may provide relief in a number of situations such as:

Some of these laxatives are available only with your doctor's prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions for the proper use and dose for your medical condition. They are available in the following dosage forms:



Before Using This Medicine

Importance of diet, fluids, and exercise to prevent constipation

Laxatives are to be used to provide short-term relief only, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. A proper diet containing roughage (whole grain breads and cereals, bran, fruit, and green, leafy vegetables), with 6 to 8 full glasses (8 ounces each) of liquids each day, and daily exercise are most important in maintaining healthy bowel function. Also, for individuals who have problems with constipation, foods such as pastries, puddings, sugar, candy, cake, and cheese may make the constipation worse.

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For rectal laxatives, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to rectal laxatives. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Children—Laxatives should not be given to young children (up to 6 years of age) unless prescribed by their doctor . Since children cannot usually describe their symptoms very well, they should be checked by a doctor before being given a laxative. The child may have a condition that needs other treatment. If so, laxatives will not help and may even cause unwanted effects or make the condition worse.

Also, weakness, increased sweating, and convulsions (seizures) may be especially likely to occur in children receiving enemas or rectal solutions, since they may be more sensitive than adults to their effects.

Older adults—Weakness, increased sweating, and convulsions (seizures) may be especially likely to occur in elderly patients, since they may be more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of rectal laxatives.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of rectal laxatives. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

For safe and effective use of laxatives:

For patients using the enema or rectal solution form of this medicine:

For patients using the suppository form of this medicine:

Dosing—

There are a large number of laxative products on the market. The dose of laxatives will be different for different products. The amount of enema or the number of suppositories that you use depends on the strength of the medicine. Follow your doctor's orders if this medicine was prescribed, or follow the directions on the box if you are buying this medicine without a prescription.

Storage—

To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

Do not use any type of laxative:

If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits or function that lasts longer than 2 weeks, or keeps returning off and on, check with your doctor before using a laxative. This will allow the cause of your problem to be determined before it becomes more serious.

The ``laxative habit''—Laxative products are overused by many people. Such a practice often leads to dependence on the laxative action to produce a bowel movement. In severe cases, overuse of some laxatives has caused damage to the nerves, muscles, and tissues of the intestines and bowel. If you have any questions about the use of laxatives, check with your health care professional.

For patients using the enema or rectal solution form of this medicine:

For patients using the suppository form of this medicine:


Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if the following side effect continues or is bothersome:

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.


Revised: 07/31/1996

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