Constipation is a very common ailment. It is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times a week with hard, dry, small sized stool that is very difficult to eliminate. Some people also experience intestinal/stomach cramps and feel bloated. Some causes of constipation are thought to be not enough fiber in your diet, not enough liquids in your diet, lack of physical activity, changes in your routine, laxative abuse, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement and certain neurological, metabolic and endocrine conditions. A simple over the counter treatment for constipation is Bisacodyl Suppositories.
Bisacodyl Suppositories are marketed under several brand names including Dulcolax Suppositories and Magic Bullet. They are a stimulant laxative that causes the muscles in the colon to contract. They are used to treat constipation and as part of the preparation for such diagnostic bowel tests as colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. They are also used to evacuate the bowel prior to surgery.
Bisacodyl Suppositories are simple to use. If the suppository itself seems soft, it can be placed in the refrigerator for a few minutes or held under cold running water in its wrapper to “harden up”. To insert the suppository lie on your left side, insert the pointed end first and push the suppository into the rectum. Try to retain the suppository in your rectum for at least 15 minutes. If it feels like it must come out immediately, you did not insert it far enough into your rectum.
Some mild side effects are sometimes noted form Bisacodyl suppositories such as mild nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps or diarrhea. Rectal itching, swelling or burning may also be a side effect. Some more serious side effects you should contact a health care provider for are dehydration, dizziness, lightheadedness, severe diarrhea and unusual tiredness.
DO NOT use Bisacodyl Suppositories for more than a week or so without speaking to your health care provider first. Long-term use or use of large doses of Bisacodyl can lead to laxative dependence, which leads to chronic constipation.
There are really no drug interactions to worry about when using Biscodyl suppositories. Remember though, that Bisacodyl Suppositories are not meant to be used daily. They are just an occasional remedy for constipation, not to be used for more than a week. If you develop rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after using a Bisacodyl suppository contact your health care provider as this can mean you have a more serious condition.
You should also speak to your health care provider before using Bisacodyl Suppositories if you have stomach pain, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, intestinal blockage, rectal tears or fissures. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, speak with them also.
Some lifestyle changes you can make to help your constipation include increasing the fiber in your diet by eating more vegetables or taking a fiber supplement. Try to get about 30 grams of fiber a day. Drink more liquids, at least 8 glasses full. Try to get more physical activity, it will get everything moving. Never ignore the urge to have a bowel movement as this may lead to you not feeling the need to have one.
Pregnancy is one of the biggest causes of constipation because of hormonal changes and the fact that the uterus squeezes the intestine. Luckily, most constipation cures itself after delivery in this case. While Bisacodyl Suppositories should not be used regularly to treat constipation they are very effective when used with lifestyle changes to treat it.
