LAXOCODYL suppositories contain a medicine called bisacodyl. This belongs to a group of medicines called laxatives.

- LAXOCODYL suppositories are used for relief of constipation

- LAXOCODYL suppositories are also used in hospitals to clear the bowel before surgery,  X-rays or other tests

- LAXOCODYL suppositories stimulate the muscles of the bowel (large intestine), helping to return the body to its natural rhythm. They have a laxative effect usually within 10 to 30 minutes

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 the 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 fiber

- 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 is uncomfortable. It may make you feel bloated and heavy, or generally “off colour”. Sometimes it causes headaches.

These healthy tips are recommended to try and 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

Do not use LAXOCODYL Suppositories if:

- You are allergic (hypersensitive) to bisacodyl or hard fat

- You have severe dehydration

- You have a bowel condition called “ileus” (blockage in the intestine)

- You have a serious abdominal condition such as appendicitis

- You have severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting

- You have a blocked bowel (intestinal obstruction)

- You have inflammation of the bowel (small or large intestine)

- You have cracking of the skin around your back passage (anal fissures)

- You have inflammation or ulcers around your back passage (ulcerative proctitis)

Do not use LAXOCODYL suppositories if any of the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using this medicine.

Taking other medicines

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 LAXOCODYL suppositories can affect the way some other medicines work. Also, some other medicines can affect the way LAXOCOYL suppositories work.

In particular, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

- Water tablets (diuretics) such as bendrofluazide or furosemide (frusemide)

- Steroid medicines such as prednisolone

Before using LAXOCODYL suppositories, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure if any of the above applies to you.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Talk to you pharmacist or doctor before using LAXOCODYL suppositories if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.

Driving and using machines

Some people may feel dizzy or faint while taking this medicine. If this happens to you, wait until these feelings go away before driving or using machines.

If this medicine is from your doctor or pharmacist, do exactly as they have told you. Otherwise, follow the instructions below. If you do not understand the instructions, or if you are not sure, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

As with all laxatives, LAXOCODYL suppositories should not be used every day for more than 5 days. If you need laxatives every day, or if you have abdominal pain which does not go away, you should see your doctor.

How to use the suppositories

The suppositories should only be used in your back passage.

1.  Take off the foil wrapping

2.  Lie on one side and pull your knees up towards your chest. Keep one leg drawn up more than the other

3.   Use your first finger (index finger) or middle finger to push in the suppository

4.   Gently push the suppository as far as possible into your back passage, pointed end first

1.  Once it is as far as it will go, push it side-ways to make sure it touches the wall of the bowel

2.   Lower your legs to a comfortable position whilst the suppository is retained in place

3.   Keep the suppository inside you for at least 30 minutes

If you feel the suppository might come out straight away:

- You may not have put it in high enough. Push it in as far as possible

- Try to keep it in for 30 minutes, even if you feel like you urgently need to go to the toilet. This is how long it takes to work

How much to use

For constipation

Adults and children over 10 years

- Put one 10mg suppository into the back passage for immediate effect. Only use one suppository per day

Children under 10 years

LAXOCODYL 5mg suppositories for Children should only be used if recommended by a doctor. The usual dose is:

- Put one 5mg suppository into the back passage for immediate effect. Only use one suppository per day

For bowel clearance before surgery, X-rays or other tests

In hospitals, when patients are being prepared for surgery, X-rays or other tests, LAXOCODYL suppositories and LAXOCODYL tablets are both used. This helps to get complete bowel clearance.

Adults and children over 10 years

- Take two tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening and use one 10mg suppository on the following morning

Children 4 -10 years

- Give one tablet in the evening and one 5mg suppository (LAXOCODYL 5mg suppositories for Children) on the following morning

If you use more LAXOCODYL than you should

If you use more of this medicine than you should, talk to a doctor or go to a hospital straight away. Take the medicine pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have used.

If you have any questions on the use of this product, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Like all medicines, LAXOCODYL Suppositories can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine:

Rare side effects (affect less than 1 in 1000 people)

- Severe allergic reactions which may cause swelling of the face or throat and difficulty in breathing or dizziness. If you have a severe allergic reaction, stop taking this medicine and see a doctor straight away.

- Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine which causes abdominal pain and diarrhoea)

- Dehydration

- Allergic reactions which may cause a skin rash

- Fainting

Uncommon side effects (affect less than 1 in 100 people)

- Blood in the stools

- Vomiting

- Abdominal discomfort

- Discomfort inside and around the back passage

- Dizziness

Common side effects (affect less than 1 in 10 people)

- Abdominal cramps or pain

- Diarrhoea

- Nausea

If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

To report any side effect(s):

The National Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety Centre (NPC)

Fax: +966-11-205-7662

Call NPC at +966-11-2038222

Exts: 2317-2356-2353-2354-2334-2340.

Toll free phone: 8002490000

E-mail: npc.drug@sfda.gov.sa

Website: www.sfda.gov.sa/npc

-  Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

-  Do not use LAXOCODYL after the expiry date which is stated on the carton.

-  Store below 30°C, protected from heat.

-  Do not use LAXOCODYL if you notice any visible sign of deterioration.

-  Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.