Bisacodyl is an over the counter laxative. It is the generic drug found in these brand name medications: Dulcolax, Correctol and Feen-A-Mint. Bisacodyl is designed to treat constipation or to clean out the colon before a medical procedure. It is not recommended to take this drug or any other laxative for long term use for weight loss. Some weight loss may naturally occur however as a natural result of cleaning out your colon.
How Supplied
Take Bisacodyl in tablet form, as a suppository or as an enema. Always follow the direction on the product label for proper use. Tablets are usually taken in the evening with the goal of producing a bowel movement the next morning or within six to eight hours. Suppositories and enemas produce results shortly them. You should have a bowel movement within one hour after using a suppository and in about five minutes after an enema.
Precautions
Take Bisacodyl only once a day and no longer than one week at a time unless your doctor instructs you to do otherwise. Do not crush Bisacodyl tablets, they must be swallowed whole so they can pass into the intestines intact. If you are pregnant or breast feeding it is best to avoid using Bisacodyl. Milk and antacids should not be taken within one hour of taking Bisacodyl. Bisacodyl tablets should be taken with a full glass of water and extra fluids should be consumed while taking this medication to avoid dehydration. Do not combine Bisacodyl with other laxatives.
Side Effects
Stop using Bisacodyl if you do not have a bowel movement within 12 hours of taking it or if you have rectal bleeding as this could be a sign of a bowel obstruction or other serious illness. Over use of laxatives can also cause your body to become depleted of electrolytes, particularly potassium, which can lead to serious health complications. Using laxatives for a prolonged time can have an effect on your colon that causes it to lose its natural ability to initiate bowel movements. Other side effects of Bisacodyl include cramping and diarrhea.
Weight Loss
Use caution when using Bisacodyl for weight loss. The weight you lose will be from ridding your body of excess water and matter from your colon. Using laxatives does not cause fat loss. The amount of weight you lose will depend upon the severity of your constipation. You may notice your stomach looks flatter after your colon is cleaned out and your face may seem less puffy due to water loss. These results might be short lived as you are likely to put the weight back on as soon as you return to your normal routine.
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