Introduction
Duralax is a medicine used to treat constipation. It is a laxative and helps you empty your bowels. Sometimes it is used by hospitals before surgery or some internal examinations or treatments. It works by increasing the movement in the intestine.
Duralax is best taken at night when it is used to treat constipation. It should be swallowed whole and must not be chewed, broken or crushed. It is recommended to start with the lowest dose and increase if you need to, but do not exceed the maximum daily dose. You should not use this medicine for more than the recommended days unless your doctor tells you to. Some lifestyle changes can help with constipation, for example drinking plenty of fluids, exercise regularly, eating more fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and cereals.
The most common side effects of taking this medicine are vomiting, stomach pain, and nausea. These are usually mild and go away after a couple of days. If they persist, your doctor may suggest ways of preventing or reducing them.
Before using this medicine you should tell your doctor if you have a blockage in your bowel, upset stomach or your bowel movements have been different for more than two weeks. Some medicines and some foods can interfere with the way this medicine works so discuss this with your doctor to make sure you are safe. You should not normally take other treatments for constipation while using this medicine and should also avoid dairy products at the same time. Duralax is not generally recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Side effects of Duralax
Common
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Stomach cramp
How to use Duralax
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Duralax is to be taken empty stomach.
How Duralax works
Duralax is a laxative. It works by increasing the movement of the intestines, thereby facilitating the passage of stool. It also helps clean out the intestines prior to medical procedures or examinations.
What if you forget to take Duralax?
If you miss a dose of Duralax, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Constipation, Bowel evacuation
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take on an empty stomach for rapid effect. Do not take w/in 1 hr of antacids, milk or other dairy products.
Adult Dose
Oral
Constipation
Adult: 5-10 mg at night, up to 20 mg may be given as necessary.
Bowel evacuation
Adult: Initially, 10-20 mg the night before the procedure followed by 10 mg rectal supp the next morning. Alternatively, 10 mg on each of the 2 nights before the procedure.
Child Dose
Oral
Constipation
Child: 4-10 yr 5 mg at night; >10 yr Same as adult dose.
Bowel evacuation
Child: 4-10 yr 5 mg the night before the procedure and 5 mg rectal supp the following morning; >10 yr Same as adult dose.
Contraindication
Acute surgical abdomen or intestinal obstruction, severe dehydration, faecal impaction, chronic use.
Mode of Action
Bisacodyl acts mainly in the large intestine by increasng its motility to effect bowel evacuation.
Precaution
Swallow the tab whole. Pregnancy; inflammatory bowel disease.
Lactation: Has not been detected in excreted milk; use with caution
Side Effect
Abdominal cramping,Electrolyte and fluid imbalance,Excessive diarrhea,Nausea,Rectal burning,Vertigo,Vomiting
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy
Plasma concentrations of the active metabolite BHPM are low following doses of 10 mg/day for 7 days; short term use is generally considered safe in pregnancy; avoid long term use
Lactation
Not detected
Interaction
Do not give antacids or milk within 1 hr of taking the drug (enteric coated).