Medicine Information

Laxitab

Name: Laxitab
Brand: Laxitab
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet2 mgLaxativesATC: A06AB02

Generic Name

Bisacodyl

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
laxitab 2 mg tablet	৳ 24.00	৳ 240.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Laxitab 2 mg Tablet contains Bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative used for the short-term treatment of constipation and for bowel preparation before medical procedures.

Uses & Indications

Short-term relief of occasional constipation

Bowel preparation before surgery, colonoscopy, or X-ray examination

Dosage

Adults

For short-term constipation: 2-5 tablets (4-10 mg) orally once daily, preferably at bedtime. For bowel preparation: Doses vary, follow physician's instructions.

Elderly

Same as adult dose, but use with caution and start with the lowest effective dose.

Renal_impairment

No specific dose adjustment is generally required, but caution is advised in severe cases due to potential electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use.

How to Take

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. It is usually taken at bedtime to produce a bowel movement the following morning. Avoid taking within one hour of milk products or antacids, as this may dissolve the enteric coating prematurely.

Mechanism of Action

Bisacodyl acts directly on the intestinal wall to stimulate peristalsis (muscle contractions that move stool through the intestines). It also increases water and electrolyte secretion into the colon, leading to a softer stool consistency and easier passage.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Onset of action is typically 6-12 hours for oral tablets.

Excretion

Primarily excreted via feces. A small portion of the active metabolite is glucuronidated in the liver and excreted renally.

Half life

The active metabolite (BHPM) has a short half-life, but systemic half-life of bisacodyl itself is not clinically significant due to minimal absorption.

Absorption

Minimally absorbed systemically; orally administered bisacodyl is rapidly hydrolyzed in the intestine to its active metabolite.

Metabolism

Undergoes esterase-mediated hydrolysis in the intestines to form the active metabolite, bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridyl-2-methane (BHPM).

Side Effects

Contraindications

Acute abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
Intestinal obstruction
Acute inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., appendicitis)
Severe dehydration

Drug Interactions

Diuretics, Adrenocorticosteroids

Concomitant use may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance, particularly hypokalemia, especially with prolonged or excessive use of bisacodyl.

Antacids, milk products, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

May cause premature dissolution of the enteric coating, leading to gastric irritation and reduced effectiveness. Administer at least one hour apart.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and significant fluid and electrolyte loss, particularly potassium. Treatment is supportive, involving fluid and electrolyte replacement. Chronic overdose can lead to colonic atony and electrolyte disturbances.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Generally considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy when necessary, as systemic absorption is minimal. However, consult a doctor before use. Lactation: Minimal amounts are excreted into breast milk, making it generally considered safe for use during lactation for short periods. Consult a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per strip100 tablets per box (10x10 strips)

Shelf Life

24-36 months from manufacturing date

Availability

Pharmacies, drugstores, supermarkets

Approval Status

Approved

Patent Status

Generic available, patent expired

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of bisacodyl for the treatment of constipation and bowel preparation. Studies have focused on optimal dosing, onset of action, and comparison with other laxatives.

Lab Monitoring

Not typically required for short-term use. For prolonged or excessive use, monitor serum electrolytes (especially potassium) and hydration status.

Doctor Notes

Emphasize short-term use and discourage chronic use without investigation of underlying constipation cause.
Advise patients about potential electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use, especially in patients on diuretics or corticosteroids.
Consider other laxative types (e.g., bulk-forming, osmotic) for long-term management of constipation.

Patient Guidelines

Use for short-term relief only; do not use for more than one week without consulting a doctor.
Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication to prevent dehydration.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Consult your doctor if constipation persists or worsens after taking Laxitab.
Avoid chronic use to prevent dependence and electrolyte imbalance.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

Laxitab generally does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness or abdominal discomfort, avoid such activities until symptoms subside.