What is Toilax?

Toilax can be used when required to clear the back passage (rectum) and relieve constipation for short term use only. It may also be used to clear the back passage before operations or childbirth.

Do not use Toilax if you:

• have ever used Toilax or any other enemas before and have had a bad reaction to them
• are hypersensitive (allergic) to any of the ingredients in Toilax
• suffer from severe abdominal or stomach pain
• have been told by a doctor that you have a condition called Ileus (swelling of the intestines when the bowel muscles have stopped working)
• are dehydrated
• are breast-feeding
• suffer from ulcers, haemorrhoids, or inflammation in or around the back passage (rectum).

Warnings and Precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Toilax if any of the following applies to you:

• if you intend to use Toilax in a child under 10 years old
• if you have suffered continual constipation over a long period of time
• if you experience loss of consciousness or fainting (syncope) as there have been some reports of this while using Toilax.

Children

• Toilax should only be used in Children under 10 years old if recommended by a doctor.

Other medicines and Toilax

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. In particular tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:

• diuretics (water tablets)
• medicines to treat heart problems such as digoxin
• steroids such as hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone or cortisone.

The use of these medicines with Toilax may increase the imbalance of the levels of electrolyte (changes in the salt levels in the body).

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

• Ask your doctor for advice before using Toilax if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or if you think you may be pregnant. Your doctor will decide if the benefits outweigh the risks.
• You should not use Toilax if you are breast-feeding.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

How to use Toilax

Always use this medicine exactly as your pharmacist or doctor has told you. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure.
The dosages described below refer to one administration per day for short term use only. Long term use is not recommended.

Adults and children over 10 years old:

Constipation: The usual dose is the contents of 1 micro enema applied to the rectum for immediate effect.
Preparation for operations: Only to be used under medical supervision. The usual dose is the contents of 1 micro enema on the morning of the operation. You may be prescribed some other laxative tablets to take on the day before the operation.

Children aged 10 years and younger:

Children aged 10 years or younger with chronic constipation must only be treated under the guidance of a doctor. Toilax must not be used in children below 4 years of age.

Constipation (Children 4 to 10 years):

Only to be used if recommended by a doctor. The recommended dose is half a micro enema applied to the rectum for immediate effect.

The enema is for single use only. Please read the instructions carefully as they explain how to get the best effect from Toilax:

Instructions for using Toilax

• Toilax should be stored in the refrigerator (from 2 to 8°C). Make sure the enema is at room temperature before use.
• Twist off the end of the applicator. Gently squeeze the applicator to release a small amount of the Toilax suspension. Use this to lubricate the nozzle, by spreading along the stem of the nozzle.
• Insert the nozzle into the rectum (back passage), as with a thermometer when taking a temperature.
• Gently squeeze the applicator to deliver the medicine.
• Slowly remove the applicator whilst it is still compressed.
• Discard the enema container after use, even if you have only used half the contents.
• Toilax micro enema normally works within 15 to 30 minutes but it can take up to 60 minutes.

Excessive and prolonged use is dangerous and may result in:

• severe diarrhoea leading to complications such as low levels of salts in your blood (which can cause muscle weakness, twitching or abnormal heart rhythm), dehydration, poor absorption of nutrients from the digestive system
• constipation caused by over use of laxatives
• addiction to laxatives
• prolonged constipation or very slow digestive transit (chronic constipation) and loss of bowel function.

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

Side effects

If the following happens stop using this medicine and seek medical advice immediately:

• Allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat), which may cause difficulty in swallowing and/or breathing, or result in a collapse.
• vomiting
• mild short-lived rash or itching These side effects occur rarely.

Other side effects are:

• feeling sick or being sick
• cramping and stomach pain.
• irritation, pain, bleeding and mild inflammation in the back passage.

Storage advice

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

• Store the medicine in its original container.
• Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Keep the applicators in the outer carton, in order to protect from light.
• Do not use Toilax after the expiry date which is stated on the label or carton

References:

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/digestion/a8095/dulcolax-suppositories-bisacodyl/

https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/c3a6beb5-a70f-4d85-bd59-48cb105b39ab.pdf

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/bisacodyl/