Suppository Precautions, Contraindications and Drug Interactions

Precautions

• Consult with your doctor before using suppositories.
• If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits or function that lasts longer than 2 weeks, or keeps returning off and on, check with your doctor before using a laxative.
• Use only as directed. Do not administer more often than your doctor prescribed - even if you do not have results from the laxative. Instead, contact your doctor.
• Check with your doctor if you experience persistent skin irritation (burning, blistering, pain, itching, or other irritation) around the rectal area or other irritation elsewhere that was not present before you started using this medicine.
• Daily use is strongly discouraged.
• Prolonged use can lead to tolerance. With continued use, the dose must be increased to induce the laxative effect.
• Prolonged use can lead to dependence. With dependence, the laxative is required in order to move the bowel.
• Long-term use can cause loss of electrolytes, in particular potassium.
• Discontinue use in the event of diarrhea or watery stools unless directed by a doctor.
• If large volumes of water are lost with the stool after taking a laxative, drink at least six eight ounce glasses of water per day to protect against dehydration.
• Moisten only with water (just prior to insertion). Lubrication of suppositories with mineral oil or petrolatum is not recommended since it may interfere with the action of the suppository
• Weakness, increased sweating, and convulsions may be especially likely to appear in children and older adults with suppository use.
• Read dosing directions carefully. The amount used depends on the strength of the medicine.

Contraindications

• Specific Laxative and Prescription Drug Interactions.
• If taking a prescription drug, consult with your doctor before taking a suppository.
• Do not use a suppository if you have an allergy or sensitivity to ingredients it contains.
• Unless directed by a doctor, other medications should not be taken at the same time.
• Concomitant use of some drugs with suppositories can increase the risk of fluid and potassium depletion leading to electrolyte imbalance.
• The effectiveness of other medications may be inhibited due to drug interaction with the suppository.
• The effectiveness or the toxicity of other drugs may be intensified when suppositories are overused.

Suppository Results

• Bisacodyl suppositories produce results in 15 minutes to 1 hour.
• Glycerin suppositories produce results in 15 minutes to 1 hour.
• Potassium Bitartrate & Sodium Bicarbonate suppositories produce results in 5 to 30 minutes.
• Senna suppositories produce results in 30 minutes, but may not produce results in some individuals for up to 2 hours.