What is Prontolax and when is it used?

Prontolax is a laxative that acts on the colon. It triggers the stool-promoting movement of the large intestine. Prontolax is used for short-term use in the event of sluggish bowel movements (constipation), constipation as a result of bed rest, unfamiliar food or when travelling.

The following uses are under medical supervision: Prontolax can also be used when it is necessary to avoid pressure such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures, before gastrointestinal X-rays and before surgery to aid in defecation.

What should be considered?

Children and patients with serious illnesses require medical advice. In the case of chronic constipation, its origin must be determined by the doctor. Long-term treatment should be under medical supervision.

General information

If you are constipated, you should, if possible, eat high-fiber food (vegetables, fruit, wholemeal bread) and drink plenty of fluids regularly and pay attention to physical activity (sport). .

When should Prontolax not be used?

Prontolax should not be used if there is a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or one of the ingredients, if there is a narrowing of the intestines, Intestinal obstruction (ileus), acute diseases in the abdominal cavity such as acute appendicitis and acute intestinal inflammation as well as severe abdominal pain in combination with nausea and vomiting, which indicate a serious illness.

Prontolax must not be used in the case of severe fluid and potassium deficiency.

When should you be careful when using Prontolax?

Children under the age of 12 should only be given Prontolax on the advice of a doctor. As with all laxatives, continuous daily use for longer than 1-2 weeks is not indicated for Prontolax. If laxatives are used daily, the cause of the constipation should be investigated. Long-term treatments belong under medical supervision.

Long-term or high-dose use can result in loss of water and minerals (potassium) and lead to muscle weakness and increased constipation. Loss of fluid in the intestines can promote fluid loss in the body, which can cause thirst and reduced urination. In patients where this could be detrimental, such as renal insufficiency and the elderly, Prontolax should be discontinued and only resumed under medical supervision. A generally mild, self-limiting bloody stool may occur. Patients who take diuretic drugs, oral corticosteroids or digitalis preparations should only take Prontolax after consulting their doctor.

In very rare cases, patients who have taken Prontolax have experienced dizziness or short-term unconsciousness (syncope). According to the corresponding case reports, these are probably syncopes, which are either due to the purging process itself, to straining or to vascular reactions mediated via the nervous system due to abdominal pain caused by constipation, but not necessarily to the use of Prontolax itself.

If abdominal cramps occur, potentially hazardous activities such as driving or operating machinery should be avoided.

Prontolax works in the large intestine. It is not effective in influencing nutrient absorption and thus calorie intake, since nutrient absorption mainly takes place in the small intestine. Stimulant laxatives, including Prontolax, therefore do not contribute to weight loss.

Concomitant use of other laxatives may increase the side effects of Prontolax in the gastrointestinal tract.

Tell your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you

• suffer from other illnesses,
• have allergies or
• take other medicines (including those you bought yourself!) or use them externally!

Can Prontolax be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

As a precautionary measure, you should avoid taking medicines during pregnancy if possible.

Only your doctor can decide whether Prontolax can be used during pregnancy. Prontolax can be used while breastfeeding.

How do you use Prontolax?

Unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor:

Adults and children over 12 years

Average single dose: 1 suppository per day, which is removed from the foil cover and inserted into the rectum with the pointed end.

The triggering of one to two symptom-free emptyings within 20 minutes (in the range of 10-30 minutes) is characteristic of the effect.

Children from 4 to 12 years

As prescribed by the doctor:

½ suppository per day.

Suppositories can cause pain and local irritation, especially in patients with anal fissures and acute rectal inflammation.

Stick to the dosage given in the package leaflet or as prescribed by your doctor. If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What side effects can Prontolax have?

After taking Prontolax, you may experience unpleasant sensations in the abdominal area:

Abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, or diarrhea often occur;

occasionally there is vomiting, dizziness, bloody stools and discomfort in the abdominal and/or anal area.

Rarely, syncope (short-lasting unconsciousness), dehydration, inflammation of the colon (including symptoms such as intestinal cramps, pain in the stomach area, diarrhea and bloody stools) and hypersensitivity reactions occur, which can go as far as allergic skin and shock symptoms (angioedema, anaphylactic reactions ) being able to lead.

The occurrence of diarrhea is a sign of too high a dose and is only desirable before an X-ray or before an operation.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist. This also applies in particular to side effects that are not listed in this leaflet.

What else needs to be considered?

Shelf life

The medicinal product may only be used up to the date marked on the pack with « EXP» can be used.

Storage instructions

Store at room temperature (15-25°C) and out of the reach of children.

Further information

Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information. These people have the detailed information for specialists.

What does Prontolax contain?

Active ingredients

Bisacodyl 10 mg per suppository .

Excipients

Hard fat.

Approval number

38077 (Swissmedic)

Where can you get Prontolax? What packs are available?

In pharmacies and drugstores, without a doctor's prescription.

Packs of 10 suppositories.

In pharmacies only with a doctor's prescription.

Packs of 50 suppositories.

Authorization holder

Streuli Pharma AG, 8730 Uznach

This leaflet was last checked by the drug authority (Swissmedic) in April 2018.