ALAXA "5 MG GASTRO-RESISTANT TABLETS" 20 TABLETS"

Name
ALAXA 5 mg gastro-resistant tablets
Bisacodyl


What is it and what is it used for?
Alaxa is a laxative whose active ingredient is bisacodyl, which helps facilitate stool evacuation. The laxative effect is achieved through bisacodyl's ability to soften stool and speed up intestinal transit.
This medicine is indicated for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation.
Talk to your doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after a short time of treatment.


What you need to know before taking the medicine
Do not take ALAXA if:
• you are allergic to the active substance or to similar substances (for example, sodium picosulfate) or to any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6);
• have sudden stomach pain or any stomach pain situation where you don't know the cause (for example, you have appendicitis);
• has nausea or vomiting;
• has inflammation of the stomach or intestine (gastroenteritis);
• has a blockage or narrowing (stenosis) of the intestine;
• has rectal bleeding for which the cause is unknown;
• is in a severe state of dehydration, which manifests itself with a dry and sticky mouth, thirst, little urine, absence or scarcity of tears and dry skin;
• you are pregnant or breast-feeding (see “Pregnancy and breast-feeding” ).

Do not use ALAXA in children under 3 years of age.


Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor before using ALAXA:
• for use of the medicine in children aged 3 to 12 years;
• if your constipation is chronic or if you have repeated episodes of constipation;
• if the need for a laxative arises from a sudden change in previous bowel habits (frequency and characteristics of bowel movements) that lasts for more than two weeks;
• if you have bleeding from the rectum;
• if you have heart disease or suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension);
• if you have diabetes;
• if he is elderly or not in good health.

If the use of the laxative fails to produce effects after a short period of treatment, consult your doctor.

You should be aware that laxative abuse (i.e., frequent or prolonged use, or excessive doses) can cause persistent diarrhea, resulting in a loss of water, minerals (especially potassium), and other important nutrients. In more severe cases, low potassium levels can cause heart or muscle problems, especially if you are taking certain heart medications (cardiac glycosides), drugs that increase urine production (diuretics), or medications used to treat inflammation (corticosteroids).
Avoid frequent or prolonged use of the medicine as it can cause habituation and dependence (i.e. the need to gradually increase the dosage and not be able to do without the medicine) and inflammation of the intestine (atonic colitis), as well as chronic constipation and loss of normal intestinal functions (intestinal atony).


Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Side effects from ALAXA usually affect the stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal). In particular, the medicine can cause abdominal pain (like cramps, isolated or widespread throughout the abdomen).

Reporting of side effects
If you experience any side effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system at: https://www.aifa.gov.it/content/segnalazionireazioni-avverse .
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.