Novolax

Novolax is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements.

Novolax is used to treat constipation or to empty the bowels before surgery, colonoscopy, x-rays, or other intestinal medical procedure.

Novolax (Novolax) is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements.

Novolax is used to treat constipation or to empty the bowels before surgery, colonoscopy, x-rays, or other intestinal medical procedure.

Novolax tablets generally produce a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours. Novolax suppositories generally produces bowel movements in 15 minutes to 1 hour.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Enema, Rectal:

Fleet Novolax: 10 mg/30 mL (37 mL)

Suppository, Rectal:

Bisac-Evac: 10 mg (1 ea [DSC], 8 ea [DSC], 12 ea [DSC], 50 ea [DSC], 100 ea [DSC], 500 ea [DSC], 1000 ea [DSC])

Biscolax: 10 mg (12 ea [DSC], 100 ea)

Novolax: 10 mg (4 ea, 8 ea, 16 ea, 28 ea, 50 ea)

The Magic Bullet: 10 mg (10 ea, 100 ea)

Generic: 10 mg (12 ea, 50 ea, 100 ea)

Tablet Delayed Release,

Oral:

Novolax EC: 5 mg

Novolax EC: 5 mg [contains corn starch, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]

Novolax EC: 5 mg [contains corn starch, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake, methylparaben, propylparaben]

Novolax EC: 5 mg [contains corn starch, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium benzoate]

Novolax EC: 5 mg [contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]

Novolax EC: 5 mg [contains fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium benzoate]

Correct: 5 mg

Ducodyl: 5 mg

Novolax: 5 mg [contains fd&c yellow #10 (quinoline yellow), methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium benzoate]

Ex-Lax Ultra: 5 mg [contains fd&c yellow #6 (sunset yellow), methylparaben]

Fleet Laxative: 5 mg [DSC]

GoodSense Novolax EC: 5 mg [contains corn starch, fd&c yellow #10 aluminum lake, fd&c yellow #6 aluminum lake]

GoodSense Womens Laxative: 5 mg [gluten free; contains corn starch]

Womens Laxative: 5 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 aluminum lake, sodium benzoate, tartrazine (fd&c yellow #5)]

Dosing: Adult

Bowel cleansing (enema only): Rectal: 10 mg (1 enema) as single dose

Constipation:

Oral: 5 to 15 mg once daily

Rectal: Enema, suppository: 10 mg (1 enema or suppository) once daily

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Dosing: Pediatric

Constipation:

Oral: Limited data available in patients <6 years:

Children ≥3 years to <10 years: 5 mg once daily (NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN [Tabbers 2014]).

Children 10 to <12 years: 5 to 10 mg once daily (NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN [Tabbers 2014]).

Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: 5 to 15 mg once daily (NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN [Tabbers 2014]; manufacturer's labeling).

Rectal:

Suppository: Limited data available in children <6 years:

Children 2 to ≤10 years: 5 mg (/ suppository) once daily (NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN [Tabbers 2014]).

Children >10 years and Adolescents: 5 to 10 mg once daily (NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN [Tabbers 2014]).

Enema: Limited data available in children <12 years:

Children ≥2 to 10 years: 5 mg once daily (NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN [Tabbers 2014]).

Children >10 years and Adolescents: 5 to 10 mg once daily (NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN [Tabbers 2014]).

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Novolax?

Hypersensitivity to any component.

- Colopathies organic inflammatory (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease...).

- Subocclusif occlusive syndrome.

- Abdominal pain syndromes of unknown cause.

- States of severe dehydration with electrolyte depletion.

RECOMMENDED:

- Pregnancy: there is no reliable data on teratogenesis in animals. Clinically, there is currently no adequate data to evaluate a possible effect of malformation or Novolax fetotoxic when administered during pregnancy. Consequently, the use of Novolax is not recommended during pregnancy. This item does not recommend a systematic argument for abortion, but leads to an attitude of caution and a prenatal care oriented.

- Breast-feeding: Because it passes through breast milk, the use of Novolax is discouraged.

- Concomitant use not recommended: medication torsade de pointes (amiodarone, astemizole, bepridil, bretylium, disopyramide, erythromycin IV, halofantrine, pentamidine, quinidine, sparfloxacin, sotalol, sultopride, terfenadine, vincamine).

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Overuse of laxatives can cause your bowels to function improperly, or can make you dependent on laxative use.

In some cases, Novolax is taken by mouth. The enema and suppository forms of this medicine are for use in the rectum.

Do not crush, chew, or break a Novolax tablet. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water.

Novolax taken by mouth should produce a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours.

Novolax used in the rectum can produce much faster results. You should have a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes after using a rectal suppository, or within 5 to 20 minutes after using the rectal enema.

Do not take a rectal suppository or enema by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

Try to empty your bladder just before using Novolax in the rectum.

Wash your hands before and after using rectal Novolax.

To use the rectal suppository:

• Remove the wrapper from the suppository. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands. If the suppository is soft, you may hold it under cool running water or refrigerate it for a few minutes.

• Lie on your left side with your right knee up toward your chest. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum about 1 inch, pointed tip first.

• Stay lying down for a few minutes. The suppository will melt quickly and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in.

• Do not use more than one rectal suppository per day.

To use the rectal enema:

• Shake the rectal enema before using it. Remove the cap from the enema tip.

• Lie on your left side with your right knee up toward your chest, leaning forward slightly. Gently insert the tip of the enema bottle into your rectum, aiming toward your navel.

• Gently squeeze the bottle until it is empty, and then remove it from your rectum.

• For best results, hold the enema liquid in your rectum for up to 10 minutes. Then empty your rectum while seated on a toilet.

Call your doctor if you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, or if you have constipation for longer than 7 days.

If you are using Novolax to prepare for a medical test, follow your doctor's instructions about when to use the medicine.

Store Novolax oral or rectal medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Novolax is used to treat constipation. It may also be used to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination/surgery. Novolax is known as a stimulant laxative. It works by increasing the movement of the intestines, helping the stool to come out.

How to use Novolax

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet or take it within 1 hour of antacids, milk, or milk products. Doing so can destroy the coating on the tablet and may increase the risk of stomach upset and nausea.

Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. Serious side effects may occur with overuse of this medication.

It may take 6 to 12 hours before this medication causes a bowel movement. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens, or if bleeding from the rectum occurs. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Novolax?

Antacids: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Novolax. Antacids may cause the delayed-release Novolax tablets to release drug prior to reaching the large intestine. Gastric irritation and/or cramps may occur. Management: Antacids should not be used within 1 hour before Novolax administration. Consider therapy modification

Dichlorphenamide: Laxatives may enhance the hypokalemic effect of Dichlorphenamide. Monitor therapy

Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution: Novolax may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution. Monitor therapy

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Novolax?

Applies to Novolax: oral tablets delayed-release, rectal suppositories, rectal suspension

Side effects include:

Some degree of abdominal discomfort, nausea, cramps, griping, and/or faintness with therapeutic doses.

Diarrhea, GI irritation, and fluid and electrolyte depletion.

Gastric irritation and the possibility of vomiting if enteric coating of tablets is disrupted.

Rectal administration of Novolax (the active ingredient contained in Novolax Uniserts) suspensions or suppositories may cause irritation and a sensation of burning of the rectal mucosa and mild proctitis.

Hepatotoxicity if sufficient tannic acid is absorbed from Novolax tannex.

Novolax may also contain the following excipients: Tablet: Lactose monohydrate, dried and undried maize starch, glycerol, magnesium stearate, crystallized sugar, talc, acacia, titanium dioxide, methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer (1:1) and (1:2), PEG 6000, ferric oxide yellow (E172), beeswax white, carnauba wax, dibutyl phthalate, p-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester, p-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester. Suppositories: Hard fat Witepsol W45, E76.

Novolax is 4,4'-diacetoxy-diphenyl-(pyridyl-2)-methane.