Carter’s Little Pills (Bisacodyl) is an over-the-counter medication that relieves occasional constipation. Dry stools, difficulty passing stools, and infrequent bowel movements characterize occasional constipation. Symptoms of constipation include bloating, abdominal pain, and lumpy stools. Usually, simple lifestyle changes or over-the-counter treatments can resolve this condition. Carter's little pills are also sometimes used to clear the bowels before specific medical procedures, such as a colonoscopy. The active ingredient in Carter’s Little Pills is Bisacodyl. Bisacodyl belongs to a class of drugs called stimulant laxatives. It works by stimulating the muscles in the intestines, causing them to contract and move stool through the bowel.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Carter’s Little Pills from Canada manufactured by Church & Dwight Canada in the strength of 5 mg tablets. The generic version is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Carter’s Little Pills. The most common side effects of Carter’s Little Pills may include the following:
• Abdominal pain;
• Diarrhea;
• Gas;
• Nausea;
• Rectal discomfort
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Dehydration;
• Electrolyte imbalance;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat
These are not all of Carter’s Little Pills's side effects. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Carter’s Little Pills if you are allergic to Bisacodyl or any ingredient in Carter’s Little Pills. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are dehydrated;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have bowel obstruction;
• Have inflammatory bowel disease;
• Have rectal bleeding;
• Have severe abdominal pain
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Carter’s Little Pills and other medicines, such as omeprazole, warfarin, digoxin, ranitidine, other laxatives, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is unknown if Carter’s Little Pills will harm an unborn baby. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine in pregnancy with your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is unknown if Bisacodyl passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug when breastfeeding with your doctor. Carter’s Little Pills comes as a tablet. Swallow this medicine whole with a glass of water. Avoid drinking milk, milk products, or antacids one hour before or after taking Carter’s Little Pills. These products can interfere with the coating of the medicine and cause stomach upset. You should experience a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours of using this medication. Carter's Little Pills is only for occasional constipation relief. Do not use them regularly. If you do not experience relief or your symptoms persist for 7 days, consult your doctor. Long-term use of stimulant laxatives can lead to dependence, where your bowel becomes reliant on the medication to function. Lifestyle changes that may prevent or relieve constipation include exercising, drinking enough water, and eating a proper diet with fiber-rich foods. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.