Novolax 5mg Bisacodyl Tablets 105s

Novolax 5mg Bisacodyl Tablets 105s is a registered non-prescription stimulant laxative containing bisacodyl 5mg in each coated tablet.

Bisacodyl stimulates activity in the large intestine and increases the movement of water into the bowel. This helps promote a bowel movement and provides short-term relief from constipation.

Oral bisacodyl generally takes approximately 6–12 hours to work. It is therefore commonly taken at night when a bowel movement is desired the following morning.

Novolax should not be used continuously or as a weight-loss product. Persistent or recurrent constipation requires assessment to identify its underlying cause.

Novolax 5mg Product Information

Registration note: Older Novolax packs and Malaysian records may identify KRKA, Slovenia, as the manufacturer and may use the registration suffix “XZ.” The current NPRA renewal record lists FHI Zdravlje AD, Serbia, and registration number MAL19911904XCZ. Always publish and supply according to the details printed on the physical carton.

What Is Novolax Used For?

Novolax is used for the short-term relief of constipation.

Constipation may involve:

• Passing stools less frequently than usual
• Hard, dry or difficult-to-pass stools
• Straining during bowel movements
• A sensation that the bowel has not emptied completely
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating associated with reduced bowel movements

Bisacodyl may also be used under medical supervision to empty the bowel before certain surgical procedures, diagnostic examinations or other clinical interventions.

Bowel preparation requires a specific medical regimen. Patients should not use the ordinary constipation dosage as a substitute for bowel-preparation instructions provided by a doctor or healthcare facility.

How Novolax Works

Bisacodyl is converted in the intestine into an active substance that acts locally in the large bowel.

Its laxative effect includes:

• Stimulating contractions of the large intestine
• Increasing bowel movement and intestinal transit
• Increasing water and electrolyte secretion into the bowel
• Helping the stool move toward evacuation

Bisacodyl does not need to be absorbed throughout the body to produce its principal laxative effect.

How Long Does Novolax Take to Work?

Oral bisacodyl tablets generally produce a bowel movement within approximately 6–12 hours.

When taken at bedtime, the effect commonly occurs the following morning. Individual response may vary according to bowel condition, food intake, hydration, concurrent medicines and the cause of constipation.

How to Take Novolax 5mg

• Follow the dosage printed on the current Malaysian carton or package insert.
• Adults are commonly advised to start with one 5mg tablet at night.
• The dose may be increased to two tablets at night when necessary and permitted by the product label or healthcare professional.
• Use the lowest dose that produces the required effect.
• Swallow each tablet whole with water.
• Do not chew, crush, break or grind the coated tablet.
• Do not take more than the recommended daily amount.
• Stop when normal bowel regularity returns.

Children and adolescents should only use bisacodyl according to the age limits and dosage stated on the current product packaging or on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Do Not Crush or Chew the Tablets

Bisacodyl tablets use a protective coating intended to prevent the medicine from being released too early in the stomach.

Crushing or chewing may damage this coating and can cause:

• Premature medicine release
• Reduced effectiveness
• Stomach irritation
• Abdominal discomfort

Swallow the tablet intact with a glass of water.

Milk, Antacids and Acid-Reducing Medicines

Do not take a bisacodyl coated tablet at the same time as milk, antacids or medicines that substantially reduce stomach acidity.

The referenced bisacodyl product information advises leaving an interval of at least one hour before or after taking:

• Milk or milk-based drinks
• Antacid medicines
• Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, esomeprazole or pantoprazole
• Other products that significantly reduce upper gastrointestinal acidity

These products may cause the protective coating to dissolve too early. Follow the current Novolax insert if it provides different instructions.

How Long Can Novolax Be Used?

Bisacodyl should generally be used only for short-term constipation relief.

Do not take it every day for more than five days unless a doctor has specifically assessed the cause of constipation and advised continued treatment.

Regular dependence on a stimulant laxative may indicate:

• Insufficient dietary fibre
• Inadequate fluid intake
• Low physical activity
• A medicine-related adverse effect
• An endocrine or metabolic condition
• A bowel disorder
• Another medical cause of constipation

Consult a doctor or pharmacist when constipation does not improve, frequently returns or requires repeated laxative use.

Novolax Is Not a Weight-Loss Medicine

Bisacodyl does not reduce body fat or prevent the absorption of calories already consumed.

Any temporary reduction in body weight after laxative use is mainly caused by loss of stool and body water. Misusing laxatives for weight control may cause severe dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, kidney injury and abnormal heart rhythms.

Who Should Not Take Novolax?

Do not use Novolax without medical assessment if the patient has:

• An allergy to bisacodyl or another ingredient in the tablet
• Intestinal obstruction or suspected bowel blockage
• Ileus or severely reduced bowel movement
• Severe abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting
• Suspected appendicitis or another acute surgical abdominal condition
• Severe dehydration
• Acute inflammation of the intestine
• An unexplained inability to pass stool or gas

Using a stimulant laxative when an intestinal blockage is present may delay urgent treatment and may worsen the condition.

Consult a Healthcare Professional Before Use

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Novolax if the patient:

• Has persistent or recurrent constipation
• Has experienced a sudden change in bowel habits
• Has unexplained abdominal pain or bloating
• Has blood in the stool
• Has kidney disease
• Has heart disease or an abnormal heart rhythm
• Has an electrolyte disorder
• Is taking a diuretic, corticosteroid, cardiac glycoside or another laxative
• Is pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Is elderly, frail or at increased risk of dehydration
• Is considering the medicine for a child

Possible Side Effects

Not everyone experiences side effects. Common effects associated with bisacodyl include:

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Abdominal discomfort

Other possible effects include:

• Dizziness
• Fainting, particularly during straining or severe abdominal cramping
• Vomiting
• Blood in the stool
• Dehydration
• Allergic skin reactions

Stop the medicine and obtain medical advice if side effects are severe, persistent or unexpected.

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance

Excessive doses, severe diarrhoea or prolonged bisacodyl use may cause significant loss of water and electrolytes.

Possible warning symptoms include:

• Intense thirst
• Dry mouth
• Reduced urine output
• Dizziness or fainting
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Unusual tiredness
• Confusion
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

Older adults, patients with kidney impairment and patients taking medicines that lower potassium may be at greater risk.

Effects of Excessive or Prolonged Use

Frequent or excessive stimulant-laxative use may result in:

• Persistent diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Low blood potassium
• Other electrolyte disturbances
• Abdominal pain
• Reduced normal bowel function
• Dependence on laxatives to produce a bowel movement
• Kidney complications in severe cases

Do not continually increase the dosage when constipation persists. Obtain professional assessment instead.

Medicine Interactions

Tell the doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, non-prescription products, traditional medicines and supplements being used.

Medicines requiring particular attention include:

• Diuretics: water tablets may increase the risk of dehydration and low potassium when significant diarrhoea occurs.
• Corticosteroids: medicines such as prednisolone may further increase the risk of potassium loss.
• Cardiac glycosides: low potassium may increase sensitivity to medicines such as digoxin and raise the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
• Other laxatives: combined use may increase abdominal pain, diarrhoea and dehydration.
• Antacids: simultaneous use may disrupt the tablet coating.
• Proton pump inhibitors: medicines that reduce stomach acidity may disrupt the protective coating when taken too close to the bisacodyl dose.

Patients using long-term medicines should obtain professional advice before beginning repeated bisacodyl treatment.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking Novolax.

Constipation during pregnancy is often first managed with dietary fibre, appropriate fluids, physical activity and other treatments selected according to the patient’s condition.

Bisacodyl should be used only when considered appropriate and for the shortest necessary period.

Use in Children

Do not give Novolax to a child solely by applying an adult dosage.

The appropriate age limit and dose must follow the current Malaysian carton or package insert. Younger children should only receive bisacodyl under medical supervision.

Constipation in a child may require assessment of diet, fluid intake, toilet habits, medicine use and possible underlying medical conditions.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek prompt medical advice when constipation is associated with:

• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• A swollen or rigid abdomen
• Inability to pass gas
• Blood in the stool
• Black, tar-like stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Repeated fainting or severe dizziness
• Symptoms of significant dehydration
• A sudden and persistent change in bowel habits
• No improvement after short-term treatment

These symptoms may indicate a condition requiring investigation rather than continued self-treatment with a laxative.

Lifestyle Measures for Constipation

Where medically appropriate, constipation management may also include:

• Increasing dietary fibre gradually
• Drinking adequate fluids
• Maintaining regular physical activity
• Responding promptly to the urge to pass stool
• Establishing a regular toilet routine
• Reviewing medicines that may contribute to constipation

Patients on fluid restriction, a renal diet or another medically prescribed diet should seek professional advice before making substantial changes.

Storage Instructions

• Store according to the temperature stated on the Malaysian carton.
• Keep the tablets in their original blister packaging until required.
• Protect the tablets from excessive heat and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use tablets that are cracked, wet, discoloured or otherwise damaged.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton or blister.
• Expiry varies by supplied batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the active ingredient in Novolax 5mg?

Each Novolax coated tablet contains bisacodyl 5mg.

What type of medicine is Novolax?

Novolax is a stimulant laxative that promotes movement of the large intestine and helps produce a bowel movement.

What is Novolax used for?

Novolax is used for short-term relief of constipation. It may also be used under medical supervision as part of a bowel-emptying regimen before certain procedures.

How long does Novolax take to work?

Oral bisacodyl generally produces a bowel movement within approximately 6–12 hours.

When should Novolax be taken?

Bisacodyl tablets are commonly taken at night so the laxative effect occurs the following morning. Follow the current product label or professional instructions.

How many Novolax tablets can an adult take?

Adults are commonly advised to start with one 5mg tablet at night, increasing to two tablets if required. The lowest effective dose should be used, and the current Malaysian label must take precedence.

Can Novolax tablets be crushed or chewed?

No. The coated tablet should be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing may damage its protective coating.

Can Novolax be taken with milk?

Do not take the tablet at the same time as milk. Reference bisacodyl information advises leaving at least one hour between milk and the tablet.

Can Novolax be taken with an antacid?

Antacids may disrupt the protective tablet coating. Leave at least one hour between the products unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.

Can Novolax be taken with omeprazole or another proton pump inhibitor?

Acid-reducing medicines may affect the tablet coating when taken at the same time. A separation interval of at least one hour is generally advised.

Can Novolax be used every day?

It should not normally be taken every day for more than five days without medical assessment. Regular laxative dependence requires investigation of the cause of constipation.

Does Novolax help with weight loss?

No. Bisacodyl does not reduce body fat or prevent calorie absorption. Using laxatives for weight loss can cause dangerous dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Can Novolax cause stomach cramps?

Yes. Abdominal pain and cramping are common bisacodyl side effects. Severe or persistent pain requires medical assessment.

Can Novolax cause diarrhoea?

Yes. Diarrhoea may occur, particularly when the dose is excessive. Stop treatment and maintain appropriate hydration if significant diarrhoea develops, and seek professional advice where necessary.

Can a pregnant patient take Novolax?

Pregnant patients should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using bisacodyl.

Is Novolax a prescription medicine in Malaysia?

Novolax is currently registered in Malaysia under the Non-Prescription-Full category. It should nevertheless be used according to the approved label and professional advice.

What is the current Malaysian registration number?

The current NPRA renewal record lists MAL19911904XCZ. Older packaging or records may show MAL19911904XZ.

Who holds the Malaysian registration?

The current Malaysian product registration holder is Pahang Pharmacy Sdn. Bhd.

Who manufactures Novolax 5mg?

The current NPRA renewal record lists Farmaceutsko-Hemijska Industrija (FHI) Zdravlje AD, Serbia. Older packs may identify KRKA, Slovenia, so the supplied carton should always be checked.

How many tablets are supplied in one pack?

The P-Hub listing contains 105 tablets. This is commonly supplied as seven blister strips of 15 tablets, subject to confirmation on the actual carton.

Can pharmacies request Novolax through P-Hub?

Novolax 5mg Bisacodyl Tablets 105s is listed in the P-Hub B2B catalogue for approved pharmacy members. Quotation, ordering eligibility and supply are subject to P-Hub membership requirements and current stock availability.

Non-Prescription Medicine Notice

Novolax 5mg is a registered non-prescription medicine. Read the product label and package insert before use and do not exceed the recommended dose or duration.

Bisacodyl is intended for short-term constipation relief. Persistent constipation, severe abdominal symptoms, rectal bleeding or regular dependence on laxatives requires professional assessment.

The information on this page is provided for pharmacy catalogue and professional product-reference purposes. It does not replace the approved Malaysian package insert, an individual medical assessment or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Product appearance, manufacturer, registration suffix, packaging, batch number, availability and expiry date may vary. Verify all information on the physical product carton before procurement, supply or use.

Product Information Sources

• NPRA Malaysia – Novolax 5mg Registration Renewal
  
• Bisacodyl 5mg Tablets – Patient Information Leaflet
  
• Medsafe New Zealand – Bisacodyl Professional Data Sheet
  
• NHS – Bisacodyl Medicine Information
  

Product information last reviewed: 12 July 2026.