Bisacodyl
Description
Bisacodyl is a stool softener, which is used in the treatment of constipation (difficulty in passing stool). It is also used before certain medical procedures or surgery to empty the bowels. This medicine works by increasing the activity of the intestines to cause a bowel movement.
Bisacodyl is available as a tablet and a suppository (a solid medication that is placed into the rectum).
Bisacodyl may cause some side effects like stomach cramps, faintness and stomach discomfort. Inform your doctor if you experience rectal bleeding during treatment with this medicine.
Bisacodyl is used to relieve constipation in the short term. Take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. If you are still constipated after five days of using Bisacodyl, consult your doctor.
Bisacodyl is not recommended in children under the age of 12 years. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Bisacodyl
- Abdominal cramps
- Fainting
- Rectal bleeding
- Stomach discomfort and pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
Uses of Bisacodyl
What is it prescribed for?
- Bowel preparation
- Constipation
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Bisacodyl to show its action is about 6-10 hours after oral administration and 15-60 minutes after rectal administration.
- Duration of effectThe time until which Bisacodyl remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported for Bisacodyl.
- Usage in pregnancy?Bisacodyl are generally not recommended if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Bisacodyl is safe to use during breastfeeding. It does not seem to pass into breast milk and is very unlikely to affect your baby.
Allergy
Avoid taking Bisacodyl if you are allergic to it. Allergic reactions are rare; however, contact a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms like rashes, itching/swelling (particularly of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and breathing difficulty, etc.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition in which there is inflammation (swelling and redness) of the digestive tract. Bisacodyl is not recommended in such conditions as it may lead to colonic perforation (tear in the wall of the large intestine).
Rectal bleeding
Rectal bleeding is blood coming from the anus while passing stool. This usually occurs due to the presence of anal or rectal fissures (tear or ut in the lining of the anus). Bisacodyl may cause irritation and burning sensation when used in such conditions. Hence, it should not be used if you have rectal bleeding.
Intestinal obstruction disorders
An intestinal obstruction disorder is a condition in which your small or large intestine is blocked and prevents normal bowel movements. In such conditions the underlying cause should be treated for constipation, thus Bisacodyl is not recommended for use as it may worsen the condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Bisacodyl are generally not recommended if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Bisacodyl is safe to use during breastfeeding. It does not seem to pass into breast milk and is very unlikely to affect your baby.
General warnings
Continuous use
Bisacodyl should not be used for more than 5 days. Inform your doctor if you do not see any improvement in your condition.
Electrolyte imbalance
Electrolyte imbalance is when electrolytes (minerals in your blood and other body fluids) in your body become too low or too high. This can happen when the amount of water in your body changes. Prolonged and excessive use of Bisacodyl may lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Blood in stool
You may experience blood in stool while on treatment with Bisacodyl, which is often mild and self-limiting. Seek immediate medical attention in case of any excessive rectal bleeding.
Use in children
Bisacodyl should not be used in children and adolescents under the age of 12 years.
Missed Dose
If a dose of Bisacodyl is missed, take the dose as soon as you remember it. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose of Bisacodyl.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Lactulose
Calcium carbonate
Magnesium carbonate
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
The tablet form of Bisacodyl should not be taken with milk, cheese, or any other dairy products. Keep one hour gap between taking either of these and the tablet. This is because they will prevent the medicine from working properly.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Bisacodyl exactly as instructed by the doctor. Do not take larger amounts than prescribed. Seek emergency medical treatment in the case of any severe side effects.
Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects that persist or worsen.
If you still have no bowel movement after using Bisacodyl, consult your doctor.
Drink plenty of water, eat fibre-rich food, and exercise regularly for better results.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Bisacodyl works by stimulating your bowel muscles to increase the bowel movements.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Laxatives
Schedule
N/A
Npra.gov.my. 2021. [online] Available at: [Accessed 26 October 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Bisacodyl 5 mg, gastro-resistant tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: [Accessed 26 October 2021].
Bisacodyl Laxative - bisacodyl tablet, coated [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 10 August 2017]. Available from:
Drugs, H., 2021. Bisacodyl: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: [Accessed 26 October 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 16 Feb 2023
Disclaimer
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