What is bisacodyl? What is bisacodyl used for?
Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative. It stimulates the muscles in the wall of the small intestine and colon to generate a bowel movement. It also alters water and electrolyte levels in intestines, increasing the level of fluids which also produce a laxative-like effect.
Bisacodyl is used for for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. This product generally produces bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours
What brand names are available for bisacodyl?
Dulcolax, Correctol, Bisacolax, Bisac-Evac, Alophen, Fleet Bisacodyl, Feen-A-Mint
Is bisacodyl available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for bisacodyl?
No
What are the side effects of bisacodyl?
Side effects of bisacodyl are
- abdominal cramping,
- diarrhea,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- vertigo,
- rectal burning, and
- fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
QUESTION
You are constipated if you don’t have a bowel movement every day.
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What is the dosage for bisacodyl?
Tablets
- Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Take 1 to 3 tablets (5 – 15 mg) by mouth as a single daily dose, with a glass of water.
- Children of ages 6 to under 12 years: Take 1 tablet by mouth as a single daily dose, with a glass of water.
- Children under 6 years of age: Ask a doctor.
Rectal suppository
- Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Unwrap and insert 1 suppository into rectum daily as a single dose. Retain for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Children of ages 6 to under 12 years: Unwrap and insert ½ suppository into rectum daily as a single dose.
- Children under 2 years of age: Ask a doctor.
Enema
- Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Use 1 bottle (1.25 oz) as a single dose.
- Children under 12 years of age: Ask a doctor.
Which drugs or supplements interact with bisacodyl?
No significant drug interactions.
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Is bisacodyl safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies done to determine safe and effective use of bisacodyl in pregnant women.
It is unknown whether bisacodyl is excreted in breast milk; therefore it must be used with caution in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about bisacodyl?
What preparations of bisacodyl-oral are available?
Bisacodyl is available as 5 mg enteric-coated oral tablets, a 10 mg rectal suppository, and an enema containing 10 mg of bisacodyl per 1.25 ounce of enema.
How should I keep bisacodyl-oral stored?
Bisacodyl tablets should be stored between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F) and protected from humidity. Suppositories and enemas require storage below 30 C (86 F).