How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Bisacodyl belongs to the class of medications called stimulant laxatives. It is used for the relief of occasional constipation. It can also be used for the preparation of certain medical tests (e.g., colonoscopy), before and after surgery, and in other situations where a bowel movement to required.
It works by stimulating the bowel muscles and also accumulates water in the intestines. This helps to soften the stool and produce a bowel movement more quickly. The tablets should be taken at bedtime to produce a bowel movement the next morning. The suppositories usually take about 15 minutes to 1 hour to work.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor or pharmacist has not recommended it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Bisacolax is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada. For brands that may still be available, search under bisacodyl. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
How should I use this medication?
For constipation, the usual dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 1 to 2 tablets (5 mg to 10 mg) taken by mouth, or 1 adult suppository (10 mg) inserted rectally. For children 6 to 12 years of age, the usual dose is 1 tablet (5 mg) taken by mouth.
Before a medical test or surgery, the usual dose for adults is 2 to 4 tablets (10 mg to 20 mg) by mouth the night before the procedure, followed by 1 suppository inserted rectally the morning of the procedure.
Take the tablets at night to produce a bowel movement the following morning. Do not take the tablets with milk or antacids as this may dissolve the coating on the tablet. Swallow the tablets whole with liquids. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
To use the suppositories, unwrap and insert high into the rectum with the pointed end first. Then, push the flat end of the suppository sideways so that part of it touches the wall of the rectum. Keep the suppository in the rectum for as long as possible. If inserting the suppository is difficult because you have had anal fissures or hemorrhoids, coat the end of the suppository with a lubricant such as petroleum jelly before inserting. The suppositories will start to work within 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not take this medication for longer than one week, unless directed by a health care professional. If you use this medication for one week and you do not produce a bowel movement, contact your doctor immediately.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor or recommended by your pharmacist. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to bisacodyl or any ingredients of the medication
- are severely dehydrated
- have a rare inherited condition where you cannot take lactose or sucrose (e.g., galactosemia, fructose intolerance)
- have intestinal blockage, appendicitis, acute inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), or severe abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- abdominal cramps, pain, or discomfort
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- blood in the stool
- dizziness
- fainting
- rectal discomfort or pain
- symptoms of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching)
- symptoms of dehydration (e.g., dry, sticky mouth; thirst; decreased urine production)
- symptoms of irritation of the intestines (e.g., severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea)
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives, swelling of the face or throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever: If you have abdominal pain, nausea, fever, or vomiting, do not take this medication. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Dizziness and fainting: People taking this medication have reported experiencing dizziness and fainting. This may be from straining to produce a bowel movement or from the pain that can be associated with constipation. If you feel dizzy or faint while taking this medication, contact your doctor.
Galactose intolerance/glucose malabsorption: Some bisacodyl tablets are prepared with lactose. If you have lactose or galactose intolerance you should not take these medications.
Long-term use: This medication should not be taken daily or for long periods of time as this may lead to dehydration and low potassium levels. Long-term use can make your bowels dependent on this medication to function.
Other medications: Bisacodyl tablets can reduce the effectiveness of other medications. Avoid taking other medications 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking bisacodyl tablets.
Rectal conditions: If you have rectal fissures or ulcerative proctitis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with these conditions may experience pain and irritation when using the suppository form of this medication. If you experience rectal bleeding after using the suppositories, contact your doctor.
Tartrazine: This medication may contain tartrazine (a colouring agent) and should not be taken by people who are allergic to tartrazine.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This medication does not pass into breast milk. It is therefore considered safe to use while breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children less than 6 years old. Do not give this medication to children unless recommended by your doctor.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.
If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Bisacolax