Bisacodyl

Bisacodyl is an over-the-counter medication used to treat constipation. Bisacodyl is known as a stimulant laxative. It works by increasing the movement of the intestines, helping the stool to come out.

Bisacodyl is available under the following different brand names: Dulcolax, Correctol, BisacEvac, Bisacolax, Codulax, Alophen, Feen A Mint, Fleet Stimulant Laxative, Laxit, Modane, and Dulcolax for Women.

Dosages of Bisacodyl:

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Tablets

• 5 mg

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Pneumonia or Empyema

• Adult: 5-15 mg orally once daily; if complete evacuation required, 30 mg orally once daily
• Children over 12 years: 5-15 mg orally at bedtime
• Children 6-12 years: 5 mg or 0.3 mg/kg orally at bedtime or before breakfast
• Children under 6 years: oral administration not recommended, because of the requirement to swallow tablets

Common side effects of bisacodyl include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Electrolyte and fluid imbalance
• Excessive diarrhea
• Nausea
• Rectal burning
• Spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Stomach/abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Serious side effects of bisacodyl include:

• Persistent nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
• Muscle cramps/weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Decreased urination
• Mental/mood changes (such as confusion)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

Bisacodyl has no known severe interactions with other drugs.

Serious interactions of bisacodyl include:

• sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate
• sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate/polyethylene glycol

Moderate interactions of bisacodyl include:

• deflazacort
• dichlorphenamide
• potassium citrate

Mild interactions of bisacodyl include:

• potassium acid phosphate
• potassium chloride

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns, or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

This medication contains bisacodyl. Do not take Dulcolax, Correctol, BisacEvac, Bisacolax, Codulax, Alphen, Feen A Mint, Fleet Stimulant Laxative, Laxit, Modane, or Dulcolax for Women if you are allergic to bisacodyl or any ingredients contained in this drug.

This medication contains bisacodyl. Do not take BACiiM if you are allergic to bisacodyl or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Obstruction or severe impaction
• Symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen
• Vomiting
• Rectal bleeding

Effects of Drug Abuse

• Avoid chronic use; may cause laxative dependence

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Bisacodyl?"

Long-Term Effects

• Avoid chronic use; may cause laxative dependence
• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Bisacodyl?"

Cautions

• Avoid chronic use; may cause laxative dependence.
• Avoid using in patients with gastroenteritis.
• Do not chew the tablet; swallow whole.
• Not for use within 1 hour of taking antacid or milk.
• Not recommended for children under 6 years because of the requirement to swallow tablets.
• Not to be used for more than 1 week.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use bisacodyl with caution during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies are not available or neither animal nor human studies were done.
• Bisacodyl has not been detected in excreted milk; use with caution if breastfeeding.