bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Correctol, BisacEvac, Bisacolax, Codulax, Alophen, Feen A Mint, Fleet Stimulant Laxative, Laxit, Modane, Dulcolax for Women)
Classes: Laxatives, Stimulant
Dosing and uses of Dulcolax, Correctol (bisacodyl)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
tablet
- 5mg
Constipation
5-15 mg PO once daily; if complete evacuation required, 30 mg PO once daily
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
tablet
- 5mg
Constipation
<6 years: PO administration not recommended, because of requirement to swallow tablets
6-12 years: 5 mg or 0.3 mg/kg PO at bedtime or before breakfast
>12 years: 5-15 mg PO at bedtime
Dulcolax, Correctol (bisacodyl) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Abdominal cramping
Electrolyte and fluid imbalance
Excessive diarrhea
Nausea
Rectal burning
Vertigo
Vomiting
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Obstruction or severe impaction
Symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen
Vomiting
Rectal bleeding
Cautions
Avoid chronic use; may cause laxative dependence
Avoid using in patients with gastroenteritis
Do not chew tablet; swallow whole
Not for use within 1 hour of taking antacid or milk
Not recommended for children < 6 years because of requirement to swallow tablets
Not to be used for >1 week
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Has not been detected in excreted milk; use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Dulcolax, Correctol (bisacodyl)
Mechanism of action
Irritates smooth muscle of intestine and possibly colonic intramural plexus, thus in turn increasing peristalsis
Increases intestinal fluid accumulation and laxation by altering water and electrolyte secretion
Absorption
Onset: 6-10 hr
Distribution
Vd: 289 L
Elimination
Half-life: 8 hr
