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Bisacodyl (oral and rectal)

Generic name: bisacodyl (oral and rectal) [ bis-AK-oh-dil ]
Brand names: Alophen, Bisac-Evac, Correct (New Formula), Correctol, Dulcolax Laxative, ... show all 27 brands
Dosage forms: oral delayed release tablet (5 mg), rectal enema (10 mg), rectal suppository (10 mg)
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 20, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is bisacodyl?

Bisacodyl is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements.

Bisacodyl is used to treat constipation or to empty the bowels before surgery, colonoscopy, x-rays, or other intestinal medical procedure.

Bisacodyl may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bisacodyl side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Bisacodyl may cause serious side effects. Stop using bisacodyl and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of bisacodyl may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use bisacodyl if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use bisacodyl if you have other medical conditions, especially:

Older adults should not use rectal bisacodyl without a doctor's advice.

It is not known whether bisacodyl will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether bisacodyl passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I use bisacodyl?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Overuse of laxatives can cause your bowels to function improperly, or can make you dependent on laxative use.

In some cases, bisacodyl is taken by mouth. The enema and suppository forms of this medicine are for use in the rectum.

Do not crush, chew, or break a bisacodyl tablet. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water.

Bisacodyl taken by mouth should produce a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours.

Bisacodyl used in the rectum can produce much faster results. You should have a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes after using a rectal suppository, or within 5 to 20 minutes after using the rectal enema.

Do not take a rectal suppository or enema by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

Try to empty your bladder just before using bisacodyl in the rectum.

Wash your hands before and after using rectal bisacodyl.

To use the rectal suppository:

To use the rectal enema:

Call your doctor if you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, or if you have constipation for longer than 7 days.

If you are using bisacodyl to prepare for a medical test, follow your doctor's instructions about when to use the medicine.

Store bisacodyl oral or rectal medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since bisacodyl is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

If you are preparing for a medical test and you miss your dose, call your doctor for instructions.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, especially if anyone has accidentally swallowed a rectal suppository.

What should I avoid before or after using bisacodyl?

Avoid using other medications within 2 hours before or 2 hours after using bisacodyl.

Avoid drinking milk or taking an antacid within 1 hour before you take bisacodyl by mouth.

What other drugs will affect bisacodyl?

Other drugs may interact with bisacodyl, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Popular FAQ

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.