Bisacodyl
Pronouncation: (BISS-uh-koe-dill)Class: Laxative
Trade Names:
Dulcolax
- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg
- Suppositories 10 mg
Trade Names:
Fleet Laxative
- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg
- Suppositories 10 mg
Trade Names:
Modane
- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg
Trade Names:
Women's Gentle Laxative
- Tablets, enteric-coated 5ߙmg
Trade Names:
Bisac-Evac
- Tablets, enteric-coated 5ߙmg
- Suppositories 10 mg
Trade Names:
Caroid
- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg
Trade Names:
Correctol
- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg
Trade Names:
Feen-a-mint
- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg
Trade Names:
Reliable Gentle Laxative
- Tablets, enteric-coated and delayed-release 5ߙmg
- Suppositories 10ߙmg
Trade Names:
Bisacodyl Uniserts
- Suppositories 10 mg
ratio-Bisacodyl (Canada)
Pharmacology
 | |||||||||
Feedback for Bisacodyl
Compare with other drugs.
| |||||||||
Acts as cathartic stimulant.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Tablets6 to 10 h.
Suppositories15 to 60 min.
Indications and Usage
Short-term treatment of constipation; evacuation of colon for rectal and bowel evaluations; preparation for delivery or surgery.
Contraindications
Nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of appendicitis; acute surgical abdomen; fecal impaction; intestinal obstruction; undiagnosed abdominal pain; ulcerative lesions of colon; rectal fissures; ulcerative hemorrhoids.
Dosage and Administration
OralAdults
PO 10 to 15 mg.
Preparation of Lower GI TractUp to 30 mg.
Children older than 6 yr of agePO 5 to 10 mg (0.3ߙmg/kg).
SuppositoryAdults
PR 10 mg.
Children older than 2 yr of agePR 10 mg.
Children younger than 2 yr of agePR 5 mg.
Storage/Stability
Store tablets and suppositories in tightly closed containers in cool location.
Drug Interactions
Milk or antacidsMay cause enteric coating of tablets to dissolve, resulting in gastric lining irritation or gastric indigestion.
Laboratory Test Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Cardiovascular
Palpitations.
CNS
Dizziness, fainting.
GI
Excessive bowel activity (griping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting); perianal irritation; bloating; flatulence; abdominal cramping; proctitis and inflammation.
Miscellaneous
Sweating, weakness. Suppositories may cause proctitis and inflammation with long-term use.
Precautions
Pregnancy
Category B .
Lactation
Undetermined.
Children
Tablet form not recommended for children younger than 6 yr of age.
Drug dependency
Long-term use may lead to laxative dependency. Long-term abuse results in cathartic colon (poorly functioning colon).
Rectal bleeding or failure to produce bowel movement
May indicate serious condition that may require further medical attention.
Patient Information
- Inform patient not to take bisacodyl when constipation is accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, nausea or vomiting.
- Advise patient to use laxative only for short-term therapy; do not use for more than 1 wk.
- Caution patient that prolonged, frequent, or excessive use of drug may result in dependence and/or electrolyte imbalance.
- Encourage patient to incorporate high-fiber foods in diet, increase fluid intake (at least 6 to 8 glasses daily) and increase or maintain exercise level.
- Instruct patient to report the following symptoms to health care provider: unrelieved constipation, rectal bleeding, muscle cramps, pain, weakness, dizziness.
 |
Link to Page |  |
Print Page |  |
Email Page |  | Add to List |
More Bisacodyl resources:
Bisacodyl - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
Bisco-Lax Rectal - Includes detailed dosage instructions.
Constipation, Bowel Preparation
