Alophen Side Effects

Generic name: bisacodyl

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 2, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Alophen.

Applies to bisacodyl: oral tablets delayed-release, rectal suppositories, rectal suspension Side Effects associated with bisacodyl. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Alophen.

Applies to bisacodyl: oral tablets delayed-release, rectal suppositories, rectal suspension.

Side effects include:

Some degree of abdominal discomfort, nausea, cramps, griping, and/or faintness with therapeutic doses.

Diarrhea, GI irritation, and fluid and electrolyte depletion.

Gastric irritation and the possibility of vomiting if enteric coating of tablets is disrupted. (See Advice to Patients.)

Rectal administration of bisacodyl (the active ingredient contained in Alophen) suspensions or suppositories may cause irritation and a sensation of burning of the rectal mucosa and mild proctitis.

Hepatotoxicity if sufficient tannic acid is absorbed from bisacodyl tannex.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to bisacodyl: compounding powder, oral delayed release tablet, oral tablet, rectal enema, rectal suppository.

General

ENEMA: The most commonly reported side effects included abdominal discomfort, faintness, mild cramps, and rectal burning.

SUPPOSITORY: The most commonly reported side effects included abdominal discomfort, faintness, mild cramps, and rectal burning.

TABLET: The most commonly reported side effects included cramps, faintness, and stomach discomfort.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

ENEMA:

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Vomiting
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, colic, cramping, diarrhea, epigastralgia, nausea, proctitis, mild cramps, tenesmus

SUPPOSITORY:

• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal discomfort, blood in stool/hematochezia, vomiting
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Colitis, ischemic colitis
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal spasm, atonic, nonfunctioning colon, defecation, diarrhea with excessive water and electrolyte loss, mild cramps, proctitis

TABLET:

• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal discomfort, anorectal discomfort, blood in stool/ hematochezia, vomiting
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Colitis, ischemic colitis
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal spasm, colic, cramps/cramping, defecation, epigastralgia, proctitis, stomach discomfort, tenesmus^[Ref]

Prolonged use of this drug may result in diarrhea with excessive water and electrolyte loss, especially potassium.

Colic was treated with atropine derivatives.^[Ref]

Nervous system

ENEMA:

• Frequency not reported: Faintness, syncope

SUPPOSITORY:

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Syncope
• Frequency not reported: Faintness, vasovagal response

TABLET:

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Syncope
• Frequency not reported: Faintness, vasovagal response^[Ref]

Local

ENEMA:

• Frequency not reported: Local rectal irritation, rectal burning

SUPPOSITORY:

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorectal discomfort, rectal irritation
• Frequency not reported: Rectal burning^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

ENEMA:

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema, hypersensitivity reactions

SUPPOSITORY:

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, hypersensitivity

TABLET:

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Anaphylactic reactions, anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema, hypersensitivity reactions/hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Dermatologic

ENEMA:

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Mild, transient skin reactions

SUPPOSITORY:

• Frequency not reported: Sloughing of the epithelium

TABLET:

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Mild, transient skin reactions^[Ref]

Metabolic

SUPPOSITORY:

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Dehydration

TABLET:

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Dehydration^[Ref]

Immunologic

ENEMA:

• Frequency not reported: Slight indisposition

TABLET:

• Frequency not reported: Slight indisposition^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?
• Dulcolax - How long does it take for bisacodyl to clear your system?

Further information

Alophen side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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