Gentle Laxative Side Effects
Generic name: bisacodyl
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 2, 2024.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Gentle Laxative.
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 Gentle Laxative.
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 Gentle Laxative) 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]
References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Dulcolax (bisacodyl)." Ciba Self-Medication Inc
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
Frequently asked questions
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- Dulcolax - How long does it take for bisacodyl to clear your system?
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Further information
Gentle Laxative 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.