Bisacodyl is a drug to treat difficult bowel movements or constipation. This medicine can also be used to clean the intestines before a medical exam or surgery.
Bisacodyl works by increasing bowel movements, so that feces can be removed more easily by the body. Bisacodyl is available in the form of film-coated tablets and suppositories.
Bisacodyl trademark: Custodiol, Dulcolax, Laxacod, Laxana, Prolaxan, Stolax
What is Bisacodyl
| group | Limited over-the-counter drugs |
| Category | Purgative |
| Benefit | Overcome constipation and empty bowel contents for medical examination and surgery |
| Used by | Adults and children 4 years old |
| Bisacody for pregnant and lactating mothers | Category C: Studies in animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether bisacodyl is absorbed into breast milk or not. Do not use this medication without consulting your doctor if you are breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets and anal tablets (suppositories) |
Precautions Before Using Bisacodyl
Before using Bisacodyl, note the following:
- Do not use bisacodyl if you are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had appendicitis, dehydration, ulcerative colitis, sucrose intolerance, lactose intolerance, Crohn's disease, stomach pain, difficulty passing a bowel movement for more than 2 weeks, intestinal obstruction, or bleeding from the rectum.
- Tell your doctor what medicines you are taking, especially if you are taking other laxatives, antacids, diuretics, corticosteroids, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Consult a doctor before giving bisacodyl to children.
- Do not use bisacodyl for weight loss.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after using bisacodyl.
Dosage and Instructions for Use Bisacodyl
Doctors can prescribe a different dose of bisacodyl for each patient. The following are common doses of bisacodyl:
Purpose: Overcoming constipation
preparation: Tablet
- Adults and children >10 years old: 5–10 mg tablets are taken once a day at bedtime. The maximum dose is 20 mg.
- Children aged 4–10 years: 5 mg tablet taken once a day before bedtime.
preparation: Suppositories
- Adults and children >10 years old: 10 mg suppository preparation used once a day in the morning
- Children aged 4–10 years: 5 mg of suppository preparations are used once a day in the morning.
Purpose: Emptying the stomach before a medical examination or surgical procedure
preparation: Tablet
- Adults and children >10 years old: 10 mg tablets are taken in the morning and evening. Followed by the use of 10 mg of bisacodyl in the form of a suppository the following morning.
- Children aged 4–10 years: 5 mg tablets are taken at night. Followed by the use of 5 mg of bisacodyl in suppository form the following morning.
How to Use Bisacodylcorrectly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the information listed on the bisacodyl packaging before using it. This medication is usually used for a short period of time and should not be longer than 5 days.
Bisacodyl in tablet form needs to be swallowed whole with the help of water. Do not split, bite, or crush the medicine. It can take about 6–12 hours for this medicine to cause you to have a bowel movement.
If you have recently consumed milk, dairy products, or are taking antacids, wait 1 hour before taking bisacodyl. This is done to reduce your risk of experiencing nausea or stomach pain.
Make sure that there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. If you forget to take bisacodyl, drink it immediately if the interval between the next consumption is not too close. When it is close, ignore and do not double the dose.
Bisacodyl in the form of a suppository needs to be inserted into the anus after being moistened with a small amount of water. Insert the sharp end first, then push in. Remain sitting or lying down for 15–20 minutes until the drug is fully absorbed into the anus.
To maintain prevention and as an early treatment for constipation, you need to drink 8 glasses of water and eat foods rich in fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and whole grains, every day.
Store bisacodyl in a cool and dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Interactions of Bisacodyl with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that may occur if you use bisacodyl together with other medicines:
- Increases risk of gastrointestinal side effects when used with other laxatives
- Increases risk of electrolyte disturbances when used with diuretics or corticosteroids
- Decreases the effectiveness of bisacodyl and the risk of stomach ulcers and dyspepsia when used with antacids
Side Effects and Dangers of Bisacodyl
Side effects that may arise after using bisacodyl include:
- Stomach feels uncomfortable
- Stomach ache
- stomach cramps
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Diarrhea
If the above side effects do not go away and get worse, contact your doctor. In addition, you need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Dizzy
- Decreased frequency of urination
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Vomiting or diarrhea that doesn't go away
- Blood is in the feces
- daze
- Faint