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What is Bisacodyl?

Bisacodyl is an Over-the-counter medication which is used for the treatment of constipation. It is also known as the Stimulant laxative. This works by increasing the movement of the intestines and also helps the stool to come out. This is available under the following brand names: Dulcolax, Correctol, BisacEvac, Bisacolax, Codulux and Alphen. Bisacodyl is a laxative which stimulates intestinal movements. The medication is being used to treat constipation or to empty the intestines before surgery, colonoscopy, x-rays, or any other intestinal medical procedure.

Bisacodyl Uses

Bisacodyl is used for the treatment of constipation. It may also be used to clean the intestines prior to the intestinal/surgical examination. Bisacodyl is known to be a stimulant laxative. It stimulates the muscles in the wall of the small intestine and the colon to stimulate the movement of the intestine. It also alters the levels of water and electrolytes in the intestines, increasing the level of fluids that also produce a laxative effect. Bisacodyl can be used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. In general, this product produces bowel movements in 6 to 12 hours.

Bisacodyl Side effects

Some of the common side effects of Bisacodyl are:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain and cramps

Some of the serious side effects of Bisacodyl are

  • Dizziness
  • Blood in stool
  • Vomiting
  • Vertigo
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Rectal burning
  • Fluid and electrolytes imbalance

If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Bisacodyl if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.

A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Bisacodyl side effects.

Precautions

Before taking Bisacodyl talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions.

Before using the medication talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history especially:

  • Appendicitis
  • Change in bowel habits which can last for 2 weeks
  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Intestinal blockage

How to take Bisacodyl?

Bisacodyl comes as a tablet to be taken orally. It is generally taken in the evening before a bowel movement is desired. Bisacodyl normally causes bowel movements within 6 to 12 hours. Do not take bisacodyl more than once a day or more than 1 week without talking to your doctor. Follow the direction written on the prescription label carefully and ask the doctor for explaining the dosage timing and how to take it. If you really do not have regular bowel movements after taking bisacodyl, do not take any more medication and talk to your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water; do not divide, chew or crush them. Do not take bisacodyl within 1 hour of drinking or eating dairy products.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for adults and children and young adults aged 12 and over is 5 mg to 10 mg taken once a day at bedtime.

Adults and children 12 years of age and older: take 1 to 3 tablets (5-15 mg) as a single daily dose with a glass of water

Children 6 to 12 years of age: Take 1 tablet as a single daily dose with a glass of water

Rectal suppository

  • Adults and children 12 years and older: unwrap and insert 1 suppository into the rectum daily as a single dose. Hold on for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Children 6 to 12 years of age: unwrap and insert 1⁄2 suppository into the rectum daily as a single dose.

Enema

  • Adults and children 12 years and older: use 1 bottle (1.25 oz) as a single dose.

Missed dose

Missing one or two-dose of bisacodyl won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.

Overdose

Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed bisacodyl tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.

Warning for Some Serious Health Conditions

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Bisacodyl tablets or pills are not usually recommended if you are pregnant, especially in the first 3 months and while breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking bisacodyl.

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, it is always better to try to treat constipation without taking medicine. Your doctor will advise you to eat more fiber and drink plenty of fluids. It can also help to do a gentle exercise.

Storage

Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.

Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Before taking bisacodyl consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking bisacodyl rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take bisacodyl.

Bisacodyl Vs Dulcolax

Bisacodyl

Dulcolax
Bisacodyl is an Over-the-counter medication which is used for the treatment of constipation. It is also known as the Stimulant laxative. This works by increasing the movement of the intestines and also helps the stool to come out. Dulcolax Tablet is a medicine used for the treatment of constipation. It's a laxative, and it helps you empty your bowels. It is often used in hospitals before surgery or some internal examinations or treatments.
Bisacodyl is used for the treatment of constipation. It may also be used to clean the intestines prior to the intestinal/surgical examination. Bisacodyl is known to be a stimulant laxative. Dulcolax can be used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. In general, this product produces bowel movements in 6 to 12 hours.
Some of the serious side effects of Bisacodyl are:
  • Dizziness
  • Blood in stool
  • Vomiting
  • Vertigo
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Rectal burning
 Some of the common and serious side effects of Dulcolax are:
  • Abdominal Cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Citations

Bisacodyl https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02048160
Uses of Bisacodyl https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1542356511003235

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for bisacodyl to work?

Bisacodyl tablets should take 6 to 12 hours to work. Suppositories take 10 to 45 minutes to work, so it's best to stay close to the toilet. The most common side effects are sickness (nausea), diarrhea, stomach pain, or cramps.

Is bisacodyl a laxative or stool softener?

Bisacodyl is an over-the-counter medicine used to treat constipation. Bisacodyl is known to be a stimulant laxative. It works by increasing the movement of the intestines, helping the stool to emerge.

What is the best time to take bisacodyl?

Take one or two 5 mg tablets with a water drink (do not take with milk). Bisacodyl tablets take approximately 10-12 hours to work; therefore, they are best taken at bedtime. Do not chew or break down the tablets. Instead of taking tablets, a suppository may be used.

Can you eat right after taking a laxative?

Stimulant laxatives are usually taken on an empty stomach for rapid action. Results are slowed when taken with food. Many stimulant laxatives (but not castor oil) are often used at bedtime to produce results the next morning.

How long can a person go without a bowel movement?

The normal length of time between intestinal movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have bowel movements several times a day, others just once or twice a week. It's too long to go longer than three days without a bowel movement. After three days, the stool is getting harder and harder to pass.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.