What is Bisacodyl?

Bisacodyl is used to treat constipation, popularly marketed as brand name dulcolax. It relieves constipation and increase quality of life. It is quiet safe, widely used medication with minimal side effects used in treatment of constipation.

How it works?

Bisacodyl comes under the class of stimulant laxatives. It stimulates gut nervous system to promote accumulation of water and electrolytes in the lumen of intestine. This in turn increases intestinal motility. Bisacodyl mainly acts on large intestine.

📌 Uses

Bisacodyl is commonly used to treat:

• Constipation

Dosage

Adults: usual dose of bisacodyl is 10 mg. It takes 6 to 10 hours to produce laxative effects of bisacodyl. Suppositories (10 mg) work within 15 to 60 minutes.

Children (6 to 12 years): 5 to 10 mg is usually required.

⚠️ Side Effects

• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Electrolyte imbalance (less common)

Quick tips from experts:

• Don't use bisacodyl tablet for more than 30 days.
• Eat fiber rich diet containing cereals, whole fruits and green leafy vegetables.
• Take oral tablet at bedtime or morning bowel movement.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Stop taking bisacodyl as soon as constipation is relieved.

Safety precautions:

• 🤰 Pregnancy: may be unsafe to use in pregnancy. Please consult your doctor.
• 🤱 Breastfeeding: safe to use while you are breastfeeding.
• 🚗 Driving: unsafe to use while driving, as bisacodyl can cause sleepiness and reduced alertness.
• Kidney: safe to use in kidney disease.
• Liver: bisacodyl can be used with caution in liver disease. Dose adjustment is needed. Consult your treating physician.

🔄 Drug Interactions

• With other laxatives: combining bisacodyl with another laxative can increase the risk of side effects like water loss from intestines, electrolyte disturbances.
• With antacids, PPIs (proton pump inhibitors): may dissolve enteric coated tablet and cause gastric irritation.
• Loop or thiazide diuretics: combining bisacodyl with diuretics can increase risk of electrolyte loss.

💡 Quick tips from experts:

• Don't use bisacodyl tablet for more than 30 days.
• Eat fiber rich diet containing cereals, whole fruits and green leafy vegetables.
• Take oral tablet at bedtime or morning bowel movement.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Stop taking bisacodyl as soon as constipation is relieved.