Details

Bisacodyl is a laxative that instigates bowel movements. Bisacodyl is used to treat constipation or to empty the bowels before surgery, colonoscopy, x-rays, or other intestinal medical procedure. You should not use bisacodyl if you are allergic to it, or if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Ask your doctor if it safe for you to take bisacodyl if you have medical conditions such as a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer haemorrhoids or anal fissures (small tears in the skin tissues around your rectum) ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other intestinal disorder a history of perforation (a hole or tear) of your intestines an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia) or if you cannot swallow without chewing.

Typical Uses

Bisacodyl is used to treat constipation. It may also be used to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination/surgery. Bisacodyl is known as a stimulant laxative. It works by increasing the movement of the intestines, helping the stool to come out. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet or take it within 1 hour of antacids, milk, or milk products. Doing so can destroy the coating on the tablet and may increase the risk of stomach upset and nausea.

Side Effects

Some of the side effects of bisacodyl include mild cramps, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, stomach and intestinal irritation, faintness, irritation or burning in the rectum (from suppositories and enemas).

Drug Interactions

• Bisacodyl+abarelix- Abarelix can cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. The risk is increased if you have low blood levels of magnesium or potassium, which can occur with bowel cleansing preparations or excessive use of medications that have a laxative effect.

• Bisacodyl+albuterol- Albuterol can cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. The risk is increased if you have low blood levels of magnesium or potassium, which can occur with bowel cleansing preparations or excessive use of medications that have a laxative effect.

• Bisacodyl+bedaquiline- Bedaquiline can cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. The risk is increased if you have low blood levels of magnesium or potassium, which can occur with bowel cleansing preparations or excessive use of medications that have a laxative effect.

• Bisacodyl+cisapride- Cisapride can cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. The risk is increased if you have low blood levels of magnesium or potassium, which can occur with bowel cleansing preparations or excessive use of medications that have a laxative effect.

Mechanism of action

Bisacodyl is a stool softener, belongs to a class of medications called stimulant laxative. It acts directly on inner lining of the bowel, stimulating them to cause increased bowel movement. This helps in evacuation of bowels.

Pregnancy Category : B