bisacodyl at a glance
Medicine class
Stimulant laxative
Licensed use
Relief of occasional constipation
Available forms
Gastro-resistant tablets and rectal suppositories
Tablet handling
Swallow whole; do not crush or chew
What is bisacodyl used for?
Bisacodyl is licensed for:
Relief of occasional constipation.
How does bisacodyl work?
Bisacodyl is converted in the bowel to an active substance that acts locally on the colon and rectum. It increases propulsive bowel movement and promotes water within the colon, helping stool pass more easily.
bisacodyl preparations and strengths
Gastro-resistant tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg
Suppository
Route: Rectal
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg
How to take bisacodyl
Follow the pack leaflet or instructions from a healthcare professional. Swallow gastro-resistant tablets whole with water; do not chew or crush them. Do not take tablets at the same time as milk, antacids or proton-pump inhibitors because these may disrupt the protective coating. Unwrap suppositories and insert them gently into the rectum, pointed end first.
Use only the formulation intended for you.
Remain near a toilet after using a suppository because its effect can begin quickly.
Seek advice if constipation persists, worsens or repeatedly requires laxatives.
bisacodyl side effects
Common or expected effects
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Dehydration, particularly with substantial diarrhoea
- Fainting or marked dizziness
- Blood in the stool, bloody diarrhoea or persistent vomiting
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
bisacodyl in pregnancy
Bisacodyl is not generally a first-choice laxative during pregnancy. It may be considered when diet, lifestyle measures and better-established laxatives have not helped, following advice from a pharmacist, midwife or doctor. Available experience has not identified a known pregnancy risk.
bisacodyl while breastfeeding
Bisacodyl can generally be used while breastfeeding because absorption is low and transfer into milk is expected to be negligible. Seek advice if the baby develops diarrhoea, irritability or feeding problems, especially if the infant is premature or unwell.
bisacodyl interactions
Important practical interactions include:
Antacids
May dissolve the tablet coating too early, reducing effectiveness or causing stomach irritation; do not take them at the same time.
Proton-pump inhibitors
Reduced stomach acidity may disrupt the tablet coating; avoid taking them at the same time as bisacodyl tablets.
Common questions about bisacodyl
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can bisacodyl tablets be taken with milk?
Do not take them at the same time. Milk may dissolve the gastro-resistant coating too early and cause reduced effectiveness or stomach irritation.
Can bisacodyl tablets be crushed or chewed?
No. Swallow them whole so the protective coating remains intact until the tablet reaches the bowel.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.