Bisacodyl

Trade Names:Dulcolax- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg- Suppositories 10 mg

Trade Names:Fleet Laxative- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg- Suppositories 10 mg

Trade Names:Modane- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg

Trade Names:Women's Gentle Laxative- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg

Trade Names:Bisac-Evac- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg- Suppositories 10 mg

Trade Names:Caroid- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg

Trade Names:Correctol- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg

Trade Names:Feen-a-mint- Tablets, enteric-coated 5 mg

Trade Names:Reliable Gentle Laxative- Tablets, enteric-coated and delayed-release 5 mg- Suppositories 10 mg

Trade Names:Bisacodyl Uniserts- Suppositories 10 mg

Pharmacology

Acts as cathartic stimulant.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

6 to 10 h.

15 to 60 min.

Indications and Usage

Short-term treatment of constipation; evacuation of colon for rectal and bowel evaluations; preparation for delivery or surgery.

Contraindications

Nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of appendicitis; acute surgical abdomen; fecal impaction; intestinal obstruction; undiagnosed abdominal pain; ulcerative lesions of colon; rectal fissures; ulcerative hemorrhoids.

Dosage and Administration

PO 10 to 15 mg.

Up to 30 mg.

PO 5 to 10 mg (0.3 mg/kg).

PR 10 mg.

PR 10 mg.

PR 5 mg.

Storage/Stability

Store tablets and suppositories in tightly closed containers in cool location.

Drug Interactions

May cause enteric coating of tablets to dissolve, resulting in gastric lining irritation or gastric indigestion.

Laboratory Test Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Cardiovascular

Palpitations.

CNS

Dizziness, fainting.

GI

Excessive bowel activity (griping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting); perianal irritation; bloating; flatulence; abdominal cramping; proctitis and inflammation.

Miscellaneous

Sweating, weakness. Suppositories may cause proctitis and inflammation with long-term use.

Precautions

Pregnancy

Category B .

Lactation

Undetermined.

Children

Tablet form not recommended for children younger than 6 yr of age.

Drug dependency

Long-term use may lead to laxative dependency. Long-term abuse results in cathartic colon (poorly functioning colon).

Rectal bleeding or failure to produce bowel movement

May indicate serious condition that may require further medical attention.

Patient Information

• Inform patient not to take bisacodyl when constipation is accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, nausea or vomiting.
• Advise patient to use laxative only for short-term therapy; do not use for more than 1 wk.
• Caution patient that prolonged, frequent, or excessive use of drug may result in dependence and/or electrolyte imbalance.
• Encourage patient to incorporate high-fiber foods in diet, increase fluid intake (at least 6 to 8 glasses daily) and increase or maintain exercise level.
• Instruct patient to report the following symptoms to health care provider: unrelieved constipation, rectal bleeding, muscle cramps, pain, weakness, dizziness.

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