Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Bisacodyl

Bisacodyl: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Bisacodyl?

Bisacodyl is an organic compound derived from diphenylmethane used as a stimulant laxative. Bisacodyl is the drug’s generic name, and it is sold under the trade names Dulcolax, Nourilox, Fleet, Correctol, Muxol, and Carter’s little pills. Bisacodyl has been used since 1952 as a laxative and works effectively to treat constipation in patients. Bisacodyl is used to treat chronic as well as functional constipation or other related conditions.

What are the uses of Bisacodyl?

Bisacodyl is a medication used as a stimulant laxative to treat constipation. When taken, Bisacodyl targets the large intestine and the colon. It stimulates the enteric nerves to increase peristalsis in the intestine and excrete more fluid. Bisacodyl can be administered orally in tablet form as well as rectally through a suppository. Before bowel surgery, it may also be used to clean the intestines and flush out fluids and stool as an enema.

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    What are the side effects of Bisacodyl?

    The most common side effects after taking Bisacodyl are:

    • Nausea. 
    • Diarrhea.
    • Stomach pain.
    • Abdominal cramps.
    • Vomiting.
    • Electrolyte and fluid imbalance.

    Bisacodyl should only be taken by children below 10-years if prescribed by a doctor. If you are taking a Bisacodyl tablet orally, it is recommended to not take milk, antacids, or other medicines at the same time as it can interfere with the action of Bisacodyl, rendering it ineffective. Consult your doctor if you face these side effects for more than a day.

    What is Bisacodyl

    Uses of Bisacodyl

    Side effects of Bisacodyl

    References

    1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501323/#:~:text=Drug%20Levels%20and%20Effects&text=Bisacodyl%20is%20not%20absorbed%20from,no%20special%20precautions%20are%20required.
    2. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/Bisacodyl/#:~:text=Taking%20an%20extra%20dose%20of,doctor%20or%20pharmacist%20for%20advice.
    3. https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/dulcolax-pills-night-6pm-1pm-day-direaha-3003755/

    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.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Bisacodyl

    When taken orally in tablet form, Bisacodyl takes 6-12 hours to work effectively and start the bowel movements.

    If Bisacodyl is taken rectally as a suppository, it works faster and takes about 10-45minutes to start the bowel movements. Hence it is recommended.

    Yes, Bisacodyl is the generic name of Dulcolax. Dulcolax is a brand name for Bisacodyl and is used to market drugs for constipation. It is available in an oral dosage form as tablets, soft chews, and fluids that are saline laxatives helping to treat constipation. Dulcolax cleanses the bowel between 30minutes-8hours.

    Bisacodyl is a laxative, and it is not recommended during pregnancy. You should consult an expert or your doctor for advice. Laxatives during pregnancy are recommended in a safe and limited dosage that a doctor has prescribed. However, excess usage of this drug during the first trimester may cause a miscarriage.

    Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that triggers bowel movements. It pulls out the water and fluids from the stomach and intestine, thereby excreting it. You may experience a slight change in your weight as water is pulled out of your body, but it does not aid weight loss. Bisacodyl is not recommended as a long-term medication, so even if you lose some pounds while taking Bisacodyl, you will gain it back soon.

    Bisacodyl has many side effects, and one of them is diarrhea. Being a laxative, Bisacodyl tends to pull water from the intestines or cause the muscles to contract to trigger bowel movements. If this medication is taken for longer than 5-days, it may cause severe diarrhea.

    No, Bisacodyl is not safe or recommended in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, as it may cause birth defects or a miscarriage in the mother's womb. However, consult your doctor and follow the prescription. It is advised to take a safe and recommended dosage for the short term if the patient urgently needs a laxative.

    Bisacodyl is prescribed to relieve chronic or functional constipation in patients. If you have difficulty passing stool, consult our experts and get the accurate dosage according to your condition and body type. Bisacodyl is also used as an enema to empty the bowels before a surgery or a treatment.

    Bisacodyl is a medication that can cause bowel movements and help you poop. If you take this medicine for a long term, your body will start relying on it, and the peristalsis movement in your bowel won't work on its own. Bisacodyl is not recommended every day for more than 5days. However, even after 5-days, if you are having constipation consult our experts for treatment.

    Yes, Bisacodyl is a safe and reliable medication to treat constipation. Taking this drug as prescribed won't cause any harm other than the side effects in some patients, which may last for a day or two. Bisacodyl should not be taken long-term, i.e., continuously for more than 5-days or in excess, making it unsafe.

    Bisacodyl is absorbed in the intestinal tract and does not show any activity in the production or quality of breast milk. Hence there are no special precautions to be taken for breastfeeding mothers to take this drug. Bisacodyl is safe and is to be taken as prescribed by the doctor.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Dulcoflex Bisacodyl 5mg Tablet
    2. Gerbisa Bisacodyl 5mg Tablet
    3. Julax Bisacodyl 10mg Tablet
    4. Freelex Bisacodyl 5mg Tablet
    5. Dulfre Bisacodyl 5mg Tablet