Classes
DEA Class; OTC
Common Brand Names; Dulcolax, Correctol, BisacEvac, Bisacolax, Codulax, Alophen, Feen A Mint, Fleet Stimulant Laxative, Laxit, Modane, Dulcolax for Women, Fleet Bisacodyl Enema, Fleet Bisacodyl Suppository
- Laxatives, Stimulant
Description
Stimulant laxative often used to prepare patients for radiological GI procedures; administered orally or rectally; reclassified in 1996 as a Category III laxative indicating that more data are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of bisacodyl as a laxative.
Indications
Indicated for treatment of occasional constipation.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Obstruction or severe impaction
Symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen
Vomiting
Rectal bleeding
Adverse Effects
Abdominal cramping
Electrolyte and fluid imbalance
Excessive diarrhea
Nausea
Rectal burning
Vertigo
Vomiting
Warnings
Avoid chronic use; may cause laxative dependence
Avoid using in patients with gastroenteritis
Do not chew tablet; swallow whole
Not for use within 1 hour of taking antacid or milk
Not recommended for children < 6 years because of requirement to swallow tablets
Not to be used for >1 week
Some dosage forms may contain benzyl alcohol, which has been associated with fatal toxicity in neonates; avoid dosage forms containing benzyl alcohol derivatives in neonates
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy
Plasma concentrations of the active metabolite BHPM are low following doses of 10 mg/day for 7 days; short term use is generally considered safe in pregnancy; avoid long term use
Lactation
Not detected in excreted milk following administration of 10 mg/day for 7 days; use with caution
Maximum Dosage
15 mg/day PO or 10 mg/day PR.
15 mg/day PO or 10 mg/day PR.
15 mg/day PO or 10 mg/day PR.
12 years: 10 mg/day PR (suppository or enema) or 15 mg/day PO.
6 to 11 years: 5 mg/day PR or PO; do not use enema.
Less than 6 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established. Off-label use has been reported.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Not indicated.
How supplied
Bisacodyl
tablet, delayed release
5mg
enema
10mg/30mL
suppository
10mg
