Bisacodyl

Laxative · Stimulant laxative

Indications

Constipation. Bowel clearance before surgery, labour or radiological examination.

Dosage

Constipation: Tablet: Adults: 5-10 mg orally at night, if necessary increased to 20 mg orally at night. Children: 4-18 yr, 5-20 mg tab orally once daily, adjusted according to response. Suppositories: Adults: 10 mg rectally in the morning. Children: 2-18 yr, 5-10 mg rectally once daily, adjusted according to response. Bowel cleansing before radiological procedures or surgery: Tablet: Adults: 10 mg in the morning and 10 mg in the evening the day before procedure. Suppositories: Adults: 10 mg rectally 1-2 hr before procedure. Children: 4-10 yr, 5 mg tab orally at bed time for 2 days before procedure and if necessary 5 mg suppository rectally one hr before surgery. 10-18 yr, 10 mg tab orally at bed time for 2 days before procedure and if necessary 10 mg suppository rectally one hr before procedure.

Adverse Effects

Abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea. Suppos: Rectal irritation.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Not rated. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Severe dehydration, ileus, intestinal obstruction or undiagnosed abdominal symptoms, inflammatory bowel disease. For Suppositories only: Anal fissures, ulcerative proctitis with mucosal damage. Precautions: Avoid prolonged use.

Advice to Patient

Take without meals. Do not chew or crush tablets, swallow whole. Do not take within 1 hour of antacids, milk or other dairy products.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: Tab: 10-12 hrs. Suppos: 20-60 min.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.