Bisacodyl

Administration

  • Type: laxative
  • Dosage Forms: tablet, enema, suppository
  • Dosage Strengths: tablet: 5mg; enema: 10mg/30mL; suppository: 10mg
  • Routes of Administration: PO, PR
  • Common Trade Names: Dulcolax, Correctol, BisacEvac, Bisacolax, Codulax, Alophen, Feen A Mint, Fleet Stimulant Laxative, Laxit, Modane

Adult Dosing

  • 5-30mg PO daily
  • 10mg suppository daily

Pediatric Dosing

  • 6-11 yrs: 5mg or rectally daily

Special Populations

Renal Dosing

  • Adult:
  • Pediatric:

Hepatic Dosing

  • Adult:
  • Pediatric:

Contraindications

  • Allergy to class/drug
  • Appendicitis
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Gastroenteritis

Adverse Reactions

Serious

  • Colonic atony

Common

  • Abdominal discomfort/colic, diarrhea, proctitis (with suppository use)

Pharmacology

  • Half-life: 8 hr
  • Metabolism: Metabolized to BHPM in the colon
  • Excretion: Urine and bile

Mechanism of Action

  • Stimulates peristalsis via parasympathetic reflexes

Comments

See Also

References

  • Ahlfors CE. Benzyl alcohol, kernicterus, and unbound bilirubin. J Pediatr. 2001;139(2):317-319. [PubMed 11487763]
  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Neonatal deaths associated with use of benzyl alcohol—United States. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1982;31(22):290-291. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00001109.htm [PubMed 6810084]
  • Christie J, Rose S. Constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, and fecal incontinence. In: Pregnancy in gastrointestinal disorders. Bethesda (MD): ACG Monograph American College of Physicians; 2007. p. 4–9. Available at https://www.acg.gi.org
  • Ducodyl (bisacodyl) [prescribing information]. Troy, MI: Prime Marketing; received January 2019.
  • Friedrich C, Richter E, Trommeshauser D, et al, "Absence of Excretion of the Active Moiety of Bisacodyl and Sodium Picosulfate Into Human Breast Milk: An Open-Label, Parallel-Group, Multiple-Dose Study in Healthy Lactating Women," Drug Metab Pharmacokinet, 2011, 26(5):458-64. [PubMed 21697613]
  • "Inactive" ingredients in pharmaceutical products: update (subject review). Pediatrics.1997;99(2):268-278. [PubMed 9024461]
  • Tabbers MM, DiLorenzo C, Berger MY, et al. Evaluation and treatment of functional constipation in infants and children: evidence-based recommendations from ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014;58(2):258-274. [PubMed 24345831]