Bisacodyl
Drug name: Bisacodyl
Other names used:
- Alophen®®
- Bisac-Evac®®
- Bisacodyl Uniserts®®
- Correctol®®
- Dulcolax®®
- Fleet®
Active Ingredients:
- Bisacodyl
Therapeutic actions: Bisacodyl, a laxative, is used on a short-term basis to treat constipation. It also is used to empty the bowels before surgery and examinations such as X-ray procedures using barium enemas. Bisacodyl is available with or without a prescription.
Indications: Bisacodyl is used to treat constipation and to cause evacuation of the colon.
Contraindications and cautions: Do not use Bisacodyl if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor.
If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative.
Bisacodyl products should not be used for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.
Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition. Stop using Bisacodyl and contact your healthcare provider.
Before taking Bisacodyl,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Bisacodyl, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and medicines, including Bisacodyl), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Bisacodyl, call your doctor.
Adverse effects: The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- stomach cramps
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- stomach and intestinal irritation
- faintness
- irritation or burning in the rectum (from suppositories)
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
Interactions: Tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine.
Before taking Bisacodyl, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- an antacid or medicine to relieve heartburn; or
- the stomach medicines cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR), famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC), ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75), omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (Aciphex).
