Bisacodyl
About
Bisacodyl belongs to the group of medications called 'stimulant laxatives' used to treat constipation. Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements in which the stools are often dry, painful, and hard to pass. A constipated person has fewer than three bowel movements in a week. Bisacodyl may also be used to clean the intestines before a bowel surgery or examination.
Bisacodyl contains 'Bisacodyl' that works by increasing the intestinal movements, thereby facilitating stool passage. It speeds up stool movements by stimulating bowel muscles, softens the stools and makes it easier to pass. Thus, Bisacodyl helps treat constipation.
In some cases, Bisacodyl may cause certain common side-effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, consult a doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Do not take Bisacodyl for more than five days as it might cause dependency on Bisacodyl for a bowel movement. Consult your doctor before taking Bisacodyl if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Bisacodyl may cause dizziness, so drive if you are alert. Bisacodyl should not be given to children unless prescribed by a child specialist. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any interactions.
Uses of Bisacodyl
Medicinal Benefits
Bisacodyl belongs to the group of medicines called 'stimulant laxatives' used to treat constipation. Bisacodyl increases the intestinal movements, thereby facilitating stool passage. Bisacodyl helps in normalizing the bowel movement by increasing the intestinal movements. Bisacodyl is also used to clean the intestines before any examinations or medical procedures.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Bisacodyl
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Bisacodyl if you are allergic to any of its contents. Talk to your doctor if there is no bowel movement or if you find rectal bleeding after taking Bisacodyl. Do not take Bisacodyl if you have severe dehydration, appendicitis, blockage in the intestine, blocked bowel, or inflammation of the bowel. Talk to your doctor before taking Bisacodyl if you have liver or kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking Bisacodyl if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe you Bisacodyl only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Bisacodyl causes drowsiness, so drive if you are alert. Bisacodyl should not be given to children below four years as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Bisacodyl as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Bisacodyl may have interaction with diuretics (furosemide), anti-emetic (ondansetron), and corticosteroids (prednisolone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming dairy products and calcium with Bisacodyl.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction disorder, appendicitis, and rectal bleeding.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Bisacodyl. Alcohol intake, along Bisacodyl may cause increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Bisacodyl if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe you Bisacodyl if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether Bisacodyl passes into the mother’s milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Bisacodyl if you are breast-feeding, your doctor will prescribe you Bisacodyl if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionBisacodyl may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with severe liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with severe kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionBisacodyl should not be used by children below 4 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try maintaining a balanced diet, which includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Stay hydrated, drink enough water and fluids.
- Exercise regularly, and stay fit.
- Get enough sleep.
- Eat food rich in fiber such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, flaxseed, nuts, beans, lentils, fruits (berries, apples, oranges, bananas, pears, figs), and vegetables (broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, avocados).
- Trying making time to empty your bowels whenever the body tells you to.
Special Advise
Avoid intake of milk, or any antacid medicines together with Bisacodyl. It is advisable to maintain a gap of one hour between Bisacodyl and antacid drugs, milk/dairy products, magnesium, and calcium to avoid any interactions.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Constipation: It refers to infrequent bowel movements in which stools are often dry, painful, and hard to pass. Constipation is a condition in which the person has fewer than three bowel movements in a week. However, bowel patterns may vary from person to person. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and feeling as if the bowel movement is incomplete. Constipation occurs when the large intestine's normal muscle contractions slow down, which causes the incomplete elimination of the bowel from the body. Constipation could be associated with a sudden change of diet, a diet with less fibre, not drinking enough liquids, and lack of exercise.
FAQs
Bisacodyl increases the intestinal movements, thereby facilitating stool passage. Bisacodyl helps in normalizing the bowel movement by increasing the intestinal movements.
Bisacodyl causes dizziness. So, drive only if you are alert and omit driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Bisacodyl. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience excess diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Do not take Bisacodyl for more than 5 days as it might lead to dependency on Bisacodyl for a bowel movement. Taking Bisacodyl for longer durations might also cause dehydration, imbalance of fluids and salts in the body, affecting the tightness of muscles in the intestine. If your bowel movement is irregular even after taking Bisacodyl for five days, consult your doctor.
Bisacodyl can be taken with antacids if prescribed by the doctor. However, maintain a gap of 1 hour between Bisacodyl and antacids (pantoprazole).
