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

• Pregnancy Rating: A
• Lactation risk: infant risk cannot be ruled out

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

See Also

• Constipation

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]

Authors:

Claire, Jonathan Fletcher, Matin Shah, Neil Young, Ross Donaldson