Medication guide
Bisacodyl
- Generic name
- Bisacodyl
- Common brand names
- Dulcolax Laxative
- Medication class
- Stimulant laxative
Overview
Its medication class is Stimulant laxative. Common uses include Occasional constipation. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Oral stimulant/stool-softening laxative.
- Time of day
- Prefer evening or before travel/known delayed bowel days.
- With food/water
- Take with full water dose; do not take on empty stomach in low-hydration states.
- Preparation
- Swallow complete tablets/capsules unless liquid is specified.
- Safe dose
- Lowest effective single dose first.
- Max dose
- Stay within label and do not use >7 days without review unless labeled.
- Frequency
- Usually once daily, some products 1–2x/day.
- Other recommendations
- Stop and seek care with severe pain, no stool, or blood with stool.
Common uses
- Occasional constipation
Common side effects
- Cramps
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- nausea
- headache
- and sweating
Important warnings
- Avoid long-term routine use; reserve for intermittent rescue. Contraindicated in bowel obstruction, appendicitis, and inflammatory bowel disease flare without guidance. Can cause severe cramping and electrolyte loss with repeated dosing.
General interactions information
Potassium disturbances may interact with diuretics and antiarrhythmics
Sources / references
- Bisacodyl — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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