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Bisacodyl

  • Bisacodyl should only be used for a short time.
  • See a doctor if you are still constipated after 5 days of taking/using bisacodyl.
  • Eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and getting regular gentle exercise can all help maintain good bowel function.

About bisacodyl

Type of medicineStimulant laxative
Used forConstipation
Before some surgery and medical examinations
Also known asDulcolax®
Available asTablets and suppositories

Stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl are used to treat constipation. Constipation can be caused by a poor diet, not drinking enough water and not going to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to. Pregnancy, a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines, including some painkillers, can also cause constipation.

Bisacodyl works by encouraging the muscles in the bowel to increase the movement of waste products through the body helping you to go to the toilet.

Before taking/using bisacodyl

Before having bisacodyl make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have intestinal obstruction (a blocked bowel).
  • If you have inflammation of the bowel.
  • If you have severe pain in the abdomen with a feeling of sickness.
  • If you are very dehydrated or take diuretics ('water tablets').
  • If you have recently had any bowel or abdominal surgery.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take/use bisacodyl

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take bisacodyl exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Bisacodyl should only be used for a short time. This is because the bowel can start to rely on this type of laxative to make it work rather than working on its own.
  • Stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl should not be given to children unless a doctor has prescribed them.
  • Bisacodyl tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew the tablets.
  • Bisacodyl tablets take about 10-12 hours to work and therefore should be taken at bedtime.
  • Bisacodyl suppositories only take about 20-60 minutes to work and therefore should be used in the morning as directed by your doctor.

    How to use suppositories:
    1. If the suppository is too soft, it may be chilled in the refrigerator or under cold running water before unwrapping. Remove the wrapping and moisten the suppository with water. Lie on your left side (if you are right-handed) and draw your knees up towards your chest, with the right leg drawn up more than the left.
    2. Using your index finger or middle finger (whichever you find easier) gently push the suppository into the rectum (back passage) as far as possible, pointed end first.
    3. Lower your legs to a comfortable position to help you to hold the suppository in place.
    4. Always wash you hands after use.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as the tablets. Take them at least an hour before or an hour after a dose of bisacodyl.
  • Many people take laxatives when they do not need to because they believe that they should go to the toilet every day. This is not the case, as for many people it is normal not to go to the toilet every day.
  • A healthy diet containing fibre (whole grain breads and cereals, bran, fruit and green leafy vegetables) with 6 to 8 full glasses of water each day and daily exercise are important in maintaining healthy bowel function.
  • Drinks containing caffeine (tea, coffee, colas) or alcohol can make constipation worse as they have a diuretic effect, which means they cause a loss of fluid from the body.

Can bisacodyl cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take/use this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling sickEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Suppositories may cause irritation to the bottomThis should soon pass. Try applying a gentle moisturiser
DiarrhoeaStop using bisacodyl. This can be a result of taking bisacodyl unnecessarily or for too long

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store bisacodyl

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Dulcolax® Tablets 5 mg, Boehringer Ingelheim Limited Consumer Healthcare, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2008, accessed February 2010.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Dulcolax® Suppositories, Boehringer Ingelheim Limited Consumer Healthcare, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2008, accessed February 2010.
  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3226DocRef: dils2088Last Reviewed: 4 Mar 2010Version: 23
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