Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) (bisacodyl)
Stimulant Laxatives Oral Tablet, Delayed Release (Enteric Coated)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Diphenylmethane laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl) are stimulant laxatives.
USES: Bisacodyl is used to treat constipation. It may also be used to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination/surgery. Bisacodyl is known as a stimulant laxative.
It works by increasing the movement of the intestines, helping the stool to come out.
Generic name: bisacodyl
Pronunciation: (bis-AK-oh-dil)
Drug class: Stimulant Laxatives
Therapeutic class: Gastrointestinal Therapy Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Dulcolax (Bisacodyl)
Indications
The following indications are listed for Dulcolax (Bisacodyl):
- Constipation
Dosing
The recommended dosages of the diphenylmethane laxatives should not be exceeded.
Bisacodyl is administered orally. Bisacodyl also is administered rectally as a suppository or enema. Bisacodyl tannex is administered rectally as an enema. For occasional use as an oral laxative, bisacodyl should be administered the evening before a morning bowel movement is desired. Rectal bisacodyl suppositories and enemas may be administered at the time a bowel movement is desired. To avoid gastric irritation and the possibility of vomiting, enteric-coated bisacodyl tablets must be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or taken within 1 hour of antacids or milk.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Dulcolax Ec 5 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 2 tablets (10 mg) by oral route once daily. |
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Bisacodyl Ec 5 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 2 tablets (10 mg) by oral route once daily. |
| Cvs Bisacodyl Ec 5 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 2 tablets (10 mg) by oral route once daily. |
| Gs Bisacodyl Ec 5 Mg Tablet | Maintenance | Take 2 tablets (10 mg) by oral route once daily. |
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
Stimulant Laxatives/Selected Bowel Preparations
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Osmotic laxatives and stimulant laxatives may have additive adverse effects.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of stimulant laxatives and Sutab tablets (sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride) may increase the risk of mucosal ulceration, ischemic colitis, gastric ulcerations, or gastritis.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of Sutab tablets (sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride) recommends avoiding the use of stimulant laxatives while using this bowel preparation product.(1)
DISCUSSION: Osmotic laxative products may produce colonic mucosal aphthous ulcerations which reports have shown can lead to ischemic colitis requiring hospitalization. Using stimulant laxatives in addition may increase this risk.(1)
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
Laxatives/Trofinetide
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Trofinetide commonly causes diarrhea of mild to moderate severity. Laxatives may increase the incidence or severity of diarrhea.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of laxatives with trofinetide may increase the risk of severe diarrhea.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients should stop laxatives before starting trofinetide. If diarrhea occurs, consider anti-diarrheal treatment and monitor hydration status. If severe diarrhea or dehydration occurs, interrupt, reduce dose, or discontinue trofinetide.(1)
DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, 85% of patients on trofinetide developed diarrhea. Concurrent use of laxatives may increase this risk.(1)
Laxatives; Stool Softeners/Tenapanor
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Tenapanor commonly causes diarrhea of mild to moderate severity. Laxatives and stool softeners may increase the incidence or severity of diarrhea.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of laxatives or stool softeners with tenapanor may increase the risk of severe diarrhea.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tenapanor states that patients should be instructed to avoid stool softeners and laxatives with tenapanor. If severe diarrhea occurs, tenapanor should be discontinued.(1)
DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, 43-53% of CKD patients on dialysis treated with tenapanor developed diarrhea. Diarrhea usually occurred soon after treatment initiation and was severe in 5% of patients.(1)
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
- Appendicitis
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Toxic colitis
- Toxic megacolon
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Fecal incontinence
Adverse reactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
Less Frequent
- Dehydration
Rare or Very Rare
- Disorder of electrolytes
- Syncope
- Ulceration of colon
Less Frequent
- Abdominal pain with cramps
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Eructation
- Headache disorder
- Nausea
Rare or Very Rare
- Urine discoloration
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Constipation | ||
| K59.0 | ICD10CM | Constipation |
| K59.00 | ICD10CM | Constipation, unspecified |
| K59.01 | ICD10CM | Slow transit constipation |
| K59.03 | ICD10CM | Drug induced constipation |
| K59.04 | ICD10CM | Chronic idiopathic constipation |
| K59.09 | ICD10CM | Other constipation |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
Search health-plan coverage for this drug by ZIP code.
Choose the first character of a health plan name.
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
On this page
Actions
Sign in to save favorites
Saving this drug requires a free Physicians Office Resource account.