BISACODYL

Stimulant laxative that increases intestinal movements

Dosage Forms

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Enteric coated tablet

5 mg

Suppository

5 mg

Uses

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  • Short term, symptomatic treatment of constipation
  • Prevention of constipation in patients taking opioid analgesics (e.g. morphine, codeine)
  • Tape worm infestation (adjunct to antihelmitics)

Dose and Duration

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Constipation

Give until patient passes stool; maximum 7 days

Adult: 10 mg once daily at night
Child: 5 mg once daily at night
Tape worm infestation
Adult: 10 mg given 2 hours after treatment with an anti helminthic e.g. albendazole
Child: 5 mg 2 hours after treatment with an antihelminthic
Prevention of constipation in patients taking opioid analgesics

Start 48 hours after beginning of opioid treatment and continue until end of opioid treatment

Adult: 10 mg once daily at night
Child: Insert suppository 5 mg once daily at night

Contraindications

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  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Undiagnosed bowel pain
  • Absent bowel sounds
  • Haemorrhoids

Side Effects

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  • Abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhoea

Patient Instructions

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  • Swallow tablets whole (do not crush or chew)
  • Drink plenty of water/fluids and eat lots of fruits and vegetables
  • Effect of tablets is not instant; expect reaction after 6–12 hours after swallowing

Pregnancy

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  • Do not use

Breastfeeding

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  • Do not use

⚠️ Caution

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  • In children 6 months to 3 years old, do not use oral route. ➡️ Use rectal route.
  • Avoid prolonged use as it can impair normal functioning of colon and cause low potassium levels in blood