Bisacodyl

Introduction To Bisacodyl

Bisacodyl is a medicine used to treat constipation. It is a laxative and helps you empty your bowels. Sometimes it is used by hospitals before surgery or some internal examinations or treatments. It works by increasing movement in the intestine.

Bisacodyl is used in the back passage (rectum) and must not be taken by mouth. Use this medicine at bedtime in a dose as advised by your doctor. Remember to inform the doctor if you have a history of stomach disorders such as appendicitis or a blockage in your bowel.

This medicine may cause side effects like stomach cramp, fainting, stomach discomfort, and rectal discomfort. This medicine when used with some lifestyle modifications like having a fiber-rich diet, increase fluid intake and regular exercise can help you to get better results.

Uses of Bisacodyl

  • Treatment of Constipation

Benefits of Bisacodyl

Treatment of Constipation
Bisacodyl is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements. It increases the movement of the intestines, this helps empty your bowels and relieve constipation. It takes 6 to 12 hours to work and you may need several doses, but you should not take it every day for more than 5 days. This is a short- term treatment and should only be used when needed. It relieves the pain and discomfort caused due to constipation and improves your quality of life. Eat more high-fiber foods including fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water to prevent constipation from happening.

Side effects of Bisacodyl

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Gerbisa

  • Fainting
  • Stomach discomfort
  • Rectal discomfort
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Stomach cramp

How to use Bisacodyl

Remove the wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Keep lying down for about 15 minutes after insertion so that the suppository does not come out before it melts.

How Bisacodyl works

Bisacodyl is a laxative which dissolves in the rectum (large intestine) from where it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. It works by increasing the movement of the intestine, thereby facilitating the passage of stool. This provides fast relief from constipation. It also helps clean out the intestines prior to medical procedures or examination.

Quick tips

  • Together with Bisacodyl, taking a fiber-rich diet containing whole grain bread and cereals, bran, fruits and green leafy vegetables, is essential to maintain healthy bowel function.

  • Avoid taking a Bisacodyl for more than 1 week, unless prescribed by the doctor, as it leads to dependency on the laxative action to produce a bowel movement.

  • Take Bisacodyl after 2 hours from other medicines, as it may interfere with the absorption of other medicines.

  • Bisacodyl should be preferably taken at bedtime because it requires 6 to 8 hours to show impact.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Bisacodyl if I’m pregnant?

Bisacodyl may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

sdsBreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Bisacodyl if I’m breastfeeding?

Bisacodyl is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

sdsKidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Bisacodyl if I have/had kidney diseases?

There is limited information available on the use of Bisacodyl in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor. Use of Bisacodyl is generally not advised if there is associated vomiting as the loss of body water can be harmful to kidney function.

sdsLiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Bisacodyl if I have/had liver diseases?

There is limited information available on the use of Bisacodyl in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it safe to use Bisacodyl?

Bisacodyl is safe if you use it for a prescribed duration and dose as recommended by your doctor. In case of any side effects, consult your doctor.

Q. Is Bisacodyl a stimulant laxative?

Yes, Bisacodyl belongs to a group of medicines known as stimulant laxatives which increase bowel movements. Bisacodyl is used for recent or long-term constipation. It can also be used to clear the bowels before surgery, labor or radiological investigation.

Q. Is Bisacodyl habit forming?

Bisacodyl can be habit-forming. Long-term use can make your body depend on the laxative for regular bowel movements, damage the bowel, cause malnutrition, and problems with the amounts of water and salts in your body. Do not use this medicine for longer than directed by your doctor. If your constipation keeps returning, consult your doctor.

Q. Is Bisacodyl effective?

Yes, Bisacodyl is effective if used for an approved indication at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.

Q. Can I take Bisacodyl for constipation?

Bisacodyl is used for the treatment of recent or long-term constipation. Bisacodyl can also be used to clear the bowels before surgery, labor or radiological investigation. Bisacodyl belongs to a group of medicines known as stimulant laxatives. Stimulant laxatives increase bowel movements, thus help in relieving constipation.

Q. Can I take Bisacodyl with senna?

Bisacodyl and senna both belong to a group of medicines called laxatives. However, no drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two, this does not mean that interactions cannot occur. Therefore, please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.

Q. Can the use of Bisacodyl help lose weight?

Bisacodyl does not cause weight loss. Please consult your doctor in case you experience weight loss while taking Bisacodyl or if you need treatment for weight management.

Q. Does Bisacodyl cause diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common side effect of Bisacodyl. Please consult your doctor if you experience intolerable diarrhea with Bisacodyl.

Q. Does Bisacodyl cause cramping?

Abdominal cramps or pain is a common side effect of Bisacodyl. Please consult your doctor if you experience cramps while taking Bisacodyl.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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