Bisacodyl
Class: laxative – stimulant
Indications: constipation
Contraindications/cautions: acute abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction; acute IBD; severe dehydration
Adverse reactions: common: abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, perianal irritation (usually with suppositories); less common: atonic colon (on prolonged use), hypokalaemia
Metabolism/clearance: mainly excreted in faeces
Interactions:
- decreased clinical effects of antispasmodics (e.g. hyoscine butylbromide) may occur due to stimulant effects of bisacodyl
| Dosing: | |
|---|---|
| oral: | 5 to 10 mg at night or 5 mg twice a day |
| subcut: | not available |
| rectal: | 10 mg daily (morning may be preferred) |
Syringe driver: not available
Mechanism of action: stimulates colonic activity via nerves in the intestinal mucosa
Onset: oral: 6 to 12 hours rectal: 10 to 30 minutes (usually 20 minutes)
Notes:
- second line to Laxsol. May be useful in opioid induced constipation especially in combination with a softener
Availability:
- 5 mg tab; 10 mg supp