Indication
Bisacodyl is indicated for Constipation; Preparation for radiography; antepartum & postpartum care; Preparation for sigmoidoscopy or proctoscopy; colonoscopy; hemorrhoids & anal fissures. All conditions which require defecation to be facilitated.
Pharmacology
Bisacodyl works by stimulating enteric nerves to cause colonic contractions. It is also a contact laxative; it increases fluid and salt secretion. Action of bisacodyl on small intestine is negligible; stimulant laxatives mainly promote evacuation of the colon.
Dosage
Constipation:
Adult: 1-2 tab (5-10 mg) daily, relief in 6-12 hr.
Adult/Pediatric: 1 suppository (10 mg) daily, relief in 15-30 min.
Children <10 yr: 1 tab (5 mg) or 1 suppository (5 mg) daily.
For complete bowel clearance:
>10 yr: 2-4 tab the night before & 1 adult suppository on the day of the procedure.
<10 yr: 1 tab the night before & 1 pediatric suppository?ÿon the day of the procedure.
The max daily dose should not be exceeded.
Interaction
Do not give antacids or milk within 1 hour of taking the drug (enteric coated)
Contradiction
Bisacodyl is contraindicated in ileus, intestinal obstruction, acute surgical abdominal conditions, severe dehydration. Appendicitis & acute inflammatory bowel diseases.
Side Effect
Abdominal discomfort & diarrhea.
Pregnancy
Bisacodyl has been assigned to pregnancy category B by the FDA. Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of teratogenicity or fetotoxicity. No data are available from controlled human pregnancy studies. Bisacodyl should only be given during pregnancy when need has been clearly established.It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when HalfLytely and Bisacodyl Tablets Bowel Prep Kit is administered to a nursing woman.
Precaution
Caution should be taken in pregnancy and children.
Overdose
A laxative is a medicine used to produce bowel movements. Laxative overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose.Most laxative overdoses in children are accidental. However, some people regularly take overdoses of laxatives to try to lose weight.
Storage
Store at room temperature, between 15?øC to 30?øC. Store in a tightly closed container away from heat, moisture, and light.