Overview | Schedule | Side Effects | Monitoring | Tips | Patient Assistance | References
Treatment Name: Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®)
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) is a Supportive Care Therapy to treat Constipation
How does bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) work?
Bisacodyl is a laxative designed to directly stimulate the movement of the intestines, which produces a bowel movement. It also causes the body to move water into the intestines, which softens the stool and the excess water can also stimulate the intestines and produce a bowel movement.
Goals of therapy:
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) is taken to relieve occasional constipation. It is commonly taken on an as needed basis with the goal of treating constipation.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) is available as an over-the-counter medication.
Schedule
Bisacodyl is commonly taken at home on an as needed basis to treat constipation and maintain normal, regular bowel movements daily or every other day.
Onset of action:
When dosed adequately, bisacodyl tablets generally induce a bowel movement in approximately 6 to 12 hours when taken by mouth. If suppositories are used, the effect is often quicker and a bowel movement may occur in as little as 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Dosing:
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) tablets:
- Bisacodyl 5-15 mg (one to three tablets) by mouth once daily with a glass of water
- Do not take bisacodyl tablets within one hour after taking antacids or eating and drinking milk or dairy products
- Unless directed by a doctor, bisacodyl should not be used for longer than one week at a time
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) suppositories:
- Bisacodyl 10 mg suppository inserted into the rectum once daily. Retain in rectum for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not use more than one bisacodyl suppository per day
- If you are receiving chemotherapy, do NOT attempt to use a suppository unless you have discussed this with your doctor. Use of suppositories could cause a tear in the rectum and may lead to a serious infection
- Unless directed by a doctor, bisacodyl should not be used for longer than one week at a time
Bisacodyl is usually taken at home. Typical duration of therapy is until bisacodyl no longer works in relieving constipation, or constipation is resolved and bisacodyl is no longer needed. Do not take bisacodyl for more than seven days without talking to your doctor.
Store bisacodyl tablets at room temperature (68-77°F). Store bisacodyl suppositories at a temperature that is less than 86°F otherwise the suppository may melt.
Side Effects
In the prescribing label information (bisacodyl package insert), the most commonly reported side effects from bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) are shown here:
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Stomach cramps
- Rectal burning (suppository only)
Bisacodyl should be used in pregnant women only if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn baby.
Note: The exact percentages of patients that will experience bisacodyl side effects is unknown because it has been used under widely varying patient populations in a variety of clinical trials.
Monitoring
How often is monitoring needed?
Labs (blood tests) are usually not necessary to start or continue bisacodyl therapy. If suppositories are used, a complete blood count (CBC) may be ordered to ensure that the white blood cell count is not too low
How often is imaging needed?
Imaging may be checked if there is concern of a small bowel obstruction (SBO) or blockage. Imaging may include: Abdominal X-ray, or CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis.
How might blood test results/imaging affect treatment?
Depending upon the results, your doctor may advise to continue bisacodyl as planned, add additional laxatives, place you on “bowel rest” (nothing by mouth until the obstruction clears), or switch to an alternative therapy for constipation.
To prevent constipation from getting worse, call your doctor if bisacodyl does not produce a bowel movement within the time that they have specified.
Questions to Ask Your...
A better understanding of your treatments will allow you to ask more questions of your healthcare team. We then hope that with the answers, you will get better results and have greater satisfaction with your care. Because we know it's not always easy to know what questions to ask, we've tried to make it easy for you!
Choose any healthcare provider below to see common questions that you may want to ask of this person. Then, either print each list to bring to your clinic visits, or copy the questions and send them as a message to your healthcare team through your electronic medical record.
ChemoExperts Tips
- Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) is an inexpensive, yet effective over-the-counter remedy for constipation
- Bisacodyl should not be used if you have noticed blood in the stool as this could be a sign of a serious condition
- To maintain regular bowel movements, bisacodyl may be combined with other over-the-counter medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble maintaining normal bowel movements
- If you are receiving chemotherapy, do NOT attempt to use a suppository or enema unless you have discussed this with your doctor. Suppositories and enemas can cause a tear in the rectum and may lead to a serious infection
- Walking helps to stimulate the bowels to move stool down the intestinal tract. A diet high in fiber (found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) also helps to maintain a healthy colon (large intestine)
- It is important to have regular bowel movements, usually once daily or every other day. Otherwise, your small bowel (intestine) may become blocked. Call your doctor if you have not had a bowel movement for 3 days or more, especially if you feel bloated. If you feel pain in your abdomen/belly, feel nauseated, or vomit at any point while constipated, call your doctor immediately
- Do not use suppositories if the foil wrapper is ripped or torn
- A pharmacist should ALWAYS review your medication list to ensure that drug interactions are prevented or managed appropriately
Patient Assistance & Co-payment Coverage
Patients under the age of 65 years, or those with private insurance plans:
If you have insurance and are looking for patient assistance or copay assistance for Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®), we have provided links that may help.
Visit our Patient Assistance page and click the links to various patient assistance programs for help paying for Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®). Depending upon your income, they may be able to help cover the cost of:
For Branded medications (may be available for generic medications too), check with the manufacturer to determine if a co-pay card is offered and if it could reduce your monthly copay.
- If you are uninsured, check with the manufacturer to determine if you are eligible to receive medication at no cost.
Medicare and Medicaid patients (Patients 65 years or older):
The clinic providing treatment will likely pre-authorize medications and immune therapies such as Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) and are the best source to help you understand drug cost.
- Ask to speak with a patient assistance technician or financial counselor at the clinic or hospital administering this therapy.
