How To Use Bisacodyl

Bisacodyl comes in the form of a tablet to take by mouth once a day. It is generally taken at night and produces a bowel movement in 6-12 hours. 

Read the package insert or prescription label carefully and use bisacodyl exactly as mentioned. Do not take a higher or lower dose of the medicine or take it more frequently than advised. 

Chronic use of this medicine (taking bisacodyl too frequently or continuously) can make the smooth muscle of your intestines forget how to move your bowels on its own. This can lead to laxative dependence. If you have had constipation for a long time and have been using laxatives and you stop taking laxatives suddenly, it can lead to severe impaction symptoms. 

You should not take bisacodyl more than once a day or for longer than one week without your doctor’s approval. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or cut the tablet.

If you are using bisacodyl suppositories, follow the instructions in the package to insert the enema tip correctly. You should leave the suppository in place in your rectum for 15-20 minutes and lie down while you wait for it to work. Bisacodyl suppositories work quickly, usually within an hour, so make sure you have access to a bathroom.

Talk to your doctor before starting bisacodyl if you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden change from your normal bowel habits in the last 2 weeks. Stop taking bisacodyl and call your doctor if you have rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after taking the medicine. You may have a serious medical problem.

Missed dose: Bisacodyl is usually taken on an as needed basis. If you forget a dose of bisacodyl, take the next dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store bisacodyl at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused bisacodyl should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw bisacodyl in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to properly discard expired or unneeded bisacodyl is through your local waste disposal company or a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on bisacodyl. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about bisacodyl, talk to your doctor for medical advice.

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