IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Medication Interactions
- Dosage and Storage
- Medication Images
Pronounced: (bis-AK-oh-dil)
Gentle Laxative Rect Precautions
Before using bisacodyl, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This product should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:
- intestinal blockage (obstruction)
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other bowel problems (e.g., ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding)
- current stomach/abdominal symptoms (e.g., pain, cramping, persistent nausea/vomiting)
Consult your doctor before using this product if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks, or if you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week. These could be symptoms of a serious medical problem.
This product may be used during labor/delivery to clean the bowels before the second stage of labor (pushing phase). At other times during pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Gentle Laxative Rect Side Effects
Rectal irritation/burning/itching, mild abdominal discomfort/cramps, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this product, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this product do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
- rectal bleeding/blisters
- persistent diarrhea
Persistent diarrhea may result in a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/increased thirst, lack of tears, dizziness/lightheadedness, or pale/wrinkled skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised May 2010
Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

Seven Common Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis
Seven Nutrition Tips for Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Quiz: Do You Know What Your Stool is Telling You?
Six Risk Factors for Ulcerative Colitis