Bisacodyl

Today's med: Bisacodyl (bis a KOE dil), 

(brand names: Alophen, Bisa-Evac, Biscolax, Correctol, Dacodyl, Doxidan, Dulcolax, ex-lax Ultra, Femilax, Fleet Bisacodyl, Fleet Stimulant Laxative, Veracolate)

This drug is sold OTC

Drug Class: Laxative, Stimulant

Action: Stimulates peristalsis by directly irritating the smooth muscle of the intestine, possibly the colonic intramural plexus; alters water and electrolyte secretion producing net intestinal fluid accumulation and laxation.

Metabolism: Bisacodyl is metabolized to an active metabolite (BHPM) in the colon; BHPM is then converted in the liver to a glucuronide salt (Friedrich, 2011)

Other Drugs in this class: No other drugs...aloe, cascara, senna and castor oil.

Indications: Treatment of constipation; colonic evacuation prior to procedures or examination

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to bisacodyl or any component of the formulation; abdominal pain or obstruction, nausea, or vomiting

Adverse Effects:  <1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Electrolyte and fluid imbalance (metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, hypocalcemia); mild abdominal cramps, nausea, rectal burning, vertigo, vomiting

Standard Dosing:  

Children: Oral: >6 years: 5-10 mg (0.3 mg/kg) at bedtime or before breakfast

Rectal suppository: <2 years: 5 mg as a single dose; >2 years: 10 mg

Adults: Oral: 5-15 mg as single dose (up to 30 mg when complete evacuation of bowel is required)

Rectal suppository: 10 mg as single dose

Dosage adjustment in renal impairment: No dosage adjustment provided in manufacturer’s labeling. Use with caution in patients with impaired renal function.

Dosage adjustment in hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment provided in manufacturer’s labeling.

Administration

Administer tablet with a glass of water on an empty stomach for rapid effect. To protect the enteric coating, tablet should not be administered within 1 hour of milk, any dairy products, or taking an antacid.

Dietary Considerations

To protect the enteric coating, tablet should not be taken within 1 hour of milk, any dairy products, or taking an antacid. Should be administered with a glass of water on an empty stomach for rapid effect.

Drug interactions: Antacids: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Bisacodyl. Antacids may cause the delayed-release bisacodyl tablets to release drug prior to reaching the large intestine. Gastric irritation and/or cramps may occur. Consider therapy modification

Although not first choice for the treatment of constipation in pregnant women, short-term use of stimulant laxatives is generally considered safe in pregnancy; long-term use should be avoided (Cullen, 2007; Prather, 2004; Wald, 2003).

Link: http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/bisacodyl.html

Bisacodyl....Bis-a-COLON-blow-dyl...