Bisacodyl

Bisacodyl is the International Nonproprietary Name of a compound that functions as a stimulant laxative. It is typically prescribed for relief of constipation and for the management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction. Bisacodyl is a diphenylmethane derivative and was first used as a laxative in 1953 due to its similarity to phenolphthalein [1].

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Available Forms

Bisacodyl is sold under the trade names Dulcolax, Fleet, Alophen, Correctol, Carter's Little Pills as well as generically. It is usually sold as 5mg tablets, 10mg suppositories, or 5mg pediatric suppositories. Safe dose 10 mg rec for suppositories

Administration

When bisacodyl is administered orally, it is usually taken at bedtime, but when it is administered rectally, it is usually taken in the morning. This is due to the relatively long onset of the drug when taken orally (around 6-10 hours) compared to when it is taken rectally (around 15-60 minutes). Bisacodyl is also sometimes used before and after a colonoscopy.^[1]

References

1. ^ Wexner, SD; Beck, DE; Baron, TH; Fanelli, RD; Hyman, N; Shen, B; Wasco, KE; American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons; American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (Jun 2006). "A consensus document on bowel preparation before colonoscopy: prepared by a task force from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)". Gastrointest Endosc. 63 (7): 894-909. ISSN 0016-5107. PMID 16733101. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.