Generic Bisacodyl

Common use

Bisacodyl is a medicine used to relieve occasional constipation and irregularity. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative. It acts directly on the bowels, stimulating the bowel muscles to cause a bowel movement.



Dosage and directions

Take Bisacodyl by mouth with or without food with full glass of water. It is recommended to drink extra fluids during intake of Bisacodyl. Swallow the tablet the whole. Do not break, crush or chew before swallowing.Do not take Bisacodyl within 1 hour after taking an antacid or milk.



Precautions

Before using Bisacodyl discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breast-feeding.; if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement,; if you have allergy to food, medicines, or other substances; if you have heart failure, abnormal levels of fluids or electrolytes in your body, nausea, vomiting or undiagnosed stomach pain.



Contraindications

Do not use Bisacodyl if you can't swallow without chewing, you have severe stomach pain, appendicitis, severe constipation, stomach, intestinal o rectal bleeding, or intestinal blockage, you are having abdominal surgery.



Possible side effects

Common side effects are faintness, cramps, stomach discomfort. Seek medical attention if you experience one of the following serious side effects: allergic reactions: rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.



Drug interaction

No specific interactions are know for the present time.



Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Bisacodyl and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once



Overdose

If you think that you overdosed Bisacodyl seek medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms are diarrhea, stomach cramps.



Storage

Store Bisacodyl at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Bisacodyl out of the reach of children and away from pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)