Bisacodyl is a diphenylmethane stimulant laxative. It acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating the sensory nerve endings in the colonic mucosa to produce parasympathetic reflexes resulting in increased peristaltic contractions of the colon.

Bisacodyl should not be used by patients with intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain, hernia impaction, cystitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcerative colitis and acute surgical abdomen.

Bisacodyl is used to treat constipation (all its varieties), haemorrhoids bowel evacuation prior to surgery, bowel evacuation prior to radiological and endoscopic examinations.

Antacids decrease the effect of Bisacodyl. Bisacodyl increases the side effects of cardiac glycosides.

Bisacodyl usually is taken orally. For adults: 2 dragées noct or rectally 1 suppository in the morning (the suppositories produce an effect in about 30 minutes). For children: 1 tablet of Bisacodyl. When used to empty the bowel prior to surgery or investigative procedures, Bisacodyl tablets should be used in combination with the suppositories, in order to produce complete evacuation.

Caution should be exercised when Bisacodyl is administered in the first trimester of pregnancy and lactation period. This laxative is not recommended for patients with renal and liver disease and for children younger than 4 years.

Side effects with this medicine may include: stomach upset, nausea, muscle cramps, weakness or dizziness, nausea or vomiting.