bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Correctol, BisacEvac, Bisacolax, Codulax, Alophen, Feen A Mint, Fleet Stimulant Laxative, Laxit, Modane, Dulcolax for Women)

Dosing and uses of Dulcolax, Correctol (bisacodyl)

• Adult
• Pediatric

 

Adult dosage forms and strengths

tablet

• 5mg

 

Constipation

5-15 mg PO once daily; if complete evacuation required, 30 mg PO once daily

 

Pediatric dosage forms and strengths

tablet

• 5mg

 

Constipation

<6 years: PO administration not recommended, because of requirement to swallow tablets

6-12 years: 5 mg or 0.3 mg/kg PO at bedtime or before breakfast

>12 years: 5-15 mg PO at bedtime

 

Dulcolax, Correctol (bisacodyl) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Abdominal cramping

Electrolyte and fluid imbalance

Excessive diarrhea

Nausea

Rectal burning

Vertigo

Vomiting

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Obstruction or severe impaction

Symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen

Vomiting

Rectal bleeding

 

Cautions

Avoid chronic use; may cause laxative dependence

Avoid using in patients with gastroenteritis

Do not chew tablet; swallow whole

Not for use within 1 hour of taking antacid or milk

Not recommended for children < 6 years because of requirement to swallow tablets

Not to be used for >1 week

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: C

Lactation: Has not been detected in excreted milk; use with caution

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Dulcolax, Correctol (bisacodyl)

Mechanism of action

Irritates smooth muscle of intestine and possibly colonic intramural plexus, thus in turn increasing peristalsis

Increases intestinal fluid accumulation and laxation by altering water and electrolyte secretion

 

Absorption

Onset: 6-10 hr

 

Distribution

Vd: 289 L

 

Elimination

Half-life: 8 hr