Bisacodyl Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

If you’re struggling with constipation, maybe you’ve already tried increasing your intake of fiber and fluids. And now you’re looking for an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative to help get things moving. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is a popular choice for relieving occasional constipation.

But if you’re considering picking up a bottle from the pharmacy, it’s important to know how to take it. We’ve put together a guide that covers what you need to know about recommended bisacodyl dosages.

Note: Bisacodyl is sometimes suggested to help prepare for medical procedures, such as colonoscopies. This article won’t cover those doses. Refer to your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking bisacodyl for that purpose.

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What’s the typical bisacodyl dosage for adults?

Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that treats occasional constipation. How fast it works depends on the form you take. Oral tablets and capsules take 6 to 12 hours to work. Rectal forms (suppositories and enemas) work faster — within 15 to 60 minutes.

Regardless of the form of bisacodyl you take, you should only take one dose per day. And don’t combine the different forms, such as by taking tablets and using a suppository on the same day.

Bisacodyl tablets and capsules

Bisacodyl tablets and capsules contain 5 mg of bisacodyl. Typically, adults taking the medication will follow these dosage instructions:

• Take 1 to 3 pills together as a single dose with a full glass of water. Don’t take more than one dose in 24 hours.

• Swallow pills whole. Don’t chew, cut, or crush them.

• Avoid dairy products and antacids for an hour before and after taking bisacodyl.

Bisacodyl suppositories

Bisacodyl suppositories contain 10 mg of bisacodyl per suppository. The typical adult dosage is one suppository inserted rectally per day. Don’t insert more than one suppository in 24 hours.

Not sure how to insert a suppository? Here are some quick tips:

1. Unwrap the suppository.

2. Find a comfortable position. If you’re able, lie down on your side and pull a knee up to your chest.

3. Using a finger, place the suppository, pointed-end first, into your rectum. Push it all the way in until it passes the muscular sphincter of the rectum (about 1 inch in).

4. Hold it inside for 15 to 20 minutes, or as long as you can. It might be easiest to do this while still lying down.

5. Wash your hands with soap and water.

Bisacodyl enema

Bisacodyl enemas contain 10 mg of bisacodyl per bottle. The typical adult dosage is the contents of one bottle inserted into the rectum once a day. Don’t use more than one enema in 24 hours. Contact your healthcare provider if you don’t have a bowel movement within 20 minutes of inserting a bisacodyl enema.

First time using an enema? Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Shake the bottle well.

2. Remove the protective cap from the bottle tip.

3. Find a comfortable position. Try lying down on your side and raising a knee to your chest. Or try kneeling and leaning forward so that your head and chest are resting comfortably on a sturdy surface.

4. Gently insert the enema bottle into your rectum. Point the tip of the bottle toward your belly button.

5. Squeeze the bottle gently until it’s just about empty.

6. Remove the bottle from your rectum. Hold the enema liquid inside as long as you can, for up to 10 minutes.

7. Wash your hands with soap and water.

What’s the typical bisacodyl dosage for children?

Children 12 years and older can take the adult dosages of any bisacodyl form, as described above. Bisacodyl tablets, capsules, and suppositories can be used in children ages 6 to 11 at lower doses. But keep in mind that the tablets and capsules need to be swallowed whole. So they may be difficult for children to take. Bisacodyl enemas shouldn’t be given to children under 12 years old.

For children younger than 6 years old, talk to a healthcare provider about safe options for treating constipation.

Bisacodyl tablets and capsules

Bisacodyl tablets and capsules contain 5 mg of bisacodyl per pill. Here are the typical oral bisacodyl dosages for children:

• Children 12 years and older: Give 1 to 3 pills together as a single, daily dose with a full glass of water. Don’t give more than one dose in 24 hours.

• Children 6 to 11 years old: Give 1 pill as a single, daily dose with a full glass of water. Don’t give more than one dose in 24 hours.

• Children under 6 years old: Ask a healthcare provider before giving.

• Avoid dairy products and antacids for an hour before and after taking bisacodyl.

Bisacodyl suppositories

Bisacodyl suppositories contain 10 mg of bisacodyl per suppository. These are the typical dosages for children:

• Children 12 years and older: Insert one suppository as a single, daily dose. Don’t insert more than one suppository in 24 hours.

• Children 6 to 11 years old: Insert one-half of a suppository as a single, daily dose. Don’t insert more than one-half of a suppository in 24 hours.

• Children under 6 years old: Ask a healthcare provider before giving.

Wondering how to give your child a suppository? Here are some helpful tips:

1. Unwrap the suppository.

2. If the dose is one-half of a suppository, carefully cut it lengthwise with a sharp knife. Smooth down any rough or jagged edges with a clean finger before inserting.

3. Find a comfortable position for your child. Try one of these positions:

   • On their side with their knees bent toward their chest.

   • On their back with legs raised, similar to a position they’d be in to change a diaper.

   • On their stomach with knees to chest, or over your lap.

4. Put on gloves. If you don’t have gloves, you can cover your finger with plastic wrap.

5. Gently insert the pointed end into the rectum using the tip of your finger. You’ll know if you’ve inserted it far enough if it doesn’t come right back out.

6. Try to keep the suppository in for 15 to 20 minutes, or as long as possible. Sometimes it helps to gently hold your child’s butt cheeks together for a few minutes. Try to distract your child with books, music, or quiet toys during this time.

7. Wash your hands with soap and water.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

There are no specific dose adjustments needed for health conditions. But there are some instances in which you should check with a healthcare provider before taking bisacodyl.

Talk to your provider before starting bisacodyl if you:

• Have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting

• Have rectal bleeding

• Experience a sudden change to your usual bowel habits that lasts for longer than 2 weeks

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have needed to use bisacodyl (or any laxative) daily for more than 1 week

What happens if you miss a dose of bisacodyl?

Since bisacodyl is taken only as needed, you won’t need to worry about missed doses. But keep in mind how long it takes each form of the medication to work. And remember that you should only take one dose in 24 hours. Don’t take extra bisacodyl to make up for doses that you forget to take.

What should you do if you take too much bisacodyl?

Taking too much bisacodyl can lead to side effects like diarrhea and dehydration. In severe cases, it can cause problems with your electrolyte levels. There are cases of people experiencing low potassium levels after taking too much bisacodyl. Low potassium may cause no symptoms. But it can also cause muscle weakness and even abnormal heart rhythms.

Some people overuse laxatives in an attempt to lose weight. This doesn’t work and can be harmful. If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, help is available. Call or text the National Eating Disorders Association's helpline at 1-800-931-2237 for support and resources in your area.

If you or someone you know has taken too much bisacodyl, contact a healthcare provider or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

How to save on bisacodyl

There are ways to save on bisacodyl, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. If your healthcare provider writes you a prescription for OTC bisacodyl, GoodRx can help you save as much as 90% off the average retail price.

The generic bisacodyl tablet price at certain pharmacies is as low as $2.21 with a free GoodRx discount. The generic bisacodyl suppository price at certain pharmacies is as low as $4.20 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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