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Bisacodyl Coupon - Bisacodyl 5mg tablet

bisacodyl

Generic Dulcolax
Used for Constipation
Used for Constipation

Bisacodyl tablet is found over-the-counter (OTC) and used as a laxative for occasional constipation. Typically, you take bisacodyl tablet by mouth once a day. It usually starts working within 6 to 12 hours after the dose. The most common side effects of bisacodyl tablet are belly discomfort and cramps.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 16, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Bisacodyl tablet?

What is Bisacodyl tablet used for?

  • Occasional constipation and irregular bowel movements

How Bisacodyl tablet works

Bisacodyl tablet is a stimulant laxative. It works by stimulating muscles in your intestines (guts), which helps the stool move easier through your guts to empty the bowels. Another way bisacodyl tablet works is by preventing your body from drawing too much water away from your guts, which helps to soften the stool and relieve constipation.

Are you looking for information on bisacodyl (Dulcolax) suppositories instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDulcolax, Gentle Laxative
Drug ClassStimulant laxative
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter

More on Bisacodyl tablet essentials

Dulcolax: How long: red white gel capsule pills white bottle 1299652844

How Long Does Dulcolax Take to Work? Answers to This and 5 More FAQs

Written by Tegan Smedley, PharmD, BCPS, APh
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What are the side effects of Bisacodyl tablet?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Rectal bleeding (blood that comes from your anus): blood on the toilet paper when you wipe, red-colored water in the toilet, blood mixed in with or on the outside of your stool
  • No bowel movement: No bowel movements after consistently taking bisacodyl tablet

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Bisacodyl tablet

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Pros

Available over the counter

Generally well-tolerated if taken as directed

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Only taken once a day

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Cons

Typically takes 6 to 12 hours to relieve constipation

Must ask provider first if pregnant, breastfeeding, or for children under 6 years old

Shouldn't take with antacids and milk

Should only be taken short-term (less than 7 days) unless otherwise directed by your provider

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Bisacodyl tablet

pharmacist

  • Don't take bisacodyl tablet within an hour of taking an antacid (Tums) or milk. This is because antacid and milk can dissolve the coating on bisacodyl tablet tablets, which might lead to more side effects from bisacodyl tablet, such as stomach irritation.

    • Let your provider know if you have nausea or vomiting before taking bisacodyl tablet because these might be signs of a more serious health condition that needs more medical attention. In addition, nausea or vomiting can cause dehydration, which can worsen your constipation. Make sure to stay hydrated if you're constipated and while taking bisacodyl tablet. Doing so might help your stool move easier through the gut and relieve constipation.

      • Before taking bisacodyl tablet, let your provider know if you have stomach pain or a sudden change in your bowel movements that last for more than 2 weeks. This is so your provider can make sure there are no other serious medical conditions going on.

        • Talk with your provider if you've been taking bisacodyl tablet for more than a week. Using this medication for a longer period of time than directed by your provider can cause your body to rely on this medication to relieve yourself.

          • Stop taking bisacodyl tablet if you have rectal bleeding or if you don't have a bowel movement after using it. Call your provider so they can check you out for any serious conditions.

            • Store bisacodyl tablet up and away and out of children's reach and sight. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing medication that's left out. Always put medication away every time you use it. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed bisacodyl tablet, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Bisacodyl tablet

              How long does bisacodyl tablet take to work?
              After a dose of bisacodyl tablet, it'll typically take 6 to 12 hours before you'll have a bowel movement. Because of this, bisacodyl tablet might not be the best option if you're looking for immediate relief. If you need medications that work quicker, ask your provider if magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) (works within 30 minutes to 6 hours) or bisacodyl suppository (can ease constipation in 15 minutes to 1 hour) are possible options for you.
              How many bisacodyl tablet tablets should I take?
              Each bisacodyl tablet contains 5 mg of bisacodyl. For children between 6 to 11 years old, the typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth once a day. For adults and children ages 12 years and older, the typical dose is 1 tablet to 3 tablets by mouth once a day. It's recommended that you start with the lowest dose (1 tablet) since taking too much bisacodyl tablet can cause more side effects, such as cramping. If 1 tablet isn't enough to relieve constipation, you can raise the dose the next day as needed. Let your provider know if you don't experience relief from constipation after taking the maximum dose.
              How often can you take bisacodyl tablet?
              Typically, you can take bisacodyl tablet by mouth once a day to help with occasional constipation. But it's not recommended that you take this medication for longer than a week since it can cause your body to rely on bisacodyl tablet to relieve yourself. If you've constipation for longer than a week, talk to your provider. They can examine you and discuss other possible causes of your constipation, such as medications or medical conditions.
              Is bisacodyl tablet safe during pregnancy?
              There's mixed evidence on whether or not bisacodyl tablet is safe to take during pregnancy. Stimulant laxatives, like bisacodyl tablet, aren't first-choice options for treating constipation during pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the best way to ease the occasional constipation is to eat more fiber. But if that doesn't help, bulk-forming laxatives, like psyllium (Metamucil), are typically the first-choice option. Talk with your provider if you experience constipation during pregnancy.
              Can I take bisacodyl tablet in the morning?
              Bisacodyl tablet can be taken at any time throughout the day. But given that this medication takes 6 to 12 hours to work, make sure you have easy access to the bathroom within that time frame. Some people find it helpful to take this medication right before bedtime so they can use the bathroom in the morning.
              Can I eat after taking bisacodyl tablet?
              Bisacodyl tablet can be taken with or without food. The only exception is that you shouldn't take this medication within 1 hour of dairy products (e.g., milk) or antacids. This is because dairy products and antacids can change how this medication gets absorbed and prevents it from working properly in the guts.
              Does bisacodyl tablet come as a soft chew?
              Bisacodyl tablet isn't available in soft chews, but the brand name for this medication, Dulcolax, has soft chews available. Keep in mind that Dulcolax soft chews contain magnesium hydroxide, which is a different ingredient than Dulcolax tablets.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Bisacodyl tablet?

              Bisacodyl tablet can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              More medical attention needed

              See a healthcare provider right away if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting along with constipation. Also, let your provider know if you had to use laxatives for more than a week or if you still aren't able to have a bowl movement after taking bisacodyl tablet. These are signs that you need more medical attention.

              dosage

              Bisacodyl tablet dosage forms

              The average cost for 4 tablets of 5mg of Bisacodyl tablet is $2.60 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 60.02% off the average retail price of $6.50.
              tablet
              Tablet
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              5mg4 tablets$2.60$0.65

              Typical dosing for Bisacodyl tablet

              • Adults and children (ages 12 years and older): The typical dose is 5 mg to 15 mg by mouth once a day.

              • Children (ages 6 to 11 years old): The typical dose is 5 mg by mouth once a day.

              • Children (under 6 years old): Ask your child's provider.

              More on Bisacodyl tablet dosage forms

              Bisacodyl: woman reading rx bottle 1424064778

              Bisacodyl Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

              Written by Tegan Smedley, PharmD, BCPS, APh
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              How much does Bisacodyl tablet cost?

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              Dulcolax (brand)
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              Bisacodyl tablet (generic)
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              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Bisacodyl tablet?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Bisacodyl tablet. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Bisacodyl tablet
              Used for:

              • Occasional constipation and irregular bowel movements

              $2.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Senna
              Used for:

              • Occasional constipation

              $3.49 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Polyethylene glycol (Miralax)
              Used for:
              $15.09 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              latest news

              What is the latest news about Bisacodyl tablet?

              Despite the “budget Ozempic” trend, using laxatives to lose weight comes with potentially dangerous risks and side effects. Here’s why taking laxatives for weight loss isn’t safe.

              Are Laxatives Safe for Weight Loss? Why It’s Best to Avoid Them

              Despite the “budget Ozempic” trend, using laxatives to lose weight comes with potentially dangerous risks and side effects. Here’s why taking laxatives for weight loss isn’t safe.
              Learn about the best laxatives for constipation caused by medications with GoodRx. Get info, comparisons, tips, and more.

              Constipation From Your Medications: What’s the Best Laxative?

              Learn about the best laxatives for constipation caused by medications with GoodRx. Get info, comparisons, tips, and more.
              Laxatives are used to help pass stool more easily. Here is how laxatives work, the different types available, and how long they take to work in the body.

              How Long Does It Take for Over-the-Counter Laxatives to Work?

              Laxatives are used to help pass stool more easily. Here is how laxatives work, the different types available, and how long they take to work in the body.
              It takes 6 to 12 hours for Dulcolax tablets to work for constipation. You may experience faster results with different forms of Dulcolax, like the suppositories.

              How Long Does Dulcolax Take to Work? Answers to This and 5 More FAQs

              It takes 6 to 12 hours for Dulcolax tablets to work for constipation. You may experience faster results with different forms of Dulcolax, like the suppositories.
              The typical adult bisacodyl (Dulcolax) dosage is 5 mg to 15 mg taken at bedtime. See the recommended dosage for children, info on adjustments, and more here.

              Bisacodyl Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

              The typical adult bisacodyl (Dulcolax) dosage is 5 mg to 15 mg taken at bedtime. See the recommended dosage for children, info on adjustments, and more here.
              Colonoscopies are an important cancer screening tool. It is very important that colonoscopy preparation instructions are followed exactly, or a colonoscopy may have to be repeated. Here, we review the different types of colonoscopy kits and preparation medications, such as Miralax and GoLYTELY. Learn about how colonoscopy prep kits work.

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              What’s the difference between a stool softener and laxative? Which is better? Explore the differences between OTC laxatives and choose the best option for you.
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              References

              Best studies we found

              American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). What can help with constipation during pregnancy?

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Put your medicines up and away and out of sight.

              Geiss, Destin & Dunn Inc. (2023). Bisacodyl laxative- bisacodyl tablet, delayed release [package insert]. DailyMed.

              View All References (5)

              Lawrensia, S., et al. (2022). Bisacodyl. StatPearls.

              MedlinePlus. (2018). Bisacodyl.

              Sanofi. (n.d.). Dulcolax® adult 5mg gastro-resistant tablets.

              Sanofi. (n.d.). Dulcolax® soft chews.

              Sanofi. (n.d.). Dulcolax® tablets.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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