What’s the Best Laxative or Stool Softener to Take for Constipation?
Learn about the best laxatives and stool softeners for constipation, plus other tips for treating constipation.
bisacodyl
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.
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Dulcolax, Gentle Laxative |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Stimulant laxative |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
More on Bisacodyl tablet essentials
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
- Belly discomfort
- Feeling faint
- Cramps
Bisacodyl tablet 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
The following Bisacodyl tablet side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Bisacodyl tablet
Pros
- Available over the counter
- Generally well-tolerated if taken as directed
- Available as a lower-cost generic medication
- Only taken once a day
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 for Bisacodyl tablet
- Make sure to swallow bisacodyl tablet tablets whole. Don't chew or crush the tablets since it can affect how well this medication works in your guts. If swallowing tablets is hard for you or your child, there's a suppository formulation that can be inserted into the rectum.
- 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.
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.
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.
Bisacodyl tablet dosage
The average cost for 4 tablets of 5mg of Bisacodyl tablet is $4.54 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 8.84% off the average retail price of $4.98. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 4 tablets | $4.54 | $1.14 |
Typical dosage 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
How much does Bisacodyl tablet cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
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.
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Bisacodyl tablet images
