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Bisacodyl Coupon - Bisacodyl 10mg suppository

bisacodyl

Generic Dulcolax
Used for Constipation
Used for Constipation

Bisacodyl suppositories are found over-the-counter (OTC) and treat occasional constipation in adults and children ages 6 and older. Typically, you insert this medication rectally once a day. As a laxative, it works by stimulating muscles in your gut, making it easier to empty your bowels. Side effects of this medication include stomach discomfort, cramping, and diarrhea.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on October 26, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Bisacodyl?

What is Bisacodyl used for?

How Bisacodyl works

Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative. It works by stimulating the muscles in your gut, helping stool move more easily through your intestines to empty the bowels. It also prevents your body from absorbing too much water from the gut, which softens the stool and relieves constipation.

Are you looking for information on bisacodyl oral tablets instead?

Drug Facts

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

More on Bisacodyl essentials

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

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

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

  • Stomach discomfort
  • Cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Feeling faint

Other Side Effects

  • Rectal burning
  • Rectal bleeding

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Rectal bleeding, blistering, burning, itching, or pain (with enemas only)

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Skin irritation surrounding rectal area

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Bisacodyl

thumbs-up

Pros

Available as an over-the-counter medication

Works within 15 minutes to 1 hour to relieve constipation

Only inserted once a day

thumbs-down

Cons

Might be difficult for some people to use as directed

Can cause stomach discomfort, cramping, and diarrhea

Shouldn't be used for long-term since it can cause dependence

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Bisacodyl

pharmacist

  • Let your healthcare team know if you have nausea or vomiting before using bisacodyl because these might be signs of a more serious health condition that needs more medical attention. Make sure to stay hydrated while using bisacodyl. Doing so might help your stool move easier through the gut and relieve constipation.

    • Before using bisacodyl, let your healthcare team know if you have stomach pain or a sudden change in bowel movements lasting for more than 2 weeks. These could be signs of a more serious problem.

      • Talk with your healthcare team if you've been using bisacodyl for more than 1 week. Using it longer than directed can lead to dependence, meaning your body might start to rely on this medication to have a bowel movement.

        • Stop using bisacodyl if you have rectal bleeding or don't have a bowel movement after using it. Contact your care team right away so they can check for any serious conditions.

          • Store bisacodyl 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, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.

            How to use bisacodyl suppository:

            • Remove one suppository from the strip and take off the wrapper.

              • While lying on your side with bended knees, insert the suppository slowly into the rectum with the pointed end first.

                • After inserting the suppository into your rectum, consider staying in the same position for about 15 to 20 minutes to keep the medication in your body.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Bisacodyl

                  Can I use 2 bisacodyl a day?
                  Each suppository contains 10 mg of bisacodyl. For children ages 6 to 11, the typical dose is half a suppository (5 mg) inserted rectally once a day. For adults and children 12 years and older, the usual dose is one suppository (10 mg) inserted rectally once a day. Don’t use more than this unless advised by a healthcare professional. Taking too much can raise your risk of side effects, like stomach cramps and rectal bleeding. If you don't feel relief after a dose, let your healthcare team know.
                  How long does it take for bisacodyl to work?
                  After a dose of bisacodyl, it'll typically take 15 minutes to 1 hour before you'll have a bowel movement. You might feel a strong urge to go to the bathroom soon after inserting, so make sure to stay near a toilet.
                  What are some common side effects of bisacodyl?
                  Some common side effects of bisacodyl include stomach discomfort, cramping, and diarrhea. Avoid using this medication more than directed by your healthcare team. Consider drinking plenty of water and eating small meals to help relieve stomach discomfort.
                  Is bisacodyl the same as Dulcolax?
                  Bisacodyl is the generic version of Dulcolax. Talk to your primary care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about comparing the brand-name and generic versions.
                  Does bisacodyl work differently from docusate sodium?
                  Yes, bisacodyl and docusate (Colace) work differently to relieve constipation. Docusate (Colace) is a stool softener that draws water and fat into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Bisacodyl, on the other hand, works by stimulating the muscles in your gut, helping the stool move through the intestines more easily to empty the bowels.
                  Can you use bisacodyl during pregnancy?
                  There's mixed evidence about whether stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl are safe to use during pregnancy. The rectal suppository is preferred over oral tablets to avoid colic. But in general, bisacodyl isn't the best option for treating constipation during pregnancy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the best way to ease 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 OB-GYN if you experience constipation during pregnancy.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Bisacodyl?

                  Bisacodyl 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

                  For rectal use only

                  Bisacodyl should only be used rectally. Don't take this medication by mouth, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed this medication, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

                  risk-warning

                  Further medical attention needed

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

                  dosage

                  Bisacodyl dosage forms

                  The average cost for 12 suppositories of 10mg of Bisacodyl is $18.51 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
                  suppository
                  Suppository
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  10mg30 suppositories$18.51$0.62

                  Typical dosing for Bisacodyl

                  • Adults and children age 12 years or older: Insert 1 suppository into the rectum once daily as needed for constipation. Each suppository contains 10 mg of bisacodyl.

                  • Children age 6 to 11 years old: Insert one-half of a suppository into the rectum once daily as needed for constipation.

                  • Children under 6 years old: Ask your child's pediatrician.

                  More on Bisacodyl dosage forms

                  Bisacodyl: woman reading rx bottle 1424064778

                  Bisacodyl Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

                  Written by Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh
                  interactions

                  Interactions between Bisacodyl and other drugs

                  Bisacodyl may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Bisacodyl. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                  Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  • Hyaluronidase
                  • St John's Wort
                  drug-cost

                  How much does Bisacodyl cost?

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                  Bisacodyl (generic)
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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Bisacodyl?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Bisacodyl. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Bisacodyl
                  Used for:
                  $11.65 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Senna
                  Used for:

                  • Occasional constipation

                  $1.03 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Saline enema (Fleet Enema)
                  Used for:

                  • Occasional constipation

                  $3.04 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  images

                  Bisacodyl images

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                  white bullet - CVS Gentle Laxative 10mg Rectal Suppository
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                  white bullet - Foster & Thrive Gentle Laxative 10mg Rectal Suppository
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                  References

                  Best studies we found

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

                  Major Pharmaceuticals. (2024). Leader Gentle Laxative- bisacodyl suppository suppository [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  MedlinePlus. (2016). Bisacodyl rectal.

                  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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