bisacodyl (redirected from Apo-Bisacodyl)

bisacodyl /bis·ac·o·dyl/ (bis-ak´ah-dil) (bis″ah-ko´dil) a contact laxative, used as the base or as a complex with tannic acid (b. tannex) .

---

bis·ac·o·dyl (bs-k-dl, bs-kdl)

n.

An over-the-counter laxative taken by mouth or per rectum to treat constipation.

---

bisacodyl

[bisak′ōdil]

a cathartic.

indications It is prescribed in the treatment of acute or chronic constipation or for emptying of the bowel before or after surgery or before diagnostic radiographic procedures.

contraindications Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rectal fissures, ulcerated hemorrhoids, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use.

adverse effects Among the more serious adverse reactions are colic, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

---

bisacodyl (bisak´dil),

n brand names: Dulcolax, Fleet Bisacodyl, Bisacodyl Uniserts, Fleet Laxative;
drug class: laxative, stimulant;
ac-tion: acts directly on intestine by increasing motor activity;
uses: short-term treatment of constipation, and bowel or rectal preparation for surgery or examination.

---

bisacodyl

a diphenylmethane stimulant cathartic.

---

bisacodyl

Alophen, Apo-Bisacodyl (CA), Biolax (UK), Bisac-Evac, Carter's Little Pills (CA), Correctol, Doxidan, Dulcolax, Entrolax (UK), Femilax, Feen-a-Mint, Fleet Stimulant Laxative, Gentlax (CA), Laxit (CA), Modane Tablet

Pharmacologic class: Stimulant laxative

Therapeutic class: Laxative

Pregnancy risk category B

Action

Unclear. Thought to stimulate colonic mucosa, producing parasympathetic reflexes that enhance peristalsis and increase water and electrolyte secretion, thereby causing evacuation of colon.

Availability

Enema: 0.33 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml

Powder for rectal solution: 1.5 mg bisacodyl and 2.5 g tannic acid

Suppositories (rectal): 5 mg, 10 mg

Tablets (enteric-coated): 5 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Constipation; bowel cleansing for childbirth, surgery, and endoscopic examination

Adults and children ages 12 and older: 5 to 15 mg P.O. Maximum daily dosage is 30 mg/day P.O. or 10 mg P.R.

Children ages 3 to 11: 5 to 10 mg (0.3 mg/kg) P.O. as a single dose or 5 to 10 mg P.R. as a single dose

Children ages 2 and younger: 5 mg P.R. as a single dose

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug
• Intestinal obstruction
• Gastroenteritis
• Appendicitis

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• hypersensitivity to tannic acid
• severe cardiovascular disease, anal or rectal fissures
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients.

Administration

• Make sure patient swallows tablets whole without chewing.
• Don't give tablets within 1 hour of dairy products or antacids (may break down enteric coating).
• Know that drug should be used only for short periods.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	6-12 hr	Variable	Variable
P.R.	15-60 min	Variable	Variable

Adverse reactions

CNS: dizziness, syncope

GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (with high doses), abdominal pain, burning sensation in rectum (with suppositories), laxative dependence, protein-losing enteropathy

Metabolic: hypokalemia, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, tetany, alkalosis

Musculoskeletal: muscle weakness (with excessive use)

Interactions

Drug-drug. Antacids: gastric irritation, dyspepsia

Drug-diagnostic tests. Calcium, magnesium, potassium: decreased levels

Phosphate, sodium: increased levels

Drug-food. Dairy products: gastric irritation

Patient monitoring

• Assess stools for frequency and consistency.
• Monitor patient for electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.

Patient teaching

• Instruct patient to swallow (not chew) enteric-coated tablets no sooner than 1 hour before or after ingesting antacids or dairy products. Tell him not to chew tablets.
• Advise patient not to use bisacodyl or other laxatives habitually because this may lead to laxative dependence.
• Suggest other ways to prevent constipation, such as by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to increase dietary bulk and by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, and foods mentioned above.

---

bisacodyl

Dulcolax An agent used to manage constipation