- What is bisacodyl-rectal suppository, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the side effects of bisacodyl-rectal suppository?
- What is the dosage for bisacodyl-rectal suppository?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with bisacodyl-rectal suppository?
- Is bisacodyl-rectal suppository safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about bisacodyl-rectal suppository?
What is bisacodyl-rectal suppository, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative. It stimulates the muscles in the wall of the small intestine and colon to generate a bowel movement. It also alters water and electrolyte levels in intestines, increasing the level of fluids which also produce a laxative-like effect.
What brand names are available for bisacodyl-rectal suppository?
Dulcolax, Biscolax, Bisac-Evac, Fleet Bisacodyl Enema, Fleet Stimulant Laxative
Is bisacodyl-rectal suppository available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for bisacodyl-rectal suppository?
No
What are the side effects of bisacodyl-rectal suppository?
Side effects of bisacodyl are:
What is the dosage for bisacodyl-rectal suppository?
Rectal suppository
- Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Unwrap and insert 1 suppository into rectum daily as a single dose. Retain for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Children of ages 6 to under 12 years: Unwrap and insert ½ suppository into rectum daily as a single dose.
- Children under 2 years of age: Ask a doctor.
:
Enema
- Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Use 1 bottle (1.25 oz) as a single dose.
- Children under 12 years of age: Ask a doctor.

SLIDESHOW
How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Treatments See SlideshowWhich drugs or supplements interact with bisacodyl-rectal suppository?
No significant drug interactions.
Is bisacodyl-rectal suppository safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies done to determine safe and effective use of bisacodyl in pregnant women.
It is unknown whether bisacodyl is excreted in breast milk; therefore it must be used with caution in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about bisacodyl-rectal suppository?
What preparations of bisacodyl-rectal suppository are available?
Bisacodyl is available 10 mg rectal suppository and an enema containing 10 mg of bisacodyl per 30 ml of enema.
How should I keep bisacodyl-rectal suppository stored?
Bisacodyl suppositories and enemas require storage below 30 C (86 F).
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Summary
Bisacodyl rectal suppository (Dulcolax, Biscolax, Bisac-Evac, Fleet Bisacodyl Enema, Fleet Stimulant Laxative) is a medication used to treat constipation. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
Related Disease Conditions
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Stool Color, Changes, Texture and Form
Stool color changes can very from green, red, maroon, yellow, white, or black. Causes of changes of stool color can range from foods a person eats, medication, diseases or conditions, pregnancy, cancer, or tumors. Stool can also have texture changes such as greasy or floating stools. Stool that has a uncharacteristically foul odor may be caused by infections such as giardiasis or medical conditions.
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Intestinal Gas and Gas Pain
Intestinal gas and painful bloating are common. Learn about what causes gas pain and how eliminating certain foods from your diet can help relieve symptoms.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a GI disorder with symptoms of constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. IBS treatment includes medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle changes.
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Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can have many causes that range from mild to severe. Some of these causes include bloating, gas, colitis, endometriosis, food poisoning, GERD, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ovarian cysts, abdominal adhesions, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and cancers. Signs and symptoms of the more serious causes include dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, pain with no urination or painful urination. Treatment for abdominal pain depends upon the cause.
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Constipation
Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon. There are many causes of constipation including medications, poor bowel habits, low-fiber diets, laxative abuse, and hormonal disorders, and diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon.
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Laxatives for Constipation
Laxatives types for the treatment of constipation include over-the-counter (OTC) preparations, for example, bulk-forming laxatives, stool softeners, lubricant laxatives, stimulants, or saline laxatives, enemas, and suppositories.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Prevention & Wellness

QUESTION
You are constipated if you don't have a bowel movement every day. See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors

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