Bisacodyl: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Bisacodyl is a laxative used to relieve occasional constipation and irregular bowel movements, although its formal pharmacological class is not specified in the product listing. It is also sold as Dulcolax and is available in oral and rectal forms; a pharmacist can advise on buying it from a United Kingdom pharmacy and whether it is suitable.

Bisacodyl works as a stimulant laxative. This type of laxative encourages the muscles of the bowel to move its contents along and increases the amount of water in the bowel, helping stool pass more readily.

Its action is mainly within the bowel rather than throughout the body. Delayed-release oral formulations are designed to release the medicine further along the digestive tract, which is why the tablet coating should remain intact.

Bisacodyl is used for relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. This means its listed use is for episodes when bowel movements are difficult or less regular than usual, rather than ongoing treatment of an unexplained change in bowel habits.

The oral tablet product generally produces a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours. The label advises medical review if a laxative is needed for more than 1 week, or if no bowel movement occurs after using a laxative.

The label lists oral capsules and tablets in 5 mg strengths, rectal enemas at 10 mg/30 mL, and suppositories at 10 mg, 10 mg/1.8 g and 10 mg/2000 mg. The label lists 1 to 3 tablets in a single daily dose for adults and children 12 years and over. The label lists 1 tablet in a single daily dose for children 6 to under 12 years.

For children under 6 years, the label advises asking a doctor. The tablet directions specify use with a glass of water and warn against exceeding the stated directions.

The label specifies storage at 25°C (77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F), and avoiding excessive humidity. The product should not be used if the outer package is opened or the blister is torn or broken. The expiry date is on the end flap.

Bisacodyl is labelled for occasional constipation, so a missed dose does not necessarily need replacing. If it is being used on an agreed schedule, a pharmacist can advise about resuming it. A double dose should not be used to make up for a missed dose, and the label directions should not be exceeded.

The label advises anyone who is pregnant or breast-feeding to ask a health professional before using bisacodyl. It does not give further pregnancy or lactation risk details. A doctor or pharmacist can discuss whether this product is suitable during pregnancy or breast-feeding.