Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)

Category:

• Gastrointestinal

Description:

• Stimulant Laxative

Indications:

• Short term treatment of constipation

• Bowel prep for surgery or examination

Contraindications:

• Rectal fissures, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, appendicitis

• Abdominal obstruction, fecal impaction, acute hepatitis

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category B

• Do not take within 1 hour of antacids or milk

• Glucose reading low with Clinistix, Diastix; not effect on Tes-tape

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Gastrointestinal: anorexia, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

• Metabolic: alkalosis, hypokalemia, protein-losing enteropathy, tetany

• Muscle weakness

Dosage:

Oral tablet 5mg

Rectal suppository 10mg

• Adult: 

  • Oral; 

    • 5-15mg

  • PR 

    • 10mg

    • up to 30mg for bowel or rectal preparation

•  Child: 

  • Oral

    • 5-10mg (or 0.3mg/kg) for age >3

  • PR 

    • 5-10mg age 2-11

    • 5mg < age 2