Bisacodyl

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Also indexed as:

Correctol, Dulcolax, Feen-A-Mint

Bisacodyl, a stimulant-type laxative used to treat constipation, is available as a nonprescription product. All laxatives, including bisacodyl, should be used for a maximum of one week to prevent laxative dependence and loss of normal bowel function.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Bisacodyl

Depletion or interference	Potassium
Adverse interaction	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Potassium and other nutrients

Prolonged and frequent use of stimulant laxatives, including bisacodyl, may cause excessive and unwanted loss of water, potassium, and other nutrients from the body.^{1, 2} Bisacodyl should be used for a maximum of one week, or as directed on the package label. Excessive use of any laxative can cause depletion of many nutrients. In order to protect against multiple nutrient deficiencies, it is important to not overuse laxatives.³ People with constipation should consult with their doctor or pharmacist before using bisacodyl.

Other Interactions

Food

Bisacodyl tablets are enteric coated to pass through the stomach and dissolve in the small intestine. Milk, dairy products, vegetables, almonds, chestnuts, and other foods can cause the enteric coating to dissolve in the stomach, leading to irritation and cramping.⁴ People should take bisacodyl one hour before or two hours after meals to avoid this problem.

References

1. Fleming BJ, Genuth SM, Gould AB, Kaminokowski MD. Laxative induced hypokalemia, sodium depletion, and hyperreninemia. Effects of potassium and sodium replacement on the rennin angiotensin system. Ann Intern Med 1975;83:60-2.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Gastrointestinal Drugs, Laxatives. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1991, 319a.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Gastrointestinal Drugs, Laxatives. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1991, 319a.
4. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 49.

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Last Review: 09-01-2007

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