Gentle Laxative (BISACODYL) (bisacodyl)
Stimulant Laxatives Rectal Suppository, Rectal
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Diphenylmethane laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl) are stimulant laxatives.
USES: This product is used to treat constipation. However, milder products (such as laxatives taken by mouth) should be used whenever possible for constipation. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that works by increasing the amount of fluid/salts in the intestines.
This effect usually results in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. The normal frequency of bowel movements varies from once daily to 1 to 2 times weekly. Constipation is best treated by drinking plenty of fluids (four to six 8-ounce glasses daily), eating foods high in fiber, and exercising regularly.
This product is not recommended for use in children younger than 6 years unless directed by a doctor.
Generic name: bisacodyl
Pronunciation: (bis-AK-oh-dil)
Drug class: Stimulant Laxatives
Therapeutic class: Gastrointestinal Therapy Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Gentle Laxative (BISACODYL)
Indications
The following indications are listed for Gentle Laxative (BISACODYL):
- Constipation
Dosing
The recommended dosages of the diphenylmethane laxatives should not be exceeded.
Bisacodyl is administered orally. Bisacodyl also is administered rectally as a suppository or enema. Bisacodyl tannex is administered rectally as an enema. For occasional use as an oral laxative, bisacodyl should be administered the evening before a morning bowel movement is desired. Rectal bisacodyl suppositories and enemas may be administered at the time a bowel movement is desired. To avoid gastric irritation and the possibility of vomiting, enteric-coated bisacodyl tablets must be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or taken within 1 hour of antacids or milk.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Ft Gentle Laxative 10 Mg Supp | Maintenance | Insert 1 suppository (10 mg) by rectal route once daily as needed forconstipation. |
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Bisacodyl 10 Mg Suppository | Maintenance | Insert 1 suppository (10 mg) by rectal route once daily as needed forconstipation. |
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
Stimulant Laxatives/Selected Bowel Preparations
SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Osmotic laxatives and stimulant laxatives may have additive adverse effects.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of stimulant laxatives and Sutab tablets (sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride) may increase the risk of mucosal ulceration, ischemic colitis, gastric ulcerations, or gastritis.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of Sutab tablets (sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate and potassium chloride) recommends avoiding the use of stimulant laxatives while using this bowel preparation product.(1)
DISCUSSION: Osmotic laxative products may produce colonic mucosal aphthous ulcerations which reports have shown can lead to ischemic colitis requiring hospitalization. Using stimulant laxatives in addition may increase this risk.(1)
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
Laxatives/Trofinetide
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Trofinetide commonly causes diarrhea of mild to moderate severity. Laxatives may increase the incidence or severity of diarrhea.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of laxatives with trofinetide may increase the risk of severe diarrhea.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients should stop laxatives before starting trofinetide. If diarrhea occurs, consider anti-diarrheal treatment and monitor hydration status. If severe diarrhea or dehydration occurs, interrupt, reduce dose, or discontinue trofinetide.(1)
DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, 85% of patients on trofinetide developed diarrhea. Concurrent use of laxatives may increase this risk.(1)
Laxatives; Stool Softeners/Tenapanor
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Tenapanor commonly causes diarrhea of mild to moderate severity. Laxatives and stool softeners may increase the incidence or severity of diarrhea.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of laxatives or stool softeners with tenapanor may increase the risk of severe diarrhea.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tenapanor states that patients should be instructed to avoid stool softeners and laxatives with tenapanor. If severe diarrhea occurs, tenapanor should be discontinued.(1)
DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, 43-53% of CKD patients on dialysis treated with tenapanor developed diarrhea. Diarrhea usually occurred soon after treatment initiation and was severe in 5% of patients.(1)
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
- Anal fissure
- Appendicitis
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Toxic colitis
- Toxic megacolon
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rectal bleeding
- Ulcerative proctitis
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Less Frequent
- Abdominal pain with cramps
- Diarrhea
- Eructation
- Nausea
- Perianal irritation
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Constipation | ||
| K59.0 | ICD10CM | Constipation |
| K59.00 | ICD10CM | Constipation, unspecified |
| K59.01 | ICD10CM | Slow transit constipation |
| K59.03 | ICD10CM | Drug induced constipation |
| K59.04 | ICD10CM | Chronic idiopathic constipation |
| K59.09 | ICD10CM | Other constipation |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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