Bisacodyl VP – indications, contraindications, interactions, side effects

Bisacodyl is a drug used in proctology, gastroenterology and family medicine for the short-term treatment of constipation, including chronic and habitual constipation. The preparation affects the digestive tract and has laxative properties. Bisacodyl is available as gastro-resistant tablets and is available over the counter.

Bisacodyl VP (ICN Polfa Rzeszów / Valeant)

Indications for the use of Bisacodyl

The active substance in Bisacodyl is bisacodyl, a laxative that is used to act in the large intestine. The drug is administered:

1. in constipation of various origins (e.g. habitual and chronic constipation in bedridden patients or in the elderly, constipation after changing the diet, constipation in the postoperative period);
2. to empty the intestines before diagnostic tests and surgery.

Dosage of Bisacodyl – in the evening before bedtime or 1/2 hour before breakfast:

1. adults: 5-10 mg once a day, if necessary 15 mg once a day.

Bisacodyl and contraindications and warnings

Contraindications to the use of Bisacodyl are:

1. hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation,
2. acute abdominal syndrome,
3. bowel obstruction,
4. colitis
5. abdominal pain of unknown etiology,
6. Leśniowski and Crohn’s disease,
7. gastrointestinal bleeding
8. ulcerative colitis,
9. do not use in infants.

Bisacodyl – warnings

1. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 days, a doctor should be consulted.
2. Long-term use is not recommended; Long-term use increases the risk of water and electrolyte disturbances (decreased potassium levels).
3. Dizziness and fainting with bowel movements have been reported in patients taking laxatives.
4. Do not use in children under 10 years of age without a doctor’s recommendation.
5. Bisacodyl contains lactose. Patients with hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should consult a doctor.
6. Bisacodyl can be used by pregnant women only after consulting a doctor and only if absolutely necessary.
7. Do not use during breastfeeding.

Bisacodyl – interactions

1. Increases the effect of digitalis glycosides (by causing potassium deficiency).
2. Milk and antacids reduce the effect of the preparation. Do not administer milk and antacids for at least 1 hour before taking the preparation; they increase the risk of irritation of the gastric mucosa.
3. The use of diuretics or corticosteroids increases the risk of water and electrolyte imbalance.

Bisacodyl – side effects

Occasionally, abdominal pain and intestinal cramps, as well as hypersensitivity reactions (isolated cases of angioedema and anaphylactoid reactions) may occur. Long-term use of the drug can cause diarrhea with loss of water and electrolytes, mainly potassium. In rare cases, colon atony (loss of normal smooth muscle tone) may develop.