Generic Name: Bisacodyl

Brand Name: Dulcolax

Classification: Belongs to a group of drugs called stimulant laxatives

Mode of Action: Irritates smooth muscle of intestine and possibly colonic intramural plexus, thus in turn
increasing peristalsis. It increases intestinal fluid accumulation and laxation by altering water and
electrolyte secretion.

Dose and Route:

Actual Dose: Dulcolax 4 tabs @4pm OD

Recommended Dose:

Usual Adult Dose for Bowel Preparation:

5 to 15 mg (1 to 3 tablets) orally once a day as needed or

10 mg (1 suppository) rectally once a day as needed or
10 mg rectal liquid once a day as needed.

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:

5 to 15 mg (1 to 3 tablets) orally once a day as needed or

10 mg (1 suppository) rectally once a day as needed or
10 mg rectal liquid once a day as needed.

Indication: Treatment of constipation. Evacuation of the bowel before radiologic studies or surgery.
Indicated for cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults.

Contraindication: Hypersensitivity
Obstruction or severe impaction
Symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen
Vomiting
Rectal bleeding
Side Effects: Stomach discomfort
Faintness
Rectal burning
Mild cramps

Adverse Effects: Abdominal cramping

Electrolyte and fluid imbalance
Excessive diarrhea
Nausea
Rectal burning
Vertigo
Vomiting

Drug Interactions: There may be an interaction between bisacodyl and any of the following:
antacids (e.g., aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide)
corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone)
digoxin
diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
H2-antagonists (e.g., ranitidine, cimetidine)
milk
proton pump inhibitors (PPIs; e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole)

Nursing Responsibilities:

 Assess patient for abdominal distention, presence of bowel sounds, and usual pattern of bowel
function.
 Assess color, consistency, and amount of stool produced.
 May be administered at bedtime for morning results.
 PO: Taking on an empty stomach will produce more rapid results.
 Do not crush or chew enteric-coated tablets. Take with a full glass of water or juice.
 Do not administer oral doses within 1 hr of milk or antacids; this may lead to premature
dissolution of tablet and gastric or duodenal irritation.
 Rect: Suppository or enema can be given at the time a bowel movement is desired. Lubricate
suppositories with water or water-soluble lubricant before insertion. Encourage patient to retain
the suppository or enema 15– 30 min before expelling
 Advise patient to increase fluid intake to at least 1500– 2000 mL/day during therapy to prevent
dehydration.
 Encourage patients to use other forms of bowel regulation (increasing bulk in the diet,
increasing fluid intake, or increasing mobility). Normal bowel habits may vary from 3 times/day
to 3 times/wk.
 Instruct patients with cardiac disease to avoid straining during bowel movements (Valsalva
maneuver).
 Advise patient that bisacodyl should not be used when constipation is accompanied by
abdominal pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting.