GENERIC NAME bisacodyl

BRAND NAME Dulcolax

CLASSIFICATION Laxative

DOSAGE AND FREQUENCY 5 mg 2 tabs PO

MECHANISM OF ACTION Direct effect on colonic smooth musculature

by stimulating intramural nerve plexi.

Therapeutic Effect: Promotes fluid and

electrolyte accumulation in colon, increasing

peristalsis, producing laxative effect.

INDICATIONS Treatment of constipation, colonic evacuation

before examinations or procedures.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Contraindicated for patients who are

hypersensitive to bisacodyl and pts who are

experiencing abdominal pain, appendicitis,

 intestinal obstruction, nausea, undiagnosed

rectal bleeding, vomiting, pregnancy, lactation.

Cautions: Long-term use may lead to laxative

dependence, loss of normal bowel function.

SIDE EFFECTS Frequent: Some degree of abdominal

discomfort, nausea, mild cramps, faintness.

ADVERSE EFFECT Long-term use may result in laxative

dependence, chronic constipation, loss of

normal bowel function. Overdose may result in

electrolyte or metabolic disturbances

(hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, metabolic

acidosis, alkalosis), persistent diarrhea,

vomiting, muscle weakness, malabsorption,

weight loss.

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Observe for evidence of constipation

and assess pattern of bowel activity and

stool consistency.

2. Administer tablets whole; do not break,

crush, dissolve, or divide.

3. Avoid giving within 1 hr of antacids,

milk, other oral medication.

4. Give on empty stomach for faster

action.

5. Inform the patient about the drug that

she is about to take and also the side

and adverse effects of it.

6. Offer 6–8 glasses of water a day to aid

in stool softening.

7. Monitor serum electrolytes in those

exposed to prolonged, frequent, or

excessive use of medication.

8. If the patient feels nauseous and about

to vomit, offer ice chips and crackers

immediately and if GI upset occurs,

advise the patient to take the

medication with meals (Managing

Nausea and Vomiting at Home, 2019).

9. Assess for clinical improvement and

record onset of relief from pain.

10. Instruct the patient or the patient’s

family to report unrelieved

constipation, rectal bleeding, muscle

pain or cramps, dizziness, weakness.