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What Is Bisacodyl?

Bisacodyl is an over-the-counter stimulant laxative used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. A common delayed-release tablet contains 5 mg. Oral bisacodyl generally produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. The delayed-release coating is designed to keep the tablet intact until it reaches the intestine.

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What Is Bisacodyl?

Bisacodyl is an over-the-counter stimulant laxative used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. A common delayed-release tablet contains 5 mg. Oral bisacodyl generally produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. The delayed-release coating is designed to keep the tablet intact until it reaches the intestine.

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How Does Bisacodyl Stimulate a Bowel Movement?

Bisacodyl is converted in the intestine to an active metabolite called BHPM. This metabolite acts on the colonic lining, increasing intestinal movement and secretion. The combined prokinetic and secretory actions increase stool water content and shorten colonic transit time, which promotes a bowel movement.

When Is Bisacodyl Used?

Delayed-release bisacodyl tablets are labeled for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. The product generally works within 6 to 12 hours. Medical advice is advised before use when stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks is present.

How Are Bisacodyl Tablets Taken?

Adults and children age 12 and older take one to three 5 mg tablets as a single daily dose. Children age 6 to under 12 take one tablet as a single daily dose. Children under 6 require medical advice. Tablets are swallowed whole with water and are not crushed or chewed.

What Safety Problems Need Attention With Bisacodyl?

Bisacodyl can cause stomach discomfort, faintness, and cramps. Tablets should not be taken within one hour of milk or an antacid. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use calls for medical review. Use longer than one week also calls for medical advice under current over-the-counter labeling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bisacodyl

Is bisacodyl a stimulant laxative?

Yes. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative used for temporary relief of occasional constipation.

How long does oral bisacodyl take to work?

Delayed-release bisacodyl tablets generally produce a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours.

Can bisacodyl tablets be crushed?

No. Delayed-release tablets are swallowed whole and should not be crushed or chewed.

Can bisacodyl be taken with milk or an antacid?

Not within one hour. Current over-the-counter labeling directs users to separate bisacodyl from milk and antacids by at least one hour.

References

Bisacodyl. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601027.html. Date Accessed September 16, 2026.

Bisacodyl. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Bisacodylum. Date Accessed September 16, 2026.

Bisacodyl. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547733/. Date Accessed September 16, 2026.

DailyMed - BISACODYL tablet, delayed release. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=49cb9a34-4c76-48c5-92c0-39e0ffc805c3. Date Accessed September 16, 2026.

DailyMed - BISACODYL tablet, delayed release. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=7d5dd009-c371-43c2-b42d-1b5c7dd09a4d. Date Accessed September 16, 2026.