Medications and Drugs

1. Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
2. Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
3. Heartburn? Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow

Brand Names: Alophen, Bisac-Evac, Bisco-Lax, Carters Little Pills, Correctol, Doxidan Tablet, Dulcolax Laxative, Evac-U-Gen, Ex-lax Ultra, Feen-A-Mint, Fleet Bisacodyl, Gen Lax, Gentlax Tablet, Gentle Laxative, Laxative Gentle Suppositories, Magic Bullet, Modane, Veracolate

Generic Name: bisacodyl (Pronunciation: bis AK oh dil)

• What is bisacodyl (Alophen, Bisac-Evac, Bisco-Lax, Carters Little Pills, Correctol, Doxidan Tablet, Dulcolax Laxative, Evac-U-Gen, Ex-lax Ultra, Feen-A-Mint, Fleet Bisacodyl, Gen Lax, Gentlax Tablet, Gentle Laxative, Laxative Gentle Suppositories, Magic Bullet, Modane, Veracolate)?
• What are the possible side effects of bisacodyl?
• What is the most important information I should know about bisacodyl?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using bisacodyl?
• How should I use bisacodyl?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while using bisacodyl?
• What other drugs will affect bisacodyl?
• Where can I get more information?

What is bisacodyl (Alophen, Bisac-Evac, Bisco-Lax, Carters Little Pills, Correctol, Doxidan Tablet, Dulcolax Laxative, Evac-U-Gen, Ex-lax Ultra, Feen-A-Mint, Fleet Bisacodyl, Gen Lax, Gentlax Tablet, Gentle Laxative, Laxative Gentle Suppositories, Magic Bullet, Modane, Veracolate)?

Bisacodyl is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements.

Bisacodyl is used to treat constipation or to empty the bowels before surgery, colonoscopy, x-rays, or other intestinal medical procedure.

Bisacodyl may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Reliable Gentle Laxative

round, gold, imprinted with TCL 003

What are the possible side effects of bisacodyl?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;
• swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• rectal bleeding;
• severe stomach pain or cramps, severe or ongoing diarrhea or vomiting; or
• low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling).

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, weakness;
• increased thirst;
• mild stomach pain, gas, indigestion;
• diarrhea or loose stools;
• mild nausea; or
• skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about bisacodyl?

Do not use bisacodyl if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor.

If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative.

Bisacodyl products should not be used for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.

Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition. Stop using bisacodyl and contact your healthcare provider.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.