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About bisacodyl - Brand name: Dulcolax

Bisacodyl is a laxative. This type of medicine can help you empty your bowels if you have difficulty pooing (constipation).

Bisacodyl is also used in hospitals to help you empty your bowels before surgery or some examinations or treatments. Your hospital will explain how to use it.

Bisacodyl comes as a tablet and a suppository, which is a medicine that you push gently into your anus (bottom).

The tablets and suppositories are available on prescription. You can also buy them from pharmacies. Smaller packs (up to 20 standard strength tablets or 10 maximum-strength tablets) can also be bought for adults from pharmacies and shops.

Before trying bisacodyl, it's better to try other ways to help your constipation by:

Only use bisacodyl if you have tried other types of laxatives first such as:

Key facts

  • Bisacodyl is known as a stimulant laxative. It works by helping your bowel move and also softens your poo so you can poo more easily.
  • Bisacodyl tablets take 6 to 12 hours to work. The suppositories take 10 to 45 minutes to work, so it's best to stay close to a toilet after you've used them.
  • The most common side effects are feeling sick (nausea), diarrhoea and stomach pain or cramps.
  • Only give bisacodyl to children and young people if a doctor or pharmacist recommends it.
  • Do not take bisacodyl tablets or use bisacodyl suppositories every day for more than 5 days.

Page last reviewed: 2 August 2024
Next review due: 2 August 2027