From the Guidelines
Bisacodyl (Ducolax) is typically dosed at 10-15 mg, 2 to 3 times daily, with a goal of one nonforced bowel movement every 1 to 2 days, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The dosing of bisacodyl can vary depending on the individual's condition and the severity of constipation.
- For adults, the recommended dose is 10-15 mg, 2 to 3 times daily, as stated in the guidelines 1.
- It is essential to assess the cause and severity of constipation before initiating treatment with bisacodyl, and to rule out other treatable causes such as impaction, obstruction, hypercalcemia, hypokalemia, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus 1.
- Bisacodyl works by stimulating the intestinal muscles and increasing water accumulation in the colon and small intestine, which helps soften stool and promote bowel movements.
- The medication should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed, as this can cause stomach irritation.
- It is also important to avoid taking bisacodyl within one hour of antacids or milk, as these can dissolve the enteric coating prematurely.
- If constipation persists, other laxatives such as polyethylene glycol, lactulose, magnesium hydroxide, or magnesium citrate may be considered, as well as prokinetic agents like metoclopramide 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL Oncor Pharmaceuticals NDC 83720-550-25 12 Suppositories 10 mg each Bisacodyl Suppositories Fast Acting Smulant Laxative The dosing for Ducolax (bisacodyl) is 10 mg per suppository 2.
From the Research
Dosing for Ducolax (Bisacodyl)
- The dosing for Ducolax (bisacodyl) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, the studies discuss the efficacy and safety of bisacodyl as a stimulant laxative for the treatment of constipation 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Bisacodyl is considered to be a stimulant laxative with a dual prokinetic and secretory action, and it acts locally in the large bowel to enhance motility, reduce transit time, and increase the water content of the stool 4.
- The American Gastroenterological Association-American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Practice Guideline recommends the use of bisacodyl as a stimulant laxative for the pharmacological management of chronic idiopathic constipation, but does not provide specific dosing information 6.
- A systematic review of stimulant and nonstimulant laxatives for the treatment of functional constipation found that both types of laxatives provided better relief of constipation symptoms than placebo, but did not provide specific dosing information for bisacodyl 7.