Bisacodyl
Active ingredient · 2 therapeutic classes
Sold as Laxative · Laxative Gentle · Gentle Laxative · Dulcolax Laxative · DULCOLAX
- Drug class
- Contact Laxatives
- Availability
- Over-the-counter
- Routes
- Oral, Rectal
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 65
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 736
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Bisacodyl is a medication classified as a contact laxative [1]. It is approved for use as a laxative [1].
This medication is available under various brand names, including Dulcolax Laxative and Walgreens Gentle Laxative [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 736 adverse event reports associated with bisacodyl [2]. Among the reported adverse events, common themes include off-label use, nausea, condition aggravation, the drug being ineffective, and vomiting [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 31 | March 17, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 18 | May 5, 2026 |
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 16 | May 15, 2026 |
CACanada· Health Canada
31 products
Uses
AND CLINICAL USE .............................................................................. 3 CONTRAINDICATIONS .................................................................................................... 3 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ..................................................................................
4 ADVERSE REACTIONS .................................................................................................... 6 DRUG INTERACTIONS.....................................................................................................
7 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................ 8 OVERDOSAGE ...................................................................................................................
9 ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY............................................................... 9 STORAGE AND STABILITY .......................................................................................... 10 DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING..............................................
USUnited States· FDA
18 products
Uses
Uses for relief of occasional constipation and irregularity this product generally produces bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours
How to take
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
16 products
Uses
Short term relief of occasional constipation.
How to take
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Bisacodyl. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]Health Canada (DPD) · 02552612 · revised August 5, 2025
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 04279d2b-2bb7-4d… · revised May 5, 2026 [PDF]
- [3]MHRA (UK) · PL218800019 · revised May 15, 2026
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.