Bisacodyl

Bisacodyl

File:Bisacodyl correct.gif
Clinical data
Pregnancy category	C
Routes of administration	Oral, Rectal
ATC code	A06AB02 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	In general: Over-the-counter (OTC)
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	15%
Metabolism	Hepatic CYP450
Elimination half-life	16 Hours
Excretion	primarily in the faeces, systemically absorbed drug is excreted in the urine
Identifiers
IUPAC name [4-[(4-acetyloxyphenyl)-pyridin-2-yl-methyl]phenyl] acetate
CAS Number	603-50-9
PubChem CID	2391
E number	{{#property:P628}}
ECHA InfoCard	{{#property:P2566}}
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C22H19NO4
Molar mass	361.39

Bisacodyl is the International Nonproprietary Name of a compound that functions as a stimulant laxative. It is typically prescribed for relief of constipation and for the management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction. Bisacodyl is a diphenylmethane derivative and was first used as a laxative in 1953 due to its similarity to phenolphthalein [1].

Available Forms

Bisacodyl is sold under the trade names Dulcolax, Fleet, Alophen, Correctol, Carter's Little Pills as well as generically. It is usually sold as 5mg tablets, 10mg suppositories, or 5mg pediatric suppositories. Safe dose 10 mg rec for suppositories

Administration

When bisacodyl is administered orally, it is usually taken at bedtime, but when it is administered rectally, it is usually taken in the morning. This is due to the relatively long onset of the drug when taken orally (around 6-10 hours) compared to when it is taken rectally (around 15-60 minutes). Bisacodyl is also sometimes used before and after a colonoscopy.

External links

• Bisacodyl at drugdigest.org
• Bowel care with bisacodyl suppositories
• bisacodyl Consumer Drug Information