Biscolax
(bisacodyl)
Gets things moving.
Our bottom line
Biscolax (bisacodyl) works fast to relieve your constipation, but it can cause cramping and you may "have to go right away."
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status:
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (bisacodyl)
Upsides
- Biscolax (bisacodyl) works very quickly to improve constipation, without having to take anything by mouth.
- Most people who use Biscolax (bisacodyl) don't have side effects.
- It’s available over-the-counter and as a generic.
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What to expect from Biscolax, on one page
Downsides
- You have to be comfortable putting Biscolax (bisacodyl) in your rectum.
- Biscolax (bisacodyl) can make you "have to go right away", so you should be near a bathroom after taking Biscolax (bisacodyl).
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What to expect from Biscolax, on one page
Biscolax (bisacodyl) is a stimulant laxative that causes the muscles in your intestine to tighten and push stool through. It also makes stool more watery and easier to pass.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status:
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (bisacodyl)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Suppository
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$1.26
- CostcoGet free coupon$3.08
What to expect when you take Biscolax (bisacodyl) for Constipation
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Upset stomach
- Feeling faint
- Stomach cramping
- Rectal burning
- Rectal bleeding
- Diarrhea
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Biscolax (bisacodyl)
Manufacturers don’t say how common these side effects are when taking Biscolax for constipation
- Upset stomach
- Stomach cramping
- Feeling faint
- Rectal burning
- Rectal bleeding
- Belly pain
- Diarrhea
Risks and Warnings for Biscolax (bisacodyl)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Age 60 or older
- › Malignancy
- › Taking medicines that cause constipation
If you have nausea, vomiting, pain or bulging in your belly that doesn't go away, rectal bleeding, and no bowel movement after taking Biscolax (bisacodyl), stop using this medication and talk to your doctor or go to the emergency room right away. These may be symptoms of a bowel blockage or obstruction, which is serious.
Common concerns from people taking Biscolax (bisacodyl)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- If you have nausea, vomiting, pain or bulging in your belly that doesn't go away, rectal bleeding, and no bowel movement after taking Biscolax (bisacodyl), stop using this medication and talk to your doctor or go to the emergency room right away. These may be symptoms of a bowel blockage or obstruction, which is serious.
- If you have belly pain, burning in your rectum, bleeding from your rectum, or you don't have a bowel movement after using Biscolax (bisacodyl), talk to your doctor right away.