FDA-filed SPL labeling · retrieved through openFDA

Bisacodyl

Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative used to relieve occasional constipation and irregularity, available in oral and rectal forms across many brands.

Brand names Carter's Little PillsCorrectolDulcolaxFeen-A-MintFleet Bisacodyl +11 more
Drug class Stimulant Laxative
OTC Forms 6 Routes Oral · Rectal · Topical
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Reviewed by Last reviewed Jul 10, 2026
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand

The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 100 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →

At a glance
Linked label effectiveApr 8, 2025
Clinical labels in scope 100
AvailabilityOTC
Earliest approval/marketing year 1986
FDA-listed product records 409
Boxed warningNone found in compared labels
How we combine label and product data →
No current FDA shortage listed · checked Sep 23, 2026
Other forms & routes:
Bisacodyl at a glance The quick version — the full detail is in the Patient Information Guide below.
💊
HelloPharmacist Editorial Team Bottom Line
Bisacodyl is a reliable, fast-acting stimulant laxative for occasional constipation, available as oral tablets or rectal suppositories and enema. Use it as directed on your specific product, don't rely on it for more than a week, and reach out to your doctor if you notice rectal bleeding or it doesn't work. Always swallow tablets whole — never chew or crush them.

📖 Bisacodyl: Patient Information Guide

A plain-language walkthrough of Bisacodyl — what it treats, how it works, how it’s taken, side effects, warnings and interactions. Tap any section to expand it.

🎯What it's used for

Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative used to relieve occasional constipation and irregularity across a wide range of oral and rectal products.

  • Oral tablets (including Dulcolax Stimulant Laxative, Fleet tablets, Gentle Laxative, GOOD REMEDIES GENTLE Laxative, and others): temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity — bowel movement expected in 6 to 12 hours
  • Rectal suppositories (including Dulcolax Laxative, Conlax, Avedana Gentle Laxative, CVS Gentle Laxative, Bisacodyl Laxative, Discount Drugmart Gentle Laxative, Dollar General Gentle Laxative, and others): temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity — bowel movement expected within 15 minutes to 1 hour
  • Fleet Enema (rectal): relief of occasional constipation, relief of fecal impaction (a severe blockage of stool), and removal of residue after barium administration — bowel movement expected within 5 to 20 minutes
  • Womens Gentle Laxative capsules (oral): temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity
💊How it's taken

How you take bisacodyl depends on the form you're using — oral tablets are swallowed with a full glass of water and should not be chewed or crushed. Do not take oral tablets within 1 hour of an antacid or milk. Rectal suppositories are inserted into the rectum and held in place for about 15 to 20 minutes; if the suppository is too soft, chill it briefly before use. The Fleet Enema is used rectally according to its own product instructions.

  • Oral forms: taken once daily, generally producing results in 6 to 12 hours
  • Rectal suppositories: used once daily, generally producing results in 15 minutes to 1 hour
  • Fleet Enema: used rectally, typically working in 5 to 20 minutes

Always follow the directions on your specific product label, and do not use more than directed. If you miss a dose of a scheduled laxative, follow your prescriber's or pharmacist's guidance.

🤒Side effects — in detail

Bisacodyl can cause some uncomfortable — but usually short-lived — digestive symptoms.

  • Stomach discomfort
  • Cramping
  • Faintness or lightheadedness
  • Nausea

Stop using bisacodyl and contact your doctor right away if you notice rectal bleeding or if you do not have a bowel movement after using it — these can signal a more serious condition.

⚠️Warnings & precautions
  • Rectal bleeding or no bowel movement after use — stop and call your doctor; these may be signs of a serious problem.
  • Do not use for more than 1 week without talking to a doctor — ongoing constipation may need medical evaluation.
  • Do not chew or crush oral tablets — the coating is there for a reason, and breaking it can cause stomach irritation and affect how the medicine works.
  • Do not take oral tablets within 1 hour of antacids or milk — this can interfere with the tablet's protective coating.
  • Ask a doctor before use if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks.
  • If pregnant or breastfeeding, check with a health professional before using any bisacodyl product.
  • In case of overdose, call Poison Control or get medical help immediately.
🔀What it interacts with

Bisacodyl has a couple of important interactions to be aware of, especially with oral tablet forms.

  • Antacids — taking an antacid within 1 hour of a bisacodyl tablet can break down its protective coating too early, leading to stomach irritation; separate them by at least 1 hour.
  • Milk — like antacids, milk can affect the tablet coating if taken too close together; wait at least 1 hour between milk and oral bisacodyl tablets.

This is not a complete list of interactions. Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

📋Before taking it
  • Talk to a doctor first if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — these may mean something else is going on.
  • Talk to a doctor if you've noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted more than 2 weeks.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before using bisacodyl.
  • Do not use oral tablets if you cannot swallow without chewing.
  • Children under 6 years old should not use rectal suppositories without a doctor's guidance; children under 6 using oral tablets should also consult a doctor first.
  • Keep all bisacodyl products out of reach of children.
🚑If you take too much

If you or someone else takes too much bisacodyl, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help.

📦How to store it

store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) avoid excessive humidity see end flap for expiration date and lot number

📄 Written from Bisacodyl’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Every point is grounded in that labeling — nothing is invented. How we use AI →

46

Supplements & herbs that interact with Bisacodyl

46 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Bisacodyl in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.

Severity mix
  • Major · 3
  • Moderate · 34
  • Minor · 9
Every supplement checked against Bisacodyl — ranked by severity The full interaction hub: 3 major · 34 moderate · 9 minor · every one linked to its full report. Check Bisacodyl against your exact supplements

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

2

Nutrient depletion considerations

Bisacodyl has been associated with lower levels of 2 nutrients in the clinical literature. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these may be worth discussing with your pharmacist or healthcare provider, especially with long-term use.

See the full Bisacodyl nutrient depletion report

Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — not medical advice. Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.

🩺 Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Bisacodyl — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.

How fast does bisacodyl actually work?
It depends on which form you're using. Oral tablets (like Dulcolax Stimulant Laxative) usually take 6 to 12 hours, so many people take them at bedtime and get results in the morning. Rectal suppositories work much faster — typically within 15 minutes to 1 hour. The Fleet Enema works even quicker, usually in 5 to 20 minutes.
Can I chew or crush the tablet if I have trouble swallowing?
No — it's really important not to chew, crush, or break bisacodyl tablets. They have a special protective coating that helps them reach the right part of your gut without irritating your stomach. If swallowing tablets is a problem for you, ask your pharmacist about the rectal suppository option instead.
Why can't I take bisacodyl tablets with milk or antacids?
Milk and antacids can break down the protective coating on bisacodyl tablets too soon, before the medicine reaches where it needs to work. This can cause stomach irritation and make the tablet less effective. Just wait at least an hour after taking an antacid or drinking milk before you take your bisacodyl tablet.
How long is it safe to keep using bisacodyl?
Bisacodyl is meant for occasional, short-term use. If you find yourself needing it for more than 1 week in a row, that's a sign to talk to your doctor. Regular dependence on a laxative can sometimes point to an underlying issue that deserves attention — and your doctor can help figure out the best long-term plan.
When should I stop using it and call a doctor?
Stop right away and call your doctor if you notice rectal bleeding or if you don't have a bowel movement at all after using bisacodyl. Both of these can be signs of something more serious. Also call if you've had a sudden change in your bowel habits that's been going on for more than 2 weeks — that's worth getting checked out before using a laxative.
Is bisacodyl safe to use during pregnancy?
The label says to ask a health professional before using bisacodyl if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Don't assume any over-the-counter laxative is automatically safe during pregnancy — check with your doctor or midwife first so they can recommend the safest option for you.
Is Bisacodyl available over the counter?
Yes — Bisacodyl is available over the counter (without a prescription) in at least some forms, according to its FDA labeling. Follow the package directions and ask your pharmacist if you're unsure which product is right for you.
When was Bisacodyl first available?
Bisacodyl has been available in the United States since at least 1986, based on FDA approval history (Drugs@FDA) and product marketing records.
Who makes Bisacodyl?
Bisacodyl is supplied by 127 manufacturers listed in the FDA NDC Directory, including CVS Pharmacy, Chattem, Inc., Cardinal Health.

💬 Answers drafted from Bisacodyl’s FDA-approved label information, summarized in plain language with AI, and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Grounded in that labeling — nothing is made up. How we use AI →

🧰 Keep exploring

💊 How Bisacodyl comes

Bisacodyl is available in 6 forms. Different forms and brands can have different approved uses, doses, schedules, and directions. Follow the instructions for your exact product, and do not switch forms without guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Delayed-release tablet

By mouth
Brands Gentle Laxative Laxative Womens gentle laxative
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity
  • Generally produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours
Important instructions
  • Take by mouth with a full glass of water
  • Do not chew or crush the tablet
  • Do not take within 1 hour of an antacid or milk
  • Use once daily as directed on your product label
Available strengths 2 strengths
177 FDA-listed product records

Tablet

By mouth
Brands Gentle Laxative Laxative Womens Gentle Laxative
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity
  • Dulcolax Stimulant Laxative generally produces a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours
  • GOOD REMEDIES GENTLE Laxative is used for occasional constipation and irregularity
Important instructions
  • Dulcolax Stimulant Laxative: take with a full glass of water once daily
  • Do not chew or crush tablets
  • Do not take within 1 hour of an antacid or milk
  • GOOD REMEDIES GENTLE Laxative: start with the lowest dose and increase the next day if needed
Available strengths 1 strength
128 FDA-listed product records

Rectal suppository

Rectal
Brands Laxative The Magic Bullet
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity
  • Generally produces a bowel movement within 15 minutes to 1 hour
Important instructions
  • Bisacodyl Laxative: detach suppository from strip, remove wrapper, lie on your side and insert pointed end first high into the rectum; retain 15 to 20 minutes
  • Conlax: peel open plastic, insert well into rectum pointed end first, retain about 15 to 20 minutes
  • CVS Gentle Laxative and Avedana Gentle Laxative: detach from strip, remove foil, insert carefully into the rectum; do not use more than once daily
  • If the suppository feels too soft, place it in the refrigerator for a short time before use
Available strengths 3 strengths
89 FDA-listed product records

Capsule

By mouth
Brands Womens Gentle Laxative
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Womens Gentle Laxative capsules are used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity
Important instructions
  • Womens Gentle Laxative: take by mouth as directed on the product label
Available strengths 1 strength
5 FDA-listed product records

Enema

Rectal
Brands Fleet
How this form is used
What it may be used for
  • Fleet Enema is used for relief of occasional constipation
  • Fleet Enema is used for relief of fecal impaction (a severe blockage of stool in the rectum)
  • Fleet Enema is used for removal of residue after barium administration (a radiology procedure)
  • Fleet Enema usually produces a bowel movement within 5 to 20 minutes
Important instructions
  • Fleet Enema is given rectally — follow all instructions on the Fleet product label carefully
  • Use once as directed; do not exceed the recommended dose
Available strengths 1 strength
2 FDA-listed product records

Topical cream, ointment or gel

On the skin
Available strengths 1 strength
1 FDA-listed product record

📊 Bisacodyl across the U.S. market

How Bisacodyl appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.

6
Dose forms
127
Manufacturers
40
Brand names
409
FDA-listed product records
1986
First marketed

FDA-listed product records by dose form (tablet variants merged) — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

Also listed with the FDA, not a patient dose form: Powder (7) — bulk drug substance sold to compounders/manufacturers and multi-item kits. These aren’t counted in the dose-form total above.

CVS Pharmacy6%
Chattem, Inc.6%
Cardinal Health5%
Major Pharmaceuticals4%
H E B4%
Dolgencorp, Llc4%
Other makers71%

Share of FDA-listed product records by manufacturer — FDA National Drug Code Directory. Record counts are not sales or prescription volume.

📈 How widely Bisacodyl is used

A general measure of how commonly Bisacodyl is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.

Think of this as a proxy for how widely Bisacodyl is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.

542,387
Medicaid prescriptions filled (Q1–Q4 2025)
$4.9M gross Medicaid reimbursement (before mandatory rebates — net cost is lower)

How commonly is Bisacodyl prescribed? Of the 1,596 medications we measure, Bisacodyl ranks #254 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 84% of them.

Where Bisacodyl ranks among the drugs we measure · Q1–Q4 2025 · neighbors ±5

Utilization by Bisacodyl product

Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.

The 5 mg delayed release oral tablet is the most-dispensed Bisacodyl product — about 76% of these Medicaid prescriptions.

bisacodyl 5 MG Delayed Release Oral Tablet Most dispensed

414,859 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 76% of Bisacodyl prescriptions shown $3.2M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $7.72 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 17 of 259 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 308753

bisacodyl 10 MG Rectal Suppository

122,819 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) 23% of Bisacodyl prescriptions shown $1.4M gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $12 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 12 of 111 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 198509

bisacodyl 0.333 MG/ML Enema

4,709 Medicaid prescriptions (Q1–Q4 2025) <1% of Bisacodyl prescriptions shown $249,887 gross reimbursement (before rebates) ≈ $53 per prescription (gross)

Summed across the 1 of 1 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 308749

Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.

Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Bisacodyl, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 30 of 371 listed Bisacodyl NDCs with Medicaid activity.

🔍 Compare Bisacodyl products

A representative set of FDA-listed product records for Bisacodyl — across manufacturers, strengths, and dosage forms, grouped by form with each product’s manufacturer and how the FDA approved it. The same medicine may be made and packaged by different companies, so a single drug can have many directory entries. (It’s also why a refill can look different — a new shape, color, or box — even though it contains the same medication.)

Showing 200 of 409 products — FDA National Drug Code Directory. See every product, package size and price: browse all 409 Bisacodyl NDCs →

RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength

This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.

Ingredient (IN) Bisacodyl RxCUI 1596 4 dose forms · 6 strengths
  1. Dose form (SCDF) Delayed Release Oral Tablet RxCUI 371084 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 5 MG RxCUI 308753
  2. Dose form (SCDF) Enema RxCUI 371085 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 0.333 MG/ML RxCUI 308749 2 MG/ML RxCUI 245323
  3. Dose form (SCDF) Oral Capsule RxCUI 2710427 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 5 MG RxCUI 2710428
  4. Dose form (SCDF) Rectal Suppository RxCUI 371086 In current FDA listings
    Clinical drug / strength (SCD) 5 MG RxCUI 313863 10 MG RxCUI 198509

Look up RxCUI 1596 in the RxCUI Atlas →

RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.

🏷️ Sold under these brand names

Carter's Little Pills Correctol Dulcolax Feen-A-Mint Fleet Bisacodyl Bisac-Evac Laxomil The Magic Bullet Ex-lax Ultra Alophen Reformulated Jan 2008 Evac-U-Gen Reformulated Jan 2008 Feen-A-Mint Reformulated Jan 2008 Correctol laxative Reformulated Feb 2008 Gentle Laxative Laxative Womens Gentle Laxative

🏭 Manufacturers & labelers

CVS Pharmacy 16 Chattem, Inc. 16 Cardinal Health 13 Major Pharmaceuticals 11 H E B 11 Dolgencorp, Llc 10 WinCo Foods, LLC 9 Walgreens 9 Wal-Mart Stores Inc 8 Bryant Ranch Prepack 8 Rite Aid Corporation 8 Amerisource Bergen 8 Meijer Distribution Inc 7 Geri-Care Pharmaceutical Corp 7 Family Dollar Services Inc 6 Aphena Pharma Solutions - Tennessee, LLC 6 Walgreen Company 6 Better Living Brands, LLC 6 Strategic Sourcing Services LLC 6 Publix Super Markets Inc 6 Kroger Company 6 Publix Super Markets, Inc 6 L.N.K. International, Inc. 5 Chain Drug Marketing Association, Inc. 5

…and 16 more on the FDA NDC directory.

RxNorm drug class

Bisacodyl belongs to the Stimulant Laxative class.

Pharmacologic class Stimulant Laxative
Drug family (ATC) Contact laxatives, Enemas

Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.

🔬 Where this comes from

Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.

📄
FDA-filed drug labels (SPL) Uses, dosing, warnings & side effects from SPL records retrieved through openFDA; the linked representative set can be verified on DailyMed. ✓ Linked label effective Apr 8, 2025
🏭
Forms, brands & labelersAggregated from ingredient-matched FDA National Drug Code Directory product records for Bisacodyl.
📈
Real-world reportsThe FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), served through openFDA.
🚨
Recalls & shortagesopenFDA drug-enforcement reports and the FDA drug-shortage database.
🧾 Clinical label set — FDA-filed SPL labels retained for Bisacodyl after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching
Clinical labels in scope
100
NDC products indexed
409
Distinct labelers/manufacturers represented
127
Linked representative label
Chattem, Inc.
Linked label effective
Apr 8, 2025
Composite sections available
7
Linked SPL Set ID
f1e4b28a-ed74-4eff-bd10-b2bfaf7483b0
Linked SPL Document ID
d67a73f2-eb0f-46a1-84be-373af1406393
Open the linked representative label on DailyMed ↗

How we combine label and product data

HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records; we don’t author the underlying clinical facts. We identified 100 FDA-filed SPL label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. The representative label is the starting point for the displayed reference monograph; the 12 largest stored in-scope SPL records, which may include that representative, are compared section by section, and the longest available version of each section is retained. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, product-listed strengths, and product-record counts are aggregated separately from ingredient-matched FDA NDC Directory records; package records listed above are associated with the linked SPL; and the normalized concept hierarchy comes from NLM RxNorm.

For canonical ingredient pages, bounded product-attributed indication and administration excerpts may be added to the AI evidence, and the generator is instructed to preserve available product, brand, route, and form qualifiers instead of treating one label as universal. Where a section is identified as AI-written, its plain-language text is generated from bounded label evidence. New draft drug pages remain in the admin review queue before first publication. Chattem, Inc. is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates; it is not the sole source used for the page.

This is general education, not medical advice — always consult your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and any medical condition. For the exact wording of the linked representative label, view that label on DailyMed; some displayed composite sections may come from other in-scope SPL labels. Learn how we use AI and our data sources & update cadence.