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Dulcolax (Bisacodyl)
Bisacodyl stimulates colonic muscle contractions and increases intestinal fluid secretion to promote bowel movements.
Bisacodyl stimulates colonic muscle contractions and increases intestinal fluid secretion to promote bowel movements. Used for Constipation, Bowel evacuation prior to diagnostic procedures or surgery.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Brooke Army Medical Center |
| Drug class | Contact laxative |
| Target | Myenteric plexus; intestinal smooth muscle |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Bisacodyl is a diphenylmethane laxative that acts as a contact laxative. After oral administration, it is converted by intestinal bacteria and enzymes to its active metabolite, which directly stimulates the myenteric plexus in the colon, increasing peristalsis. It also increases water and electrolyte secretion into the intestinal lumen, softening stool and promoting evacuation.
Approved indications
- Constipation
- Bowel evacuation prior to diagnostic procedures or surgery
Common side effects
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Electrolyte imbalance (with chronic use)
Key clinical trials
- RELISTOR's Effects on Opioid-Induced Constipation
- Optimization of Postoperative Bowel Habits (NA)
- Effects of a 5-Week Probiotic Supplementation Intervention on Markers of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (NA)
- Bisacodyl Oral for Lowering Dysfunction (of Tenckhoff Catheter) (PHASE4)
- Alii Supplement Study (PHASE2)
- 4-L Split-dose Polyethylene Glycol and Bisacodyl and Docusate Sodium Regimen Versus 2-L Split-dose Polyethylene Glycol Plus Oral Simethicone Regimen for Bowel Preparation Before Colonoscopy (NA)
- Effects of Constipation Treatment in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pilot Feasibility Trial (NA)
- The Effect of Video-Based Education on Colonoscopy Preparation (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Brooke Army Medical Center portfolio CI