Also indexed as: Correctol, Dulcolax, Feen-A-Mint
Bisacodyl, a stimulant-type laxative used to treat constipation, is available as a nonprescription
product. All laxatives, including bisacodyl, should be used for a maximum of one week to
prevent laxative dependence and loss of normal bowel function.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Potassium
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Potassium and
other nutrients
Prolonged and frequent use of stimulant laxatives, including bisacodyl, may cause excessive
and unwanted loss of water, potassium, and other nutrients from the body.1
2 Bisacodyl should be used for a maximum of one week, or as directed on the package
label. Excessive use of any laxative can cause depletion of many nutrients. In order to
protect against multiple nutrient deficiencies, it is important to not overuse
laxatives.3 People with constipation should consult with their doctor or pharmacist
before using bisacodyl.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Bisacodyl tablets are enteric coated to pass through the stomach and dissolve in the small
intestine. Milk, dairy products, vegetables, almonds, chestnuts, and other foods can cause the
enteric coating to dissolve in the stomach, leading to irritation and cramping.4
People should take bisacodyl one hour before or two hours after meals to avoid this
problem.
References:1. Fleming BJ, Genuth SM, Gould AB, Kaminokowski MD. Laxative induced
hypokalemia, sodium depletion, and hyperreninemia. Effects of potassium and sodium replacement
on the rennin angiotensin system. Ann Intern Med 1975;83:60–2.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Gastrointestinal Drugs, Laxatives. In Facts and
Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1991, 319a.
3. Threlkeld DS, ed. Gastrointestinal Drugs, Laxatives. In Facts and
Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1991, 319a.
4. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept
Press, 1998, 49.