Bisacodyl
Place InTherapy
Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that has long been a popular choice of clinicians for treatment of constipation. Bisacodyl is a prokinetic with a hydrogogue effect, which acts locally in the large bowel by directly enhancing motility, reducing transit time and increasing the water content of the stool. Despite its popularity in clinical settings, there have been only a few quality studies done to evaluate
its safety and effectiveness. Based on a review of available literature sources, it possible to better define its place in therapy for the treatment of chronic constipation.
Current data suggests that bisacodyl is an effective short-term treatment option for constipation. Results from the above literature certainly support this stance, as there are plenty of positive outcomes noted with the use of short-term use (3-7 days) of bisacodyl. However, since chronic constipation is a long-term disease, in most cases more prolonged therapy might be indicated for successful treatment. The use of
bisacodyl as a long-term option for constipation has not been well studied and available documentation suggests that more trials and studies are needed to assess its true effectiveness in chronic constipation. Concerns have also been raised over potential side effects of therapy especially with long-term use. To conclude, bisacodyl is good treatment option for acute episodes of constipation and a second or third line option if other treatment options have proved to be ineffective. No current evidence suggests the use of bisacodyl as a first line option in chronic constipation.
References
5. Canadian Pharmacists Association . (2002). Patient Self-Care: Helping patients make therapeutic choices. Ottawa: CPhA.
6. Lexi-Comp Inc. (2012). Retrieved 2012, from Lexi-Comp Online: http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/crlsql/servlet/crlonline
its safety and effectiveness. Based on a review of available literature sources, it possible to better define its place in therapy for the treatment of chronic constipation.
Current data suggests that bisacodyl is an effective short-term treatment option for constipation. Results from the above literature certainly support this stance, as there are plenty of positive outcomes noted with the use of short-term use (3-7 days) of bisacodyl. However, since chronic constipation is a long-term disease, in most cases more prolonged therapy might be indicated for successful treatment. The use of
bisacodyl as a long-term option for constipation has not been well studied and available documentation suggests that more trials and studies are needed to assess its true effectiveness in chronic constipation. Concerns have also been raised over potential side effects of therapy especially with long-term use. To conclude, bisacodyl is good treatment option for acute episodes of constipation and a second or third line option if other treatment options have proved to be ineffective. No current evidence suggests the use of bisacodyl as a first line option in chronic constipation.
References
- Kamm MA, Mueller-Lissner S, Wald A, Richter E, Swallow R, Gessner U. Oral bisacodyl
is effective and well-tolerated in patients with chronic constipation. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011 Jul;9(7):577-83. Epub 2011 Mar 25. - Kienzle-Horn S, Vix JM, Schuijt C, Peil H, Jordan CC, Kamm MA. Efficacy and safety of
bisacodyl in the acute treatment of constipation: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2006 May
15;23(10):1479-88 - Ford AC, Suares NC. Effect of laxatives and pharmacological therapies in chronic
idiopathic constipation: systematic review and meta-analysis. Gut. 2011
Feb;60(2):209-18. - Paré P,
Bridges R, Champion MC, Ganguli SC, Gray JR, Irvine EJ, Plourde V, Poitras
P, Turnbull GK, Moayyedi P, Flook N, Collins SM. Recommendations on
chronic constipation (including constipation associated with irritable
bowel syndrome) treatment. Can J Gastroenterol. 2007 Apr;21 Suppl
B:3B-22B. Review.
5. Canadian Pharmacists Association . (2002). Patient Self-Care: Helping patients make therapeutic choices. Ottawa: CPhA.
6. Lexi-Comp Inc. (2012). Retrieved 2012, from Lexi-Comp Online: http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/crlsql/servlet/crlonline