Bisacodyl

Active ingredient description

Bisacodyl is a locally acting laxative from the diphenylmethane derivatives group having a dual action. As a contact laxative, for which also antiresorptive hydragogue effects have been described, bisacodyl stimulates after hydrolysis in the large intestine, the mucosa of both the large intestine and of the rectum. Stimulation of the mucosa of the large intestine results in colonic peristalsis with promotion of accumulation of water, and consequently electrolytes, in the colonic lumen. This results in a stimulation of defecation, reduction of transit time and softening of the stool. Stimulation of the rectum causes increased motility and a feeling of rectal fullness. The rectal effect may help to restore the “call to stool” although its clinical relevance remains to be established.

Medicine classification

This medicinal substance has been classified in the anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification according to its main therapeutic use as follows:

ATC code
Group title
Classification
Bisacodyl
A Alimentary tract and metabolism → A06 Laxatives → A06A Laxatives → A06AB Contact laxatives
Discover more medicines within A06AB02
Bisacodyl
A Alimentary tract and metabolism → A06 Laxatives → A06A Laxatives → A06AG Enemas
Discover more medicines within A06AG02

Product monographs

Competent medicine agencies globally have authorized commercialization of this active ingredient according to these medication package inserts (MPIs):

Title
Type
Country
Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC)
UK

Structural formula

Graphic representation of the active ingredient's molecular structure

Chemical formula: C₂₂H₁₉NO₄
Molecular mass: 361.391 g/mol

External identifiers

CAS Substance: 603-50-9
DrugBank Drug: DB09020
KEGG Drug: D00245
PubChem Compound: 2391
RxNorm Ingredient: 1596
SNOMED-CT Concept: 387075009
Bisacodyl (substance)
UNII Identifier: 10X0709Y6I
BISACODYL

Medicines

Bisacodyl is an active ingredient of these brands:

United States (US)

Australia (AU)

Canada (CA)

Cyprus (CY)

Ecuador (EC)

Estonia (EE)

Finland (FI)

France (FR)

Japan (JP)

Malta (MT)

Mexico (MX)

Netherlands (NL)

New Zealand (NZ)

Nigeria (NG)

Poland (PL)

South Africa (ZA)

Spain (ES)

United Kingdom (UK)

While we strive to include the brand names of medicines across all countries, our index remains incomplete. Therefore, it is possible that this medicine may also be marketed under different names in other countries.