Stimulant laxative
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Bisacodyl is a laxative that works by stimulating the muscles in your intestines to push stool along, and it also helps draw water into the bowel to soften the stool so it's easier to pass.
Activates colonic mucosal neurons and increases intestinal muscle contractions by stimulating local neural plexuses, promoting peristalsis and accelerating faecal transit through the colon.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist — no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
For adults, take 1 to 2 tablets (5–10 mg) at bedtime with a glass of water. Swallow the tablet whole — do not crush, chew, or break it. Do not take it with milk or antacids. It usually works within 6 to 12 hours, so taking it at night means you should be able to go to toilet in the morning. For suppositories, insert one 10 mg suppository into the anus; it works within 15 to 60 minutes.
Bisacodyl is usually taken only when needed for constipation, not on a regular schedule. If your doctor told you to take it regularly and you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it's almost morning, skip it and take the next dose at bedtime. Do not take two doses at once.
Do not use bisacodyl every day for a long time — your bowel can become dependent on it and stop working properly on its own. Drink plenty of water and eat foods with fibre like vegetables, fruits, and beans to help with constipation naturally. Buy only from reputable pharmacies — avoid unregistered products from roadside sellers, as fake laxatives are common.
Do not take bisacodyl with milk or antacids (like magnesium trisilicate) — they can dissolve the tablet's coating too early and cause serious stomach irritation. If you are taking water tablets (diuretics like furosemide), using bisacodyl alongside them can make you lose too much water and important body salts. Long-term use with heart medications like digoxin can be dangerous because it may lower your potassium levels.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Bisacodyl with your other drugs?
Bisacodyl should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if a doctor advises it — it is not the first choice for pregnant women with constipation, so consult your doctor or pharmacist first.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — this is especially important in hot Nigerian weather. Keep the tablets in their original pack and away from moisture. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Bisacodyl?
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