Bisacodyl
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Bisacodyl during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
(bis-a-koe-dill)
Description: Bisacodyl for pets
This medicine is used to help an animal pass stool (a laxative).
Other Names for this Medication:
- Dulcolax®
Common Dosage Forms:
- Veterinary: There are no standard animal-labeled forms.
- Human:
- 5 mg tablets that are made to dissolve later (delayed-release)
- 10 mg suppositories used in the rectum
- 10 mg/30 mL enemas
This handout does not include every piece of information that exists for this medicine. It is meant to answer common questions, but it does not replace medical guidance. If you still have questions or need additional details about this medicine, call your veterinarian or your pharmacist.
Key Information
- This is a “stimulant” type laxative that may be used in dogs and cats.
- Do not break tablets, do not cut them, and do not let your pet chew them. If the tablet is damaged or chewed, strong belly cramping may happen.
- Do not give dairy foods (milk products) or antacid products within 1 hour before or after giving the tablet by mouth. These can break down the tablet’s special outer layer too early.
- If your pet takes other medicines by mouth, try to separate them from the bisacodyl mouth dose by 2 hours. Bisacodyl can make things move through the gut faster, which may keep other medicines from being taken in properly.
- Bisacodyl is meant for occasional use only. Using it regularly for a long time can harm the nerves in the intestinal tract.
How is this medication useful?
Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that may be used for a short time in dogs or cats. It is not commonly used in horses because it may raise the chance of colic.
This medicine has approved uses in people, but it is not officially approved for animals. In some cases, veterinarians may prescribe medicines that contain this drug for other species or for different problems. You and your veterinarian can talk about why this option is the best fit.
What should I tell my veterinarian to see if this medication can be safely given?
Many factors can change how well this medicine works for your pet. Talk with your veterinarian about the points below so you can decide together on the safest plan.
- Other medicines may affect bisacodyl. Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist about everything your pet receives, including vitamins, supplements, or herbal products. Also share the dose amount and the time you give each one.
- Tell your veterinarian about any health problems your pet has now, or has had in the past.
- If your pet has had treatment before for the same problem, tell your veterinarian what was used and whether it helped or did not help.
- If your pet is pregnant or nursing, discuss the possible risks of using this medicine.
- Tell your veterinarian and pharmacist if your pet has had medicine side effects before. Examples include allergic reactions, not wanting to eat, diarrhea, itching, or hair loss.
How long until I will know if this medication is working, and how long will the effects of this medication last?
You should expect this medicine to start helping your pet feel better within 1 to 2 days. After that, the signs you are seeing should get better.
This medicine does not last long in the body. Its effect should be gone within 24 hours.
When should this medication not be used or be used very carefully?
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Your veterinarian will talk with you about any special reasons for caution for your pet.
This medicine MUST NOT be used in patients:
If your pet has any of the issues listed below, speak with your veterinarian about the possible risks compared with the possible benefits.
- If your pet has an allergy to this medicine.
- If your pet has a blockage in the stomach or intestines, or if your pet recently had surgery on the stomach or intestines.
- If your pet has bleeding from the rectum and the cause has not been found.
- If it would be used regularly for a long time, because it can harm the nerves in the intestinal tract.
What are the side effects of this medication?
Common side effects that are usually not serious include:
If you notice the signs below, you usually do not need to panic unless they are intense, getting worse, or not going away. If that happens, call your veterinarian.
- Loose stool or diarrhea.
- Belly pain and cramping. Pets may show discomfort in ways such as not being able to settle, crying/whimpering, or turning to bite at the belly or side.
If my animal gets too much of this medication (an overdose), what should I do?
Too much bisacodyl may lead to strong cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you see an overdose happen, or you think it may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away or call an animal poison control service for instructions.
How should this medication be given?
For bisacodyl to work as intended, give it exactly the way your veterinarian ordered it. Always read the prescription label so you confirm you are giving it correctly.
- Do not crush, split, or let your pet chew bisacodyl tablets, because this can cause severe stomach cramps. You may give it with food or without food, but do not give it with dairy products. If your pet vomits or seems unwell when the medicine is given on an empty stomach, give the next dose with food or a small treat. If vomiting continues, contact your veterinarian.
- Do not give milk or antacids within 1 hour of giving a bisacodyl tablet. These can break down the tablet’s protective coating and cause it to dissolve too early, before it reaches the lower part of the intestinal tract.
- If your pet is taking other medicines by mouth, try to give them 2 hours apart from the bisacodyl mouth dose. Bisacodyl can move medicines through the intestines faster and may stop them from being absorbed the right way.
- If giving the medicine is difficult, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist for advice on how to dose your pet and how to make medicine time less stressful.
- This medicine may be prescribed for different lengths of time. Make sure you understand how long your veterinarian wants your pet to receive it. You may need prescription refills before the full course is finished. Do not stop this medicine without speaking to your veterinarian first, because there may be important reasons to keep using it.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose of this medication?
If you forget a dose, give it as soon as you remember. Then wait the usual amount of time between doses that your veterinarian recommended before giving the next one. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
How should I store this medication?
- Keep bisacodyl tablets in the original prescription container, or in another approved reminder container (such as a pill organizer) that blocks light and is resistant to children opening it.
- Keep bisacodyl suppositories in their foil wrapper.
- Store tablets and suppositories at temperatures below 30°C.
If your veterinarian or pharmacist has prepared a custom-made version (a compounded form) for your pet, follow the storage directions and the expiration date that come with that product.
Store this medicine where children and other animals cannot reach it.
Can handling this medication be hazardous to me, my family, or other animals?
No special handling steps are needed unless you are allergic to this medicine. After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
- Do not put this medicine into the toilet and do not pour it into a sink drain.
- If your area has a medicine “take-back” program, use that.
- If there is no take-back option:
- combine the medicine with used cat litter or coffee grounds so it is unpleasant to children and animals and not recognizable to someone searching the trash
- Put that mixture into a sealable plastic bag so it will not leak, and then throw it away with your household garbage.
Do not keep extra medicine to use later, and do not give it to anyone else.
What other information is important for this medication?
- Some animal competitions may not allow this medicine. Before entering a competition while your animal is receiving this medicine, check the rules.
- If you have more questions about this medicine, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”