Dulcolax Shortage: What Providers and Prescribers Need to Know in 2026

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is one of the most commonly used stimulant laxatives in clinical practice — from post-operative bowel management to colonoscopy prep to chronic constipation treatment. While oral tablet supply is currently stable, bisacodyl suppositories have experienced intermittent availability disruptions that directly affect patient care. This guide is written for prescribers, nurses, and pharmacists who need to understand the current situation and plan accordingly.

Current Shortage Status (2026)

As of 2026:

Bisacodyl oral tablets (5 mg, delayed-release): Not listed on the FDA CDER drug shortage database or the ASHP shortage list. Multiple manufacturers maintain adequate supply. Generic market is robust with numerous manufacturers including Chattem, Haleon, and various store-brand producers.

Bisacodyl suppositories (10 mg): Intermittent spot shortages persist at retail pharmacy locations. The exit of G&W Laboratories from the suppository market reduced manufacturing capacity. Remaining manufacturers have partially filled the gap, but regional stockouts continue, particularly at chain pharmacy locations.

Note: Because bisacodyl is an OTC medication, it is not subject to mandatory FDA shortage reporting requirements. This means formal shortage listings may lag behind real-world availability problems at the pharmacy level.

Clinical Impact Areas

Bisacodyl suppository shortages most directly affect the following patient populations:

Patients with neurogenic bowel: Individuals with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological conditions rely on rectal bisacodyl as part of structured bowel programs. Disruptions in supply can have serious quality-of-life and safety implications.

Post-surgical patients: Bisacodyl suppositories are commonly used post-operatively when oral administration is contraindicated or when faster onset is needed.

Colonoscopy prep patients: Bisacodyl tablets (oral) are used in HalfLytely bowel prep kits. Supply issues with the branded prep kit may lead patients to try to source bisacodyl tablets separately.

Palliative and long-term care patients: Patients on chronic opioid therapy with opioid-induced constipation (OIC) often rely on bisacodyl as part of a multi-drug bowel regimen.

Clinical Alternatives When Bisacodyl Is Unavailable

For oral stimulant laxative substitution:

Senna (sennosides): 8.6 mg to 17.2 mg orally at bedtime. Same stimulant laxative class, similar 6-12 hour onset. Available OTC as Senokot; also available in Rx-strength as senna concentrate. Generally available and widely stocked.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX): 17 g daily dissolved in 8 oz fluid. Osmotic laxative, better tolerated, appropriate for longer-term use. Onset 1-3 days; not a substitute when rapid relief is required.

Lactulose: 15-30 mL orally daily. Osmotic laxative available by prescription; useful for patients with hepatic encephalopathy or when OTC options are not appropriate.

For rectal suppository substitution:

Glycerin suppositories: Available OTC, works in 15-30 minutes. Weaker stimulant effect than bisacodyl; may not be adequate for patients with neurogenic bowel who rely on bisacodyl's stronger stimulant action.

Senna suppositories: Less commonly available but may be obtainable through compounding pharmacies as an alternative rectal stimulant.

Mini-enemas (docusate/glycerin combinations): Products such as Fleet Mini-Enema may be substituted for mild cases, though they lack bisacodyl's direct stimulant effect.

Colonoscopy Prep: When Bisacodyl Tablets Are Unavailable

If your patients cannot obtain bisacodyl tablets for a scheduled colonoscopy prep:

Switch to a senna-based prep protocol: senna 2-4 tablets the evening before plus full-volume PEG solution has been used as an alternative.

Consider split-dose PEG preps (e.g., GoLYTELY 4L) that do not require a bisacodyl component.

Utilize specialty pharmacy channels for bisacodyl tablets — these are typically more reliably stocked than retail pharmacies for procedural needs.

How medfinder for Providers Can Help

medfinder for Providers allows you and your staff to quickly check bisacodyl availability at pharmacies in your patient's area before they leave your office. This allows you to proactively route prescriptions or OTC recommendations to pharmacies that actually have the product in stock, reducing failed pickups and frustrated callbacks. Learn more at medfinder.com/providers.

Communicating With Patients About Dulcolax Availability

When counseling patients who use bisacodyl regularly, consider the following:

Reassure tablet users that oral bisacodyl is widely available and there is no need to stock up excessively.

Suppository-dependent patients (neurogenic bowel, post-op) should maintain a 2-4 week supply if possible.

Advise patients that generic bisacodyl is identical to Dulcolax brand — they should not wait for the brand name if a generic is available.

For a patient-facing resource on this topic, direct patients to our Dulcolax shortage patient update and our guide on finding Dulcolax near you.