Why Is Bisacodyl So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]

If you've recently walked into a pharmacy looking for Bisacodyl suppositories and come up empty-handed, you're not alone. While Bisacodyl oral tablets (the kind most people know as Dulcolax) are widely stocked across the country, the suppository and enema forms have experienced real and documented supply gaps. Understanding why this happens — and what you can do about it — can save you a lot of frustration.

Is Bisacodyl Actually in Shortage in 2026?

The answer depends on which form you need. As of early 2026:

Oral tablets (5 mg, enteric-coated): Widely available. Multiple manufacturers produce them. Cash price is typically $2–$8 for a box of 25–100 tablets. No current shortage.

Rectal suppositories (10 mg): Intermittently available. G&W Laboratories, a major supplier, discontinued their bisacodyl suppository line, creating a supply gap that remaining manufacturers — Perrigo, Major Pharmaceuticals, Geri-Care, and Rugby — have struggled to fill fully. The ASHP Drug Shortage Database has listed bisacodyl suppositories at various points, and spot shortages at individual pharmacies remain common.

Rectal enemas (10 mg): Limited availability. Less commonly stocked than tablets or suppositories even under normal conditions.

Why Did the Bisacodyl Suppository Shortage Happen?

Drug shortages rarely happen for a single reason. In the case of bisacodyl suppositories, several factors came together:

1. Manufacturer exit. G&W Laboratories discontinued their bisacodyl suppository production line. When a major player exits a market — especially for a relatively low-margin OTC product — remaining manufacturers often can't instantly scale up to fill the gap.

2. Low profit margins. Bisacodyl is an old, off-patent drug. Suppositories require specialized manufacturing equipment and packaging, yet sell for only $6–$15 per box. These thin margins make it economically difficult for manufacturers to justify rapid capacity expansion.

3. Demand spikes. Bisacodyl suppositories are a standard component of bowel prep protocols for colonoscopies and surgery. As colonoscopy volumes rebounded post-pandemic, demand for suppository forms increased precisely when supply was constrained.

4. Pharmacy stocking practices. Large chain pharmacies rely on automated ordering systems that tend to carry low inventory of slower-moving SKUs. If a particular suppository format isn't in a pharmacy's regular ordering rotation, you may be told it's unavailable even if the product exists somewhere in the supply chain.

Why Are Bisacodyl Tablets Easier to Find Than Suppositories?

Oral tablets are much more commonly purchased than suppositories. They account for the majority of bisacodyl use for everyday constipation, so pharmacies stock them in greater quantities and from more diverse suppliers. Suppositories and enemas are niche formulations, primarily used before procedures or when patients cannot take oral medications — making them lower priority items for pharmacy auto-ordering systems.

What Can You Do If Your Pharmacy Is Out of Bisacodyl?

Don't give up after the first pharmacy. Here are practical steps:

Try multiple pharmacies. Availability varies significantly by location. Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility with their distributors and may have stock that chain pharmacies don't.

Ask your pharmacy to order it. Many pharmacies can special-order from their wholesaler within 1–2 business days. Just ask — most pharmacists are happy to help.

Use medfinder to locate a pharmacy with stock.

Consider an alternative. If suppositories are unavailable, senna is a very similar stimulant laxative with wide availability. Read our guide on alternatives to Bisacodyl for more options.

Check online retailers. Amazon, Walmart, and other online pharmacies often carry OTC bisacodyl products and can ship within 1–2 days.

Will the Bisacodyl Shortage Get Better in 2026?

The supply situation for bisacodyl suppositories is expected to continue gradually improving through 2026. Remaining manufacturers — Perrigo, Major, Geri-Care, and Rugby — have continued production and are adjusting their output volumes. However, periodic spot shortages at individual pharmacies are likely to persist, particularly at chain locations with limited distributor flexibility. If you need suppositories for a scheduled procedure, confirm availability with your pharmacy well in advance.

How medfinder Can Help

Rather than calling a dozen pharmacies yourself, medfinder does the legwork for you. You provide your medication, dosage, and zip code, and medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find out which ones have it in stock. Results are texted directly to you. It's a practical solution when a medication like bisacodyl suppositories is hard to pin down locally. For more tips, see our guide on how to find Bisacodyl in stock near you.