Comprehensive medication guide to Bisacodyl including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
Bisacodyl is an OTC medication and is generally not covered by commercial insurance or Medicare Part D. FSA/HSA eligible without a prescription since the CARES Act of 2020. Some state Medicaid programs cover prescribed OTC laxatives — ask your provider to write a prescription.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$2–$8 retail for generic bisacodyl tablets (5 mg, 25–100 count); $6–$15 for suppositories. As low as $3 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons. Dulcolax brand costs significantly more for the same active ingredient.
Medfinder Findability Score
72/100
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Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative used for the temporary relief of occasional constipation and for cleansing the colon before colonoscopies and surgical procedures. It belongs to the diphenylmethane chemical family and is available over the counter without a prescription. Most people recognize bisacodyl by its most well-known brand name, Dulcolax, though it is also sold as Correctol, Fleet, Bisac-Evac, and many store-brand generics.
Bisacodyl comes in three main forms: enteric-coated oral tablets (5 mg), rectal suppositories (10 mg adult, 5 mg pediatric), and rectal enemas (10 mg). Oral tablets work in 6–12 hours, suppositories in 15–60 minutes, and enemas in 5–20 minutes. It has been used for over 70 years and remains one of the most widely used laxatives in the world.
Bisacodyl is not a controlled substance and does not require a prescription. It is FDA-approved for occasional constipation and bowel preparation and is used off-label for neurogenic bowel dysfunction and opioid-induced constipation.
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Bisacodyl is a prodrug — it must be converted to its active form in the gut. When bisacodyl reaches the colon, gut bacteria and enzymes convert it into BHPM (bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridyl-2-methane), the active metabolite responsible for its laxative effects.
BHPM has two key actions on the colon. First, it stimulates enteric neurons to trigger rhythmic muscle contractions (peristalsis), pushing stool through the colon faster. Second, it has a secretory effect — it increases fluid secretion into the colon and reduces water absorption, making stool softer and easier to pass. These combined prokinetic and secretory actions produce a reliable, predictable bowel movement.
The drug's effect is localized to the large intestine (colon) — the small intestine is largely unaffected. This is why bisacodyl tablets have an enteric coating: to prevent dissolving in the stomach or small intestine, ensuring the drug reaches the colon intact. Suppositories bypass the oral route entirely, delivering bisacodyl directly to the rectum and lower colon, which is why they work so much faster.
5 mg — delayed-release tablet
Standard oral dose for adults and children 12+; taken at bedtime; works in 6–12 hours
10 mg — rectal suppository
Adult suppository; works in 15–60 minutes; used when faster relief needed or oral route not possible
5 mg — rectal suppository (pediatric)
Pediatric suppository for children 2–11 years; works in 15–60 minutes
10 mg/30 mL — rectal enema
Rectal enema for rapid relief; works in 5–20 minutes; less commonly stocked
Bisacodyl availability is highly form-dependent. Oral tablets (5 mg) are widely available with no current shortage — you can find them at virtually any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer. Bisacodyl suppositories (10 mg) are a different story: they have experienced intermittent shortages following G&W Laboratories' exit from the market, and spot shortages at chain pharmacies remain common in 2026.
If you need bisacodyl suppositories, independent pharmacies often have better stock than chain locations. Asking your pharmacy to special-order the product (1–2 day turnaround) is another reliable option. Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.com consistently stock both tablets and suppositories.
For the most efficient way to locate bisacodyl near you, medfinder calls pharmacies near you on your behalf and texts you results — no hold music, no wasted trips.
Bisacodyl is an over-the-counter medication — no prescription is required to purchase it. It is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. Any licensed healthcare prescriber can write a prescription for bisacodyl, which may be useful for FSA/HSA reimbursement or certain Medicaid coverage situations.
Providers who commonly prescribe or recommend bisacodyl:
Primary care physicians (family medicine, internal medicine)
Gastroenterologists — particularly for colonoscopy prep and chronic GI conditions
Geriatricians — frequently manage constipation in elderly patients
Physiatrists and neurologists — neurogenic bowel management in SCI/MS patients
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs)
Colorectal surgeons — pre- and post-operative bowel management
Bisacodyl prescriptions can be obtained via telehealth in all 50 states. Since it is not a controlled substance, there are no special video call requirements. A brief telehealth visit for constipation management typically results in a same-day prescription sent to your pharmacy.
No. Bisacodyl is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. It is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that can be purchased at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer without a prescription. There are no refill restrictions, no prescription requirements, and no special monitoring requirements for bisacodyl.
While bisacodyl can be misused (laxative misuse is associated with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa), it is not classified as a controlled substance from a regulatory standpoint. Patients using bisacodyl regularly for a medical reason may benefit from having a provider's oversight, but there are no legal prescribing restrictions.
The following side effects occur in more than 5% of patients taking bisacodyl:
Abdominal cramps and stomach pain
Diarrhea (particularly at higher doses)
Nausea
Dizziness or faintness (vasovagal response)
Rectal burning or discomfort (suppository/enema forms)
Rectal bleeding or blood in stool — stop use and contact your provider
Severe allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing)
Electrolyte imbalance signs: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion (with prolonged use)
Ischemic colitis (rare, primarily when combined with sodium sulfate bowel preps)
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Senna (Senokot, Ex-Lax)
Most direct OTC substitute — same stimulant laxative class, similar 6–12 hour oral onset, widely available. Best choice if bisacodyl is unavailable.
Polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX)
Osmotic laxative — draws water into colon; takes 1–3 days; gentler, fewer cramps; preferred for chronic constipation management.
Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
Saline laxative; onset 30 min–6 hours; fast-acting OTC alternative; use with caution in kidney disease.
Docusate sodium (Colace)
Stool softener; prevents hard stools but does NOT stimulate bowel movement; not effective for active constipation episodes.
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Antacids (Tums, Maalox, Rolaids)
moderateDissolve the enteric coating prematurely when taken within 1 hour of bisacodyl tablets, causing gastric irritation and nausea. Wait at least 1 hour.
Sodium sulfate bowel preparations (Suprep, Clenpiq)
majorSerious interaction — co-administration significantly increases risk of mucosal ulceration and ischemic colitis. Avoid combining.
Digoxin
moderateBisacodyl may reduce digoxin absorption, lowering serum digoxin levels. Monitor levels with concurrent use.
Diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
moderateIncreased risk of hypokalemia (low potassium) when combined with bisacodyl, especially with prolonged use.
Corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone)
moderateCombined use increases electrolyte imbalance risk, particularly hypokalemia.
Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole)
moderatePPIs raise stomach pH and can dissolve the enteric coating prematurely. Take bisacodyl at a different time of day from PPI doses.
Dairy products and milk
moderateMilk and dairy products (due to calcium and buffering capacity) can break down the enteric coating. Avoid within 1 hour of bisacodyl tablets.
Bisacodyl is one of the most established and effective over-the-counter laxatives available. Oral tablets are widely stocked, inexpensive, and reliable for occasional constipation relief. Suppositories offer faster action for specific clinical needs but have faced intermittent supply gaps in 2026 following manufacturer changes.
For everyday constipation, starting with the lowest dose (one 5 mg tablet at bedtime), following the dairy/antacid timing guidelines, and limiting use to 1 week at a time will give you the best experience. If you find yourself needing bisacodyl more than once a week, talk to your healthcare provider — chronic constipation benefits from a comprehensive approach.
If you're struggling to find bisacodyl suppositories near you, medfinder calls pharmacies on your behalf to locate stock and texts you the results — saving you time and frustration.
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