This article describes possible interactions with bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Bisacodyl comes as a delayed-release tablet that you’ll swallow. (“Delayed release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over time.) It’s also available as a rectal suppository. Interactions of bisacodyl may vary depending on the form of bisacodyl you’re prescribed.
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Other drugs and bisacodyl
The drugs in the list below may interact with bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with bisacodyl.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet include:
- antacids:
- drug examples: aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Mylanta, others) and calcium carbonate (Tums, others)
- what might happen: can cause stomach side effects of bisacodyl. To help prevent this, do not take antacids for 1 hour before and 1 hour after taking bisacodyl.
- H2 blockers:
- drug examples: cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and ranitidine
- what could happen: can cause stomach side effects of bisacodyl. To help prevent this, do not take H2 blockers for 1 hour before and 1 hour after taking bisacodyl.
- loop diuretics:
- osmotic laxatives:
- proton pump inhibitors (PPIs):
- drug examples: omeprazole (Prilosec) and pantoprazole (Protonix)
- what might happen: can cause stomach side effects of bisacodyl. To help prevent this, do not take PPIs for 1 hour before and 1 hour after taking bisacodyl.
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When to avoid bisacodyl
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet. Because of this, doctors may not recommend bisacodyl in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of bisacodyl contraindications:
- Inability to swallow without chewing. If you cannot swallow without chewing, taking bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet may cause stomach irritation and vomiting.
- Past allergic reaction to bisacodyl. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet, taking it again may cause a life threatening allergic reaction.
Before you start taking bisacodyl, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should take bisacodyl.
Bisacodyl interactions with alcohol
Bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it while taking bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet.
Other interactions and bisacodyl
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with bisacodyl.
Bisacodyl and supplements
Before taking bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Bisacodyl interactions with herbs
Bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any herbs. But this doesn’t mean interactions with herbs can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet.
Bisacodyl interactions with vitamins
Bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet.
Bisacodyl and food
It’s important that you do not have milk at least 1 hour before and 1 hour after taking bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet. If you take bisacodyl with milk, an interaction could occur that can cause stomach side effects of bisacodyl.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should avoid while taking bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet.
Bisacodyl and vaccines
Bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet.
Bisacodyl and lab tests
Bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet.
Bisacodyl and cannabis or CBD
Bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet isn’t known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But this doesn’t mean interactions can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis with bisacodyl.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and bisacodyl
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking bisacodyl, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether bisacodyl is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet:
- bowel disorders, such as ulcerative colitis or a bowel blockage
- changes in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks
- inability to swallow without chewing
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach pain
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- past allergic reaction to bisacodyl
Preventing bisacodyl interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Other medications you take. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking bisacodyl delayed-release oral tablet.
Taking bisacodyl exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about bisacodyl and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Do I need to take my medications at different times throughout the day to avoid interactions?
- Could I still take bisacodyl even if it interacts with a health condition I have?
- Do other drugs that could treat my condition have similar interactions?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
