• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

Before taking bisacodyl, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• an antacid or medicine to relieve heartburn; or

• the stomach medicines cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR), famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC), ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75), omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (Aciphex).

You may not be able to take bisacodyl, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with bisacodyl. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking bisacodyl and seek medical treatment or call your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• rectal bleeding;

• severe abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting; or

• no bowel movement.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take bisacodyl and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dizziness;

• abdominal (stomach) discomfort;

• cramps;

• diarrhea; or

• mild nausea.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.