Side effects of bisacodyl

These common side effects of bisacodyl happen in more than 1 in 100 people.

There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Try taking bisacodyl with some food. It may also help if you avoid rich or spicy food.

Stop taking bisacodyl and drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration, such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.

If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

Reduce your dose of bisacodyl or stop taking it until these side effects go away.

Try to rest and relax. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or a covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.