Effects of bisacodyl on ascending colon emptying and overall colonic transit in healthy volunteers

Abstract

SUMMARY BackgroundThe mechanism of action of bisacodyl in the unprepared human colon remains unclear.

Functional constipation in childhood: current pharmacotherapy and future perspectives

“…These are both phenyl methane prodrugs, which are hydrolyzed by colonic bacteria or brush border enzymes to their active metabolite bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-pyridyl-2-methane (BHPM) [75]. BHPM works both as a prokinetic agent [80] and by stimulation of intestinal secretion [81]. Although these drugs are used extensively in the treatment of pediatric constipation [15,35], there is no evidence to support this practice [82].…”

Chronic Constipation: An Evidence-Based Review

“…They act on the myenteric plexus of the colon and stimulate peristaltic contractions, 148,149 which decreases transit time. 150,151 They also decrease water absorption from the lumen. For bisacodyl, there is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial showing efficacy and safety over placebo 114 and another open-labeled, randomized study showing comparable benefits with sodium picosulphate.…”

Oral versus rectal laxatives for functional constipation in child

“…13 Bisacodyl works locally to increase motility and decrease colonic transit time of the stool, as well as to increase the fluid in the stool. 14 Functional constipation is difficult to treat and the recurrence rate is high. In one study, 52% of children with constipation and encopresis still had symptoms after 5 years of treatment.…”