Summary of Use during Lactation

Bisacodyl is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and its active metabolite, which is absorbed, is not detectable in breastmilk. Bisacodyl can be taken during breastfeeding and no special precautions are required.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Sixteen postpartum women who were not breastfeeding, but were producing at least 200 mL of milk daily by breast pump were given either oral enteric-coated bisacodyl tablets (Dulcolax) 10 mg daily or oral liquid sodium picosulfate (Laxoberal) 10 mg daily for 7 days. Both drugs are prodrugs metabolized to the active drug, bis-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-pyridyl-2-methane (BHPM). All breastmilk was collected daily from the day before drug administration to 2 days after the last dose. Free and conjugated BHPM were undetectable (<1 mcg/L) in all milk samples.[1]

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Docusate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Psyllium, Senna

References

1.

Friedrich C, Richter E, Trommeshauser D, et al. Lack of excretion of the active moiety of bisacodyl and sodium picosulfate into human breast milk: an open-label, parallel group, multiple dose study in healthy lactating women. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2011;26:458–64. [PubMed: 21697613]

Substance Name

Bisacodyl

CAS Registry Number

603-50-9

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Cathartics

Gastrointestinal Agents