Kienzle-Horn, S., Vix, J.M., Schuitjt, C., Peil, H., Jordan, C.C., & Kamm, M.A. (2006). Efficacy and safety of bisacodyl in acute treatment of constipation: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Aliment Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 23, 1479–1488.
To determine the effect and safety of oral bisacodyl on stool frequency and consistency.
Patients received bisacodyl 10 mg (two 5-mg tablets) or placebo (two tablets) orally once daily on three successive days following a three-day run-in period. The study had a three-day baseline period and three treatment days. Patients were asked not to drink milk or take antacids at the same time as study medications because they could dissolve the enteric coating. Randomization was 1:1. Unused medication was collected at the end of the treatment period. Primary endpoints during the three-day treatment period were mean number of stools per day and mean stool consistency.
Eight primary care practices in Germany
This was a phase IV, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group design study.
Bisacodyl is effective and safe in improving stool frequency and consistency.