Bisacodyl stimulates bowel movements by directly acting on the intestinal wall. It does this by irritating the mucosa of the large intestine, specifically the colon.
This irritation increases peristalsis – the rhythmic contractions that move stool through your intestines. The increased muscular activity promotes the movement of stool toward the rectum, resulting in a bowel movement.
Specifically, bisacodyl affects the ion channels in the intestinal cells. This alters fluid and electrolyte balance within the intestinal lumen, further softening stool and enhancing its passage.
The process is fairly rapid; you typically experience effects within 6 to 12 hours after taking the tablet. The precise timing depends on factors such as individual metabolism and the contents of your digestive tract.
| Irritation of colonic mucosa | Increased peristalsis |
| Ion channel alteration | Fluid and electrolyte shift, stool softening |
| Increased motility | Faster passage of stool |
Note that bisacodyl works locally within the bowel; it doesn’t significantly impact other body systems.
