Effects of bisacodyl on ascending colon emptying and overall colonic transit in healthy volunteers
Open Access
- 6 October 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
- Vol. 30 (9), 930-936
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2009.04118.x
Abstract
Background The mechanism of action of bisacodyl in the unprepared human colon remains unclear. Aim To evaluate the effect of oral bisacodyl on the overall and regional colonic transit in humans. Methods In a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of 25 healthy participants, effects of oral bisacodyl (5 mg p.o. per day) and placebo on colonic transit were compared. A validated scintigraphy method was used to measure colonic transit. The primary transit endpoints, ascending colon emptying t1/2 and geometric centre of colon isotope at 24 h (overall transit), were compared (Wilcoxon rank sum test). Results There were significant treatment effects on ascending colon t1/2, with the bisacodyl group demonstrating accelerated emptying [median 6.5 h, interquartile range 5.0–8.0 h] relative to the placebo group [11.0 h (7.0–17.1); P = 0.03]. Numerical differences in colonic geometric centre 24 h [bisacodyl median 3.0 (2.2–3.8), placebo 4.0 (3.1–4.6)] were not significant (P = 0.19). There were no significant differences observed in geometric centre 4 h. Conclusion Oral 5 mg bisacodyl accelerates ascending colon in the unprepared colon in healthy adults; this action may contribute to the drug’s efficacy in constipation.Keywords
This publication has 38 references indexed in Scilit:
- Effect of a chloride channel activator, lubiprostone, on colonic sensory and motor functions in healthy subjectsAmerican Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, 2009
- Measurement of colonic transit using a delayed-release capsule containing radio-opaque markersScandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 2008
- Eflect of lactose, lactulose and bisacodyl on gastrointestinal transit studied by metal detectorAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2007
- Efficacy and safety of bisacodyl in the acute treatment of constipation: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled studyAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2006
- Tegaserod, a 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist, relieves key symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)Gastroenterology, 2000
- Endoluminal Instillation of Bisacodyl inPatients with Severe (Slow Transit Type)Constipation Is Useful to Test Residual ColonicPropulsive ActivityDigestion, 1999
- Mechanisms of Drug-Induced Diarrhoea in the ElderlyDrugs & Aging, 1998
- Effect of Bisacodyl on Intestinal Electrolyte and Water Net Transport and TransitDigestion, 1987
- Changes in colonic myoelectric spiking activity during stimulation by bisacodylCanadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 1986
- The effect of stimulation on the myoelectrical activity of the rectosigmoid in manGut, 1974