i took bisacodyl while pregnant

[Ginger1195]

Hi, I am 11 weeks pregnant and gave been struggling to go to the toilet. I took a bisacodyl laxative thinking it is safe and I have just read on Google it isn't so now I am panicking. I have taken just the one. Should I call the midwife or doctors? Has anyone taken these whilst pregnant before? Was it all OK? Thanks

The BNF (UK prescribing guidelines) say "May be suitable for constipation in pregnancy, if a stimulant effect is necessary."

I've also just read that very little is absorbed into the body, almost all of it stays within the gastrointestinal tract. So it's unlikely it would cause issues.

I think lactulose and movicol (or other brands of macrogol) are more typically used in pregnancy as there's more data to support their safety. I took movicol through my whole pregnancy. Maybe switch to one of those if you're still having issues, but I think it's highly unlikely a single dose of bisacodyl will have caused any harm.

Link to the BNF:
bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/bisacodyl/#pregnancy

Just use Movicol from now on, works well on a regular basis (no pun intended!!)

You can also use glycerine suppositories for the more difficult times.

I have multiple chronic illnesses which require lifelong medication, throughout pregnancy and beyond, and I have two perfect kids. I had extra monitoring in pregnancy and was made to stay in hospital a little longer than I'd have liked after delivering - but it was to check the baby was ok and I knew that was more important than my comfort. Both babies fine. One is autistic but that's genetic. Other neurotypical. Both delivered at term and no health issues (touch wood).

Honestly I have to take so much that I rattle so I v much doubt one dose of medication designed to work on your bowels would have any discernible effect on your pregnancy. But by all means check with GP.

It will be fine though.

It’s really difficult to categorically say what medicines are safe to take during pregnancy as you can’t test drugs on pregnant women for ethical reasons so technically all medicines carry a caution for use in pregnant women.

However, there isn’t any evidence to suggest there would be any ill effects from having taken it.

I’ve just checked the BNF and Bisacodyl ‘may’ be suitable for use in pregnancy, so it hasn’t been categorised as a teratogenic (harmful to foetus) 🙂

From that, I think you will be safe having just taken the one. Do speak to your midwife about constipation relief, though!