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Bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: HalfLytely and Bisacodyl

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 16, 2023.

Bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride Pregnancy Warnings

Bisacodyl-PEG-ELS has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Animal studies have not been reported. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Bisacodyl-PEG-ELS is recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Animal studies with bisacodyl have failed to reveal evidence of teratogenicity or fetotoxicity. At doses 70 times the maximum recommended human dose, there is evidence of decreased litter survival at weaning. Bisacodyl tablets have been used during human pregnancy without evidence of uterine relaxation. Due to the minimal absorption of bisacodyl, fetal risk is considered low.

See references

Bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride Breastfeeding Warnings

There are no data on the excretion of bisacodyl-PEG-ELS into human milk. The manufacturer recommends caution when bisacodyl-PEG-ELS is administered to nursing women.

See references

References for pregnancy information

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Dulcolax (bisacodyl)." Ciba Self-Medication Inc
  2. (2022) "Product Information. HalfLytely and Bisacodyl (bisacodyl-PEG 3350 with electrolytes)." Braintree Laboratories

References for breastfeeding information

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Dulcolax (bisacodyl)." Ciba Self-Medication Inc
  2. "Product Information. Golytely (polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes)." Braintree
  3. (2022) "Product Information. HalfLytely and Bisacodyl (bisacodyl-PEG 3350 with electrolytes)." Braintree Laboratories

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.