As per the findings of a retrospective, population-based, observational cohort real-world study, Bisacodyl can be administered at a stable dosage for more than twenty-eight days as most constipation sufferers stayed on their initial dosage during the follow-up. Also, there were no signs suggestive of habituation. The long-term use of Bisacodyl in constipation patients may raise safety issues related to potential habituation.

Michel Bouchoucha et al. sought to assess whether individuals with constipation who need Bisacodyl for a prolonged period of time will remain on a stable dose when treated for ≥ 28 days. From the Health Improvement Network French database, electronic medical record data of adults having constipation were gathered. The total amount of Bisacodyl exposure over the long term (≥28 days) and follow-up period (12 months) was assessed.  The key outcome ascertained was Bisacodyl's dosage alteration status during the follow-up from the initial dosage in the long-term cohort.

A total of 218 patients of the database's 5725 Bisacodyl users met the requirements to be included in the long-term cohort. Bisacodyl was commenced at doses of 5, 7.5, and 10 mg for a total of 166 (76.1%), 37 (17%), and 15 (6.9%) patients respectively. The majority (94%) of the participants continued taking their medication at the same dose they had been given for the first year during the follow-up. Only 6 people (2.8%) lowered their dose (2 from the 10 mg group and 4 from the 7.5 mg group), while 7 people (3.2%) had their dose elevated (from the initial prescription dose of 5 mg).