1242. Bisacodyl

Nomenclature

CAS number: 603-50-9
4,4′-(2-Pyridylmethylene)bisphenol diacetate; bis(p-acetoxyphenyl)-2-pyridylmethane; (4,4′-diacetoxydiphenyl)(2-pyridyl)methane; 2-(4,4′-diacetoxydiphenylmethyl)pyridine; Contalax (3M Pharma); Correctol (Schering-Plough); Dulcolax (Boehringer, Ing.); Durolax (Boehringer, Ing.); Ex-Lax (Novartis); Gentlax (Purdue Frederick); Perilax (Nordic Drugs); Pyrilax (Berlin-Chemie); Stadalax (Stada).
C22H19NO4; mol wt 361.39.
C 73.12%, H 5.30%, N 3.88%, O 17.71%.

Description and references

Diphenylmethane laxative. Prepn: GB 730243; A. Kottler, E. Seeger, US 2764590 (l955, 1956 both to Thomae). Pharmacology and toxicology: Schmidt, Arzneim.-Forsch. 3, 19 (1953). Comparison of efficacy and safety with other stimulant laxatives: A. Wald, J. Clin. Gastroenterol. 36, 386 (2003). Clinical evaluation in constipation: S. Kienzle-Horn et al., Aliment. Pharmacol. Ther. 23, 1479 (2006).

Chemical structure

Properties

Tasteless crystals, mp 138°. Practically insol in water and alkaline solns. Sol in acids, alc, acetone, propylene glycol, and other organic solvents. LD50 orally in rats: >3 g/kg (Schmidt).

Therapeutic Category

Cathartic.

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Cathartic.

Keywords

Laxative/Cathartic