A patient has been taking an oral bisacodyl laxative for several years. The FNP suggests discontinuing the laxative. Which instruction best reflects the plan?

• A. Stop taking the laxative immediately and expect no stool for several days.
• B. Stop taking the laxative gradually over several weeks.
• C. Use a suppository, a bulk-forming laxative, or tapering the laxative to aid withdrawal.
• D. The laxative habit will resolve on its own with time and does not require action.

Answer: (A)

Stopping a long-term stimulant laxative like bisacodyl abruptly is about allowing the bowel to reset after years of pharmacologic stimulation. When the stimulant is no longer active, the colon’s motility takes time to restore its natural rhythm, so stool output can temporarily drop or stop for several days. This immediate cessation signals that dependence on the laxative is being broken, and the body is reestablishing baseline function. It’s important to support this transition with adequate fluids and dietary fiber and to monitor for persistent constipation or discomfort, but the expected short-term absence of stool reflects the timeout the bowel needs to regain normal activity.