DOCUSATE - ORAL
Common Brand Name(s): Col-Rite, Colace, Correctol, Diocto, Dioeze, Doc-Q-Lace, Docucal, Docusoft, DSS, Silace, Surfak
Phonetic Pronunciation: (DOCK-you-sate)
Information last revised May 2010
What does DOCUSATE-ORAL look like?
Kaopectate (docusate calcium) 240 mg Cap
docusate sodium 100 mg Cap
docusate calcium 240 mg Cap
DOK 100 mg Cap
Genasoft 100 mg Cap
docusate sodium 100 mg Cap
Stool Softener 100 mg Cap
Colace 100 mg Cap
Doc-Q-Lace 100 mg Cap
Doc-Q-Lace 60 mg/15 mL Syrup
Docu 50 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid
docusate sodium 100 mg Cap
docusate sodium 100 mg Cap
docusate sodium 100 mg Cap
DOK 100 mg Cap
docusate sodium 50 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid
Correctol Extra Gentle 100 mg Cap
docusate sodium 60 mg/15 mL Syrup
Stool Softener 100 mg Cap
Doc-Q-Lace 100 mg Cap
docusate sodium 50 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid
docusate sodium 250 mg Cap
docusate sodium 100 mg Cap
docusate sodium 250 mg Cap
DOK 250 mg Cap
Stool Softener 100 mg Cap
docusate sodium 100 mg Cap
docusate sodium 60 mg/15 mL Syrup
Stool Softener 100 mg Cap
Colace 50 mg Cap
docusate sodium 100 mg Cap
Phillips Liqui-Gels 100 mg Cap
Docu Soft 100 mg Cap
DOK 100 mg Cap
docusate sodium 100 mg Cap
docusate sodium 100 mg Cap
Stool Softener 100 mg Cap
Stool Softener 240 mg Cap
Kao-Tin (docusate calcium) 240 mg Cap
Stool Softener 100 mg Cap
docusate sodium 100 mg Cap
Uses:
This medication is used to treat occasional constipation. Some medications and conditions can make constipation more likely. Stool softeners such as docusate are often the first method used for preventing and treating this type of constipation. Docusate is often used when straining to have a bowel movement should be avoided (e.g., after a heart attack or surgery). Docusate is a stool softener. It works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Follow all directions on the product package unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth, usually at bedtime with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water or juice, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Decrease your dose or stop taking this medication if you develop diarrhea. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the drops, measure the medication with the dropper provided, or use a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you have the correct dose. Mix the syrup, liquid or drops in 4 to 8 ounces of fruit juice, milk or infant formula to prevent throat irritation and mask a bitter taste. Use this medication only when needed. Do not use this product for more than 1 week unless directed by your doctor. Relief is usually seen in 1 to 3 days. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Drug Interactions
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: mineral oil. If you are currently using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting docusate. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aspirin, drugs containing phenolphthalein. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Constipation can usually be prevented by eating a diet high in fiber, drinking enough fluids and getting regular exercise. Use this medication for temporary relief of constipation only. Do not use this medication for a long period of time to prevent becoming dependent on laxatives.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication: severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, sudden change in bowel habits over the previous 2 weeks. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Store at room temperature at 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
Stomach pain, diarrhea, or cramping may occur. Irritated throat (with liquid or syrup forms) may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: rectal bleeding. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
