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docusate (oral/rectal)

docusate (oral/rectal)

Pronunciation: DOK ue sate

Brand: Colace, Diocto, Doc-Q-Lace, Docu, Doculase, Docusil, Docusoft S, DocuSol, Dulcolax Stool Softener, Enemeez Mini, Kao-Tin, Pedia-Lax Stool Softener, Phillips Stool Softener, Promolaxin, Silace, Surfak Stool Softener, Sur-Q-Lax

Stool Softener

slide 1 of 18, Stool Softener,

sodium 250 mg, capsule, orange, imprinted with P20 SCU1

Image of Stool Softener
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Docusate Calcium

slide 2 of 18, Docusate Calcium,

calcium 240 mg, oblong, red, imprinted with P58 SCU

Image of Docusate Calcium
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Docusate Calcium

slide 3 of 18, Docusate Calcium,

calcium 240 mg, capsule, red, imprinted with P58

Image of Docusate Calcium
slide 3 of 18

Docusate Sodium

slide 4 of 18, Docusate Sodium,

sodium 100 mg, oval, orange, imprinted with P51

Image of Docusate Sodium
slide 4 of 18

Docusate Sodium

slide 5 of 18, Docusate Sodium,

sodium 250 mg, capsule, orange, imprinted with P20

Image of Docusate Sodium
slide 5 of 18

Doc-Q-Lace

slide 6 of 18, Doc-Q-Lace,

sodium 100 mg, oval, red, imprinted with SCU1

Image of Doc-Q-Lace
slide 6 of 18

DOK

slide 7 of 18, DOK,

sodium 100 mg, oval, orange, imprinted with P51

Image of DOK
slide 7 of 18

Docusate Sodium

slide 8 of 18, Docusate Sodium,

sodium 100 mg, oval, red/white, imprinted with L486

Image of Docusate Sodium
slide 8 of 18

DSS

slide 9 of 18, DSS,

sodium 100 mg, oval, red, imprinted with NV 13

Image of DSS
slide 9 of 18

DSS

slide 10 of 18, DSS,

sodium 250 mg, capsule, red, imprinted with NV 12

Image of DSS
slide 10 of 18

Colace

slide 11 of 18, Colace,

sodium 50 mg, oval, red, imprinted with RPC 052

Image of Colace
slide 11 of 18

DC-240

slide 12 of 18, DC-240,

calcium 240 mg, oblong, red, imprinted with P58

Image of DC-240
slide 12 of 18

DOS

slide 13 of 18, DOS,

sodium 100 mg, oval, red, imprinted with 7112

Image of DOS
slide 13 of 18

Docusate Sodium

slide 14 of 18, Docusate Sodium,

sodium 250 mg, oblong, red, imprinted with PZO

Image of Docusate Sodium
slide 14 of 18

Docusate Sodium

slide 15 of 18, Docusate Sodium,

sodium 100 mg

Image of Docusate Sodium
slide 15 of 18

Docusate Sodium

slide 16 of 18, Docusate Sodium,

sodium 100 mg, oval, red, imprinted with P51

Image of Docusate Sodium
slide 16 of 18

Stool Softener

slide 17 of 18, Stool Softener,

sodium 100 mg, oval, red/white, imprinted with L486

Image of Stool Softener
slide 17 of 18

Docusate Sodium

slide 18 of 18, Docusate Sodium,

sodium 100 mg, oval, red, imprinted with SCU1

Image of Docusate Sodium
slide 18 of 18

What is the most important information I should know about docusate?

You should not use docusate if you also use mineral oil, unless your doctor tells you to.

What is docusate?

Docusate is a stool softener that makes bowel movements softer and easier to pass.

Docusate is used to relieve occasional constipation (irregularity).

There are many brands and forms of docusate available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Docusate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using docusate?

You should not use docusate if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

  • stomach pain;
  • nausea;
  • vomiting; or
  • a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 2 weeks.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use docusate?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are using docusate.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Do not take the rectal enema by mouth. Rectal medicine is for use only in the rectum.

Wash your hands before and after using the enema.

To use the enema, lie on your left side with your left leg extended and your right leg slightly bent. Remove the cap from the applicator tip and gently insert the tip into your rectum. Slowly squeeze the bottle to empty the contents into the rectum.

After using the enema, lie down on your left side for at least 30 minutes to allow the liquid to distribute throughout your intestines. Avoid using the bathroom, and hold in the enema at least 1 hour, or all night if possible.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Docusate generally produces bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 72 hours.

You should not use docusate for longer than 1 week, unless your doctor tells you to.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze liquid medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since docusate is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using docusate?

Avoid using mineral oil, unless told to do so by a doctor.

What are the possible side effects of docusate?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using docusate and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • rectal bleeding or irritation; or
  • no bowel movement after 72 hours.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect docusate?

Other drugs may affect docusate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about docusate.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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