Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Calcium Stool Softener, Colace, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, Diocto, Doc-Q-Lace, Docu, Docu Soft, Doculase, Docusoft S, DocuSol, DOK, DOS, D-S Caps, DSS, Dulcolax Stool Softener, Enemeez Mini, Fleet Sof-Lax, Kaopectate Stool Softener, Kao-Tin, Kasof, Phillips Stool Softener, Silace, Sur-Q-Lax

Generic Name: docusate (Pronunciation: DOK ue sate)

• What is docusate (Calcium Stool Softener, Colace, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, Diocto, Doc-Q-Lace, Docu, Docu Soft, Doculase, Docusoft S, DocuSol, DOK, DOS, D-S Caps, DSS, Dulcolax Stool Softener, Enemeez Mini, Fleet Sof-Lax, Kaopectate Stool Softener, Kao-Tin, Kasof, Phillips Stool Softener, Silace, Sur-Q-Lax)?
• What are the possible side effects of docusate?
• What is the most important information I should know about docusate?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using docusate?
• How should I use docusate?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while using docusate?
• What other drugs will affect docusate?
• Where can I get more information?

What is docusate (Calcium Stool Softener, Colace, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, Diocto, Doc-Q-Lace, Docu, Docu Soft, Doculase, Docusoft S, DocuSol, DOK, DOS, D-S Caps, DSS, Dulcolax Stool Softener, Enemeez Mini, Fleet Sof-Lax, Kaopectate Stool Softener, Kao-Tin, Kasof, Phillips Stool Softener, Silace, Sur-Q-Lax)?

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

Docusate is used to treat or prevent constipation, and to reduce pain or rectal damage caused by hard stools or by straining during bowel movements.

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

DC-240 mg

oblong, red, imprinted with P58

Docusate 100 mg-WAT

red, imprinted with 7112

Docusate Sodium 100 mg-UDL

red, imprinted with P51

Stool Softener 100 mg-ALT

oval, red/white, imprinted with L486

What are the possible side effects of docusate?

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

Stop using docusate and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• rectal bleeding or irritation;
• numbness or a rash around your rectum;
• severe diarrhea or stomach cramps; or
• continued constipation.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild diarrhea; or
• mild nausea.

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 is the most important information I should know about docusate?

You should not use docusate if you are allergic to it, or if you have a blockage in your intestines. Do not use docusate while you are sick with nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

Do not take mineral oil while using docusate, unless your doctor tells you to.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using docusate if you are on a low-salt diet, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have recently had a sudden change in your bowel habits lasting for longer than 2 weeks.

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