Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Colace, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, Diocto, Doc-Q-Lace, Docu Soft, Docusoft S, DOK, DOS, DSS, Fleet Sof-Lax, Genasoft, Kasof, Sur-Q-Lax

Generic Name: docusate (Pronunciation: DOK ue sate)

• What is docusate (Colace, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, Diocto, Doc-Q-Lace, Docu Soft, Docusoft S, DOK, DOS, DSS, Fleet Sof-Lax, Genasoft, Kasof, 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 (Colace, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, Diocto, Doc-Q-Lace, Docu Soft, Docusoft S, DOK, DOS, DSS, Fleet Sof-Lax, Genasoft, Kasof, Sur-Q-Lax)?

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

Docusate is used to treat 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;
• severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; or
• no bowel movement.

Less serious side effects may include:

• a bitter taste or throat irritation;
• skin rash;
• diarrhea; or
• mild nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Before using docusate, tell your doctor if you have an intestinal disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Do not take mineral oil or aspirin while using docusate, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after using this medicine for 1 to 3 days.

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

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to docusate.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using docusate, tell your doctor if you have:

• an intestinal disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis; or
• stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether docusate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use docusate?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open a docusate capsule. Swallow the pill whole.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Mix the liquid with 6 to 8 ounces of milk, fruit juice, or infant formula and drink the mixture right away.

Wash your hands before and after using docusate rectal enema.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the enema.

Use only the applicator provided with the medication to insert it into your rectum.

For best results from the enema, lie down on your left side for at least 30 minutes after using the enema to allow the liquid to distribute throughout your intestines. Avoid using the bathroom during this time.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after using this medicine for 1 to 3 days.

Store docusate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.

What should I avoid while using docusate?

Avoid using laxatives or other stool softeners unless your doctor has told you to.

What other drugs will affect docusate?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• aspirin or products that contain aspirin; or
• mineral oil.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with docusate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about docusate.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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