Docusate sodium: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Docusate Sodium?

What is docusate sodium for?

Docusate sodium is a drug used to treat occasional constipation. Some medications and conditions can contribute to constipation. Stool softeners such as docusate are often the first method used to prevent and treat constipation. Docusate is often used when an attempted contraction to pass stool must be avoided (for example, after a heart attack or surgery).

Docusate is a stool softener. It works by increasing the amount of water that is absorbed in stool in the intestines, thus making the stool softer and easier to pass.

How is the sodium docusate used?

Follow all directions on the product package unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. If you are unsure about any information, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication at bedtime with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water or juice, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Lower the dose or stop taking this medicine if you have diarrhea.

If you are using this medication in liquid form, measure the dose using a special measuring device / spoon with care. Don't use a household spoon as you may not get the correct dose. If you are using drops, measure the medication with the dropper provided, or use a dosing spoon or medication measuring device to make sure you have the correct dose. Mix the syrup, liquid medicine or drops with 4 to 8 ounces of fruit juice, orinfant formula to prevent throat irritation and mask the bitter taste.

Use this remedy when only needed. Do not use this product for more than 1 week unless directed by your doctor.

Healing is usually seen within 1 to 3 days.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is docusate sodium stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Docusate Sodium Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for docusate sodium for adults?

Adult Dose for Constipation

Oral: 50 to 400 mg (use one type of salt) orally in 1 to 4 divided doses daily. Anal: 200-283 mg rectally as an enema once or twice. Alternatives: 50 to 100 mg (liquid sodium docusate) added to retention or used enema once daily.

What is the dosage of docusate sodium for children?

Children's Dose for Constipation

Oral:

Less than 3 years:

10 to 40 mg (docusate sodium) orally divided in 1-4 doses.

3 to 6 years: 20 to 60 mg (docusate sodium) orally in 1-4 divided doses.

6 to 12 years: 40-150 mg (docusate sodium) orally in 1-4 divided doses.

Over 12 years of age: 50-400 mg (use one type of salt) orally in 1 to 4 divided doses daily.

Anal:

3 to 18 years of age: 50 to 100 mg (liquid sodium docusate) added to retention or enema once daily.

Alternative: 200-283 mg rectally by enema once daily as needed for constipation.

In what dosage is docusate sodium available?

Capsules, Oral, calcium:

Kao-Tin: 240 mg
DC Stool-Thinning Laxative: 240 mg
Sur-Q-Lax: 240 mg
Generic: 240 mg

Capsule, Oral, sodium:

Colace: 50 mg, 100 mg
D.O.S: 250 mg
DocQLace: 100 mg
Docu soft: 100 mg
Docusil: 100 mg
DOK: 100 mg, 250 mg
Dulcolax Stool Thinner: 100 mg
KS Stool Softener: 100 mg
Basic Laxa: 100 mg, 250 mg
Sof-Lax: 100 mg
Stool Thinner: 100 mg
Generic: 100 mg, 250 mg

Enema, rectally, sodium:

DocuSol Mini: 283 mg
Enemeez Mini: 283 mg (5 ml)
Mini-Enerma vacuants: 283 mg

Liquid, Oral, sodium:

Diocto: 50 mg / 5 mL (473 mL)
Docu: 50 mg / 5 mL (10 mL, 473 mL)
Pedia-Lax: 50 mg / 15 ml (118 ml)
Silace: 150 mg / 15 ml (473 ml)
Generic: 50 mg / 5 mL (10 mL)

Syrup, Oral, sodium:

Diocto: 60 mg / 15 ml (473 ml)

Tablet, Oral, sodium:

Docuprene: 100 mg
DOK: 100 mg
Promolaxin: 100 mg
Stool Thinner: 100 mg
Generic: 100 mg

Docusate Sodium side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to docusate sodium?

Check with your doctor in case of bitter taste, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, gas, irritation around the rectum, throat irritation.

Seek immediate medical help if any of these serious side effects occur while using docusate, which is a severe allergic reaction (hives rash, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), fainting nausea, vomiting.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Docusate Sodium Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using docusate sodium?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain active ingredients that 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 medicine: severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, sudden change in bowel habits during the previous 2 weeks.

Is docusate sodium safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Docusate has not been formally assigned to a specific category during pregnancy by the FDA. Docusate has been included for Risk Factor C (Possibly Risk) by Briggs et al. No incidence of congenital defects has been associated with docusate use during pregnancy. Docusate should only be used during pregnancy if there is no alternative and has benefits that outweigh the risks.

There are no data regarding the excretion of docusate into human milk. In one study of 35 women who received the docusate and dihydroxyanthraquinone combination, diarrhea was reported in one infant.

Drug Interactions of Docusate Sodium

What medicines may interact with docusate sodium?

Some DRUGS MAY INTERACT with the docusate. Tell your doctor if you are taking mineral oil, as absorption may increase. They also increase the GI uptake of other drugs, increase the laxative effect of anthraquinones, and increase the incidence of side effects when given concurrently with aspirin.

Can food or alcohol interact with docusate sodium?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with docusate sodium?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

- appendicitis (or any signs)
- unexplained rectal bleeding - this condition requires prompt medical attention

intestinal blockage - the use of laxatives can trigger other problems if this condition occurs.

Docusate Sodium overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.