Docusates: function, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Medicine Docusates?

What are docusates for?

Docusates are used to relieve constipation and prevent dry, hard stools. This medication may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

docusates are stool softeners. It works by helping to introduce fat and water into the stool mass to soften the stool.

How are docusates used?

Use docusates as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for precise dosing instructions.

Take docusates by mouth with or without food.

Drink docusates with a full glass of water (8 oz / 240 mL).

Drinking extra fluids while you are using docusates is recommended. Check with your doctor for further instructions.

Defecation will usually occur 1 to 3 days after the first dose.

If you miss a dose of docusates when using it regularly, change the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your doctor any questions you have about how to use docusate.

How do I save docusates?

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.

Docusates dosage

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

What is the dosage of docusates for adults?

Normal Dosage For Adults With Constipation

By mouth: 50 to 400 mg (using one form of salt) orally divided in 1 to 4 doses daily.

Insertion rectally: 200-283 mg rectally as an enema once or twice.

Alternative: 50 to 100 mg (liquid sodium docusates) added to retention or injected rectally once daily.

What is the dosage of docusates for children?

Normal Dosage for Constipation

Oral:

Less than 3 years: 10 to 40 mg (docusates sodium) orally in 1-4 divided doses.

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

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

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

Rectally:

3-18 years: 50 to 100 mg (docusates liquid sodium) added to retention or sprinkled by injection once daily.

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

In what dosages are docusates available?

Capsules, Oral, calcium:

• Kao-Tin: 240 mg
• DC Laxative Stool Softener: 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 Softener: 100 mg
• KS Stool Softener: 100 mg
• Basic Laxa: 100 mg, 250 mg
• Sof-Lax: 100 mg
• Stool Softener: 100 mg
• Generic: 100 mg, 250 mg
• Enema, rectal, 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 Softener: 100 mg
• Generic: 100 mg

Docusates side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to docusates?

All drugs can cause side effects, but many people do not, or are unlikely, experience side effects. Check with your doctor if one of the most COMMON side effects persists or becomes bothersome, namely a bitter taste; bloating; cramps; diarrhea; exhaust gas; irritation around the rectum; throat irritation.

Get medical help right away if any of the serious side effects occur, namely, a severe allergic reaction (rash; hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) fainting; nausea; gag.

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

Docusates Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using docusates?

Before using docusates, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

• if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• if you are taking other prescription or nonprescription drugs, herbal remedies, or dietary supplements
• if you have an allergy to drugs, food, or other substances
• if you have a history of bowel obstruction
• if you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or rectal bleeding

Are docusates safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Docusates have not been formally classified for pregnancy by the FDA. Docusates has been classified for Risk Factor C by Briggs et al. There were no congenital defects associated with the use of docusates during pregnancy. Docusates should only be used during pregnancy if there is no alternative and the benefits outweigh the risks.

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

Docusates Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with docusates?

Some DRUGS MAY INTERACT with the docusate. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, especially mineral oil, as they can increase absorption.

This may not be a complete list of all possible interactions. Ask your doctor if docusates can interact with other medicines you use. Check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine

Can food or alcohol interact with docusates?

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 docusates?

The presence of other medical problems can affect the use of medicines in this class. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• appendicitis (or its signs)
• rectal bleeding of unknown cause. This condition requires immediate attention by a doctor.
• intestinal blockage - use of laxatives can create other problems if this condition is present.

Docusates 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.