Colace dosage, forms, and strengths

Colace, the brand name of docusate sodium, is an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener used to treat occasional constipation in adults and children ages 2 years and older. It’s taken by mouth, usually in tablet or capsule form, either once or twice daily. 

Colace works by pulling water and fat into the stool to soften it and allow for a more comfortable bowel movement. In some cases, it’s prescribed for long-term treatment of constipation as a side effect of other medications. After surgery, it may also be given to reduce strain on surgical incisions and prevent constipation from opioid use. Colace is often given as part of the prep process for procedures like colonoscopies. Potential adverse effects include stomach pain and diarrhea. Liquid formulations may cause throat irritation.

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Colace forms and strengths

Colace is taken by mouth to reduce constipation. It can be found as an over-the-counter treatment for occasional hard stools in the form of tablets, capsules, and softgels.

• Tablets, capsules, softgels: 50 mg, 100 mg

• Liquid: 10mg/ml, 60mg/15ml

Colace dosage for adults

Colace is approved to treat constipation and irregular bowel movements in adults. It may also be used to prevent constipation in situations that impair bowel functions. The recommended dose for adults is 100 mg to 300 mg by mouth daily. This is taken in a once-daily dose or divided into two doses. It can be taken any time of the day, with or without food.

Colace dosage for children

Colace is approved to treat constipation in children ages 2 years and older. The standard pediatric dosage of Colace is 50-150 mg by mouth once or twice daily. Pediatric dosing is based on age rather than weight. 

Children 12 years and older may take 50-300 mg per day, either once daily or twice daily.

Colace dosage restrictions

• Patients who have had an allergic reaction to Colace in the past should not take this medication.

• Colace should not be used when fecal impaction is suspected.

• If severe abdominal pain is present,

  should be ruled out before taking Colace.

• Use caution in patients who are experiencing nausea and/or vomiting.

• Rectal bleeding or not producing a bowel movement after taking Colace may be a sign of a serious medical condition and a healthcare provider should be consulted.

Colace dosage for pets

Colace is not FDA-approved for pets but can be legally prescribed by veterinarians to treat constipation in cats and dogs. The medication works to pull water into the stool, making it softer and easier for the animal to pass. It may be prescribed to help empty the bowel before certain surgeries or procedures.

Colace comes in tablets, capsules, and liquid form. The veterinarian can assist with proper dosing based on an animal’s size.

• Small dogs: 25-50 mg daily, divided into once or twice daily dosing

• Medium dogs: 50-100 mg daily, divided into once or twice daily dosing

• Large dogs: 100-200 mg daily, divided into once or twice daily dosing

You should never give your pet Colace without medical advice from a licensed veterinarian. 

How to take Colace

Colace is taken by mouth, with or without food. This medication is usually taken once or twice daily in equal doses. You may start by taking a lower dose and increasing it as directed by your healthcare provider.

Other tips for taking Colace include:

• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• If you have had a sudden change in your bowel habits in the past two weeks, ask your doctor before using this medicine.

• Drink a full glass of water when you take this medicine. One full glass of water is about 8 ounces or one cup. Drinking six to eight full glasses of water every day will help keep your bowel movements soft.

• You might need to mix the granules or powder with water before you take each dose. Drink this mixture right away. Do not swallow the granules or powder dry unless the directions say you can.

• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

• To make the oral liquid taste better, you may mix it with one-half glass of milk or fruit juice.

• Use this medicine at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

• Drink six to eight glasses of water daily while using any laxative.

Colace dosage FAQs

How long does it take Colace to work?

Colace may start working in as little as 24 hours but could take up to three days to produce results. 

How long does Colace stay in your system?

The half-life of Colace is between six and 12 hours, which means it takes that amount of time for the drug to be metabolized and half of the active ingredients to be eliminated from the body. It takes about 30 to 60 hours for this drug to be completely eliminated from the body. 

What happens if I miss a dose of Colace?

Take your missed Colace dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip it altogether and continue on your normal schedule. You should never take two doses at one time.

How long can you take Colace?

Colace is typically used for one week to reduce constipation. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe Colace for long-term treatment of constipation associated with other drugs or conditions.

How do I stop taking Colace?

It’s not likely to become dependent on Colace. Talk to your doctor if your constipation returns after discontinuing Colace.

In general, Colace is safe to take long term under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional. You should never take it for longer than one week without consulting a doctor.

What is the maximum dosage for Colace?

Adults should not take more than 300 mg of Colace in a 24-hour period. Children between the ages of 2 and 11 should not take more than 150 mg per day.

Can you overdose on Colace?

Taking too much Colace may result in extreme dehydration or a dangerous electrolyte imbalance. Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include:

• Weakness

• Lethargy

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Confusion

• Irregular heart rhythms

• Rapid heartbeat

• Seizures

Always keep this medication out of the reach of children. If you suspect an overdose of Colace, seek medical attention at the nearest emergency room or call Poison Control Center immediately. 

What interacts with Colace?

Drug interactions are possible while taking Colace, although there are very few known medications that interact with this medication. Drugs that may interact with this Colace include:

• Loop diuretics: Taking loop diuretics, like furosemide, while taking Colace can cause a dangerous loss in potassium. This may lead to an electrolyte imbalance or hypokalemia (low potassium).

• Lactulose: Taking lactulose and Colace together may make it difficult to properly dose lactulose.

• Mineral oil: Taking mineral oil and Colace together may increase the absorption of mineral oil in the body. This can cause side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping.

• Phenolphthalein: Taking phenolphthalein and Colace together may increase the effects of phenolphthalein.

There may be other medications that can interact with Colace. Patients should always tell their doctor if they are taking any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or supplements before taking Colace.

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What happens when you mix Colace and alcohol?

There is no evidence that Colace interacts with alcohol. However, alcohol can cause dehydration, which can add to the dehydration risk of Colace. This could lead to more serious side effects, so caution should be used if drinking alcohol while taking Colace. 

Is it safe to take Colace during pregnancy?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not assigned Colace to a pregnancy category based on risk factors. It is believed to be safe to take while pregnant or lactating. There is no evidence of fetal harm or Colace entering the breast milk. 

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your healthcare provider before taking Colace.

Resources:

• Colace dosing

• Colace interactions

• Colace drug information