What is Docusate Sodium: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Docusate Sodium overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • BENEHealth Stool Softener, Colace, Col-Rite, Diocto, Diocto Liquid, Docuprene, Docusil, Dok, DSS, Dulcolax, Dulcolax Pink, Fleet Sof-Lax, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Stool Softener, Good Sense Stool Softener, Health Mart Stool Softener

Generic Names:

  • Docusate Sodium

Uses:

  • Treats constipation by helping you have a bowel movement.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Laxative, Stimulant, Laxative, Stimulant Combination, Laxative, Stool Softener

Forms:

  • Capsule, Tablet, Liquid, Liquid Filled Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Docusate Sodium used for?

Docusate Sodium comes in capsule form and is used to treat constipation and reduce pain or rectal damage cause by straining during bowel movements. It works by increasing the amount of water in stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Common side effects of Docusate Sodium may include dizziness, weakness, gas, bloating and sweating.

What form(s) does Docusate Sodium come in

  • Capsule

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

What are common Docusate Sodium doses?

  • Bottle 30 Capsules

  • Bottle 60 Capsules

  • Bottle 90 Capsules

  • Bottle 100 Capsules

  • Bottle 100 Tablets

  • Bottle 120 Capsules

  • Bottle 473ML of 50MG/5ML

  • Capsule 100MG

  • Capsule 250MG

  • Cup 10ML of 50MG/5ML

  • Cup 25ML of 60MG/15ML

  • Tablet 100MG

  • Box 100 Tablets

Common Docusate Sodium prescriptions

  • Docusate Sodium
    100 capsules bottle

  • Docusate Sodium
    100 tablets bottle

  • Docusate Sodium
    1000 capsules bottle

  • Docusate Sodium
    120 capsules bottle

  • Docusate Sodium
    180 capsules bottle

  • Docusate Sodium
    30 capsules bottle

  • Docusate Sodium
    300 capsules bottle

  • Docusate Sodium
    473ml of 150mg/15ml bottle

  • Docusate Sodium
    473ml of 50mg/5ml bottle

  • Docusate Sodium
    60 capsules bottle

  • Docusate Sodium
    90 capsules bottle

  • Docusate Sodium
    100 capsules box

  • Docusate Sodium
    100 tablets box

  • Docusate Sodium
    750 capsules box

  • Docusate Sodium
    100mg capsule

  • Docusate Sodium
    250mg capsule

  • Docusate Sodium
    10ml of 100mg/10ml cup

  • Docusate Sodium
    5ml of 50mg/5ml cup

  • Docusate Sodium
    100mg tablet

How to take Docusate Sodium

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

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

  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily while using any laxative.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily while using any laxative.

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

What to do if you miss a dose of Docusate Sodium

  • Use the missed dose as soon as possible.

  • If you do not remember the missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

Docusate Sodium contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Stool softeners should not be used if you have severe stomach pain and do not know the cause.

Docusate Sodium warnings

  • You should not use this laxative for longer than 1 week unless approved by your doctor. Laxatives may be habit-forming and can harm your bowels if you use them too long.

  • Do not give laxatives to children under 6 years old unless you talk to your doctor.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Stool softeners usually work in 1 to 2 days, but for some people, results can take as long as 3 to 5 days.

Docusate Sodium interactions

  • You should not use mineral oil while you are using a stool softener.

  • Stool softeners usually work in 1 to 2 days, but for some people, results can take as long as 3 to 5 days.

  • You should not use this laxative for longer than 1 week unless approved by your doctor. Laxatives may be habit-forming and can harm your bowels if you use them too long.

  • You should not use a stool softener within 2 hours before or after taking any other medicines. Laxatives can keep other medicines from working correctly.

Docusate Sodium side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Sore throat

  • Skin rash

  • Nausea

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Sore throat

  • Nausea

  • Skin rash