Colace generic: Availability, cost, and more

In this article:

• Is there a generic for Colace?
• What are the differences between brand-name and generic Colace?
• Colace (docusate sodium) warnings and side effects
• What is the price of generic Colace?
• Brand vs. generic Colace prices
• What are the off-label uses for Colace?
• How to switch from Colace to docusate sodium

In this article

• Is there a generic for Colace?
• What are the differences between brand-name and generic Colace?
• Colace (docusate sodium) warnings and side effects
• What is the price of generic Colace?
• Brand vs. generic Colace prices
• What are the off-label uses for Colace?
• How to switch from Colace to docusate sodium

You may have been recommended Colace (docusate sodium) if you’re like the 1 in 6  people who have dealt with uncomfortable constipation. Colace is a brand-name, over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener that makes bowel movements easier and more comfortable. Colace generally produces a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours of taking it. But you don’t have to buy the brand-name product to get relief. The generic version, docusate sodium, contains the same active ingredient and works just as effectively, often at a much lower cost. We’ll cover how Colace and its generic compare, what you can expect when switching, and how to find the option that works best for you.

Is there a generic for Colace?

Yes, generic Colace is available as docusate salts (including docusate sodium) in capsule form. Published studies suggest docusate’s use as a stool softener goes as far back as 1955. According to its manufacturer, Atlantis Consumer Healthcare, Colace has been available in the United States for over 65 years. Though it’s not clear when generic docusate sodium was first made available, there have been other branded versions of docusate salts as far back as 1956 (Doxinate).

OTC medications have different regulations than prescription medications, which have approved indications from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). OTC laxatives, products that help with regular bowel movements, were deemed Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) in 1986, and docusate salts were included in 1993.

Healthcare professionals may recommend or substitute Colace for generic docusate salts if they’re more available or affordable than the branded version.

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Colace?

Generic drugs like docusate sodium contain the same active ingredient as Colace, and so provide the same therapeutic effect. Other than the cost, the differences between the two forms are minor but worth considering. Edmond Hakimi, DO, medical director at Wellbridge in Calverton, New York, says, “There is no difference in the active ingredient and effectiveness between Colace and docusate sodium. However, the inactive ingredients, including fillers, dyes, and additives, may differ. Patients with allergies, sensitivities, or preferences (like dye-free or gluten-free) might have different reactions.” 

Appearance

Generic docusate may look different from Colace in terms of color, size, or markings on the capsule. Colace capsules are red, oval-shaped gel capsules with an “RPC” imprinted on it, along with a number. Generic docusate capsules may also be red, oval-shaped gel capsules, but the imprint may differ from Colace. 

The difference in appearance doesn’t affect how the medications work.

Dosage forms

Both Colace and its generic form are available in oral capsules, tablets, softgels, and liquid. Colace tablets, capsules, and softgels come in 50 mg and 100 mg strengths. Liquid Colace comes in 10 mg/mL and 60 mg/15 mL concentrations. 

Generic docusate sodium may come in 50, 100, and 250 mg capsules; 100 mg tablets; and 50 mg/5 mL and 100 mg/10 mL liquid solutions.

Pharmacies may carry both brand-name and generic options, but whether they stock different forms and doses of the medication may vary.

Colace also comes in a 2-in-1 product that combines docusate sodium with sennosides, a laxative. 

Clinical studies

Since both Colace and its generic contain the same active ingredient, docusate, you can expect them to work the same. Though there aren’t currently any published studies comparing Colace and generic docusate sodium directly, docusate has been studied since 1956 for supporting people with constipation. 

Colace (docusate sodium) warnings and side effects
	Colace (docusate sodium)
Uses	Relieves occasional constipation
Standard dosage	50–300 mg by mouth daily
Common side effects	Diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
Contraindications	Do not use if you are taking mineral oil, unless told to do so by a healthcare provider.
Other considerations	Ask a healthcare provider before you use Colace if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or notice a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over two weeks. Stop using Colace and inform your healthcare provider if you have rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after using a laxative. Keep out of reach of children

What is the price of generic Colace?

Generic Colace costs about half as much as brand-name Colace. The average retail price of docusate sodium is $11 for 60, 100 mg capsules, while brand-name Colace can cost $27 for 60, 100 mg capsules on average. 

The healthcare providers we interviewed agree that docusate sodium can be more affordable than Colace. “Generic docusate sodium is much cheaper and widely available,” Dr. Hakimi says. 

“The generic form of docusate is less expensive, so I recommend that my patients use the generic formulation, especially when they are on a budget,” shares Jennifer Brown, MD, board-certified obesity medicine specialist at MyObesityTeam. 

Since Colace and docusate sodium are available over the counter, they may not be covered by health insurance plans. However, certain Medicaid plans may cover docusate sodium. For example, the New York State Medicaid Pharmacy Program covers oral capsule and liquid forms of generic docusate sodium. 

Brand vs. generic Colace prices
	Brand-name Colace	Colace generic (docusate sodium)
Average cost without insurance	$27 for 60, 100 mg capsules of Colace	$14 for 60, 100 mg capsules of docusate sodium
SingleCare’s lowest price*	$18 for 60, 100 mg capsules of Colace at Kroger	$7 for 60, 100 mg capsules of docusate sodium at Walgreens
Free coupons	Colace coupons	Docusate sodium coupons

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Nov. 5, 2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.

What are the off-label uses for Colace? 

Since Colace doesn’t have any FDA-approved indications as an OTC drug, other uses for it aren’t necessarily “off-label.”  However, Colace can be recommended for other uses. Dr. Hakimi explains: “Docusate sodium may be used as an earwax softener, as a stool-softener after surgery, childbirth, or in anorectal conditions, as a stool softener in children (under medical guidance), or in hospital bowel regimens to prevent constipation from immobility or opioid use.”

“I most often recommend daily Colace for patients who are on medications that can cause constipation, such as GLP-1 shots or certain pain medications,” Dr. Brown shares. Colace is sometimes given along with a stimulant laxative, such as Senokot or Dulcolax, especially in patients taking chronic pain medication.

Always talk to your healthcare provider about using drugs for reasons other than they’re intended, even with OTC drugs. This is because the side effects of medications remain the same, and some side effects may require medical attention. “The most common side effect of Colace is abdominal cramping. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, especially if a patient takes more than recommended on the package directions,” Dr. Brown says. “Some people are allergic to Colace and can have hives, swelling of the throat or tongue, or even develop full-blown anaphylaxis,” she adds. “Patients who have rectal bleeding or who haven’t had a bowel movement after three days of Colace need to contact their healthcare provider immediately.”

How to switch from Colace to docusate sodium

If your prescription says “Colace,” you’ll usually be able to receive the generic version, docusate sodium, at the pharmacy. “In most states, pharmacists can substitute generics for brand-name medications, including Colace, as long as the dose and directions remain the same,” Dr. Brown says. 

“The only exception is if the prescribing doctor explicitly says ‘no substitutions’ or ‘brand medically necessary,’” Dr. Hakimi adds. 

You don’t need to taper off Colace before switching to the generic. Because both contain the same active ingredient, you can transition directly without worrying about withdrawal or changes in how they work.

In rare cases, your healthcare provider may prefer you stay on brand-name Colace. For example, if you’ve had sensitivities to certain dyes or inactive ingredients found in some generic versions. If you’re concerned, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which option may be best for you.

Bottom line

Colace and its generic, docusate sodium, are OTC stool softeners that work the same way to ease constipation. The main differences come down to appearance, inactive ingredients, available dosage forms, and cost, where the generic version is typically about half the price of brand-name Colace. 

In some cases, these OTC medications may even be covered by insurance. Beyond irregular bowel movements, docusate sodium can also be used to soften earwax and to prevent constipation while taking pain medication. Switching between brand-name and generic versions is straightforward, with no need to taper or worry about changes in effectiveness.