{"id":634216,"date":"2025-11-05T15:31:51","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T20:31:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=634216"},"modified":"2025-11-05T15:31:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T20:31:51","slug":"colace-generic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/colace-generic\/","title":{"rendered":"Colace generic: Availability, cost, and more"},"content":{"rendered":"

You may have been recommended <\/span>Colace<\/span><\/a> (docusate sodium) if you\u2019re like the 1 in 6\u00a0 people who have dealt with uncomfortable <\/span>constipation<\/span><\/a>. 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\u2019t have to buy the brand-name product to get relief. The generic version, <\/span>docusate sodium<\/span><\/a>, contains the same active ingredient and works just as effectively, often at a much lower cost. We\u2019ll cover how Colace and its generic compare, what you can expect when switching, and how to find the option that works best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is there a generic for Colace?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes, generic Colace is available as docusate salts (including docusate sodium) in capsule form. Published studies suggest docusate\u2019s 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\u2019s not clear when generic docusate sodium was first made available, there have been other branded versions of docusate salts as far back as 1956 (<\/span>Doxinate<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>docusate salts were included in 1993<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Healthcare professionals may recommend or substitute Colace for generic docusate salts if they\u2019re more available or affordable than the branded version.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Colace?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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. <\/span>Edmond Hakimi<\/span><\/a>, DO, medical director at Wellbridge in Calverton, New York, says, \u201cThere 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Appearance<\/span><\/h3>\n

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 \u201cRPC\u201d 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The difference in appearance doesn\u2019t affect how the medications work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage forms<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pharmacies may carry both brand-name and generic options, but whether they stock different forms and doses of the medication may vary.<\/span><\/p>\n

Colace also comes in a <\/span>2-in-1 product<\/span><\/a> that combines docusate sodium with sennosides, a laxative.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clinical studies<\/span><\/h3>\n

Since both Colace and its generic contain the same active ingredient, docusate, you can expect them to work the same. Though there aren\u2019t currently any published studies comparing Colace and generic docusate sodium directly, docusate has been studied since 1956 for supporting people with constipation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Colace (docusate sodium) warnings and side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nColace (<\/span>docusate sodium<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Uses<\/b><\/td>\nRelieves occasional constipation<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/b><\/td>\n50\u2013300 mg by mouth daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Common side effects<\/b><\/td>\nDiarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contraindications<\/b><\/td>\nDo not use if you are taking mineral oil, unless told to do so by a healthcare provider.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Other considerations<\/b><\/td>\n\n