Colace dosage, forms, and strengths

Colace is an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener used to treat occasional constipation in adults and children 2 years and older. Its active ingredient is docusate sodium, a gentle laxative that works by pulling water and fat into the stool to soften it and allow for a more comfortable bowel movement. Colace is taken as a capsule once or twice daily. 

Colace forms and strengths

Colace is a brand name for a family of laxatives. Colace capsules and softgels contain docusate sodium and are available in regular strength (100 mg) and extra strength (250 mg) formulations. Colace Clear comes as low-dose softgels (50 mg). Other Colace products contain different active ingredients and are available as tablets or gummies. 

• Capsules, softgels: 50, 100 mg, 250 mg

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Personalized dosing considerations

Colace requires no dosage adjustments for liver problems, kidney problems, or other medical conditions. 

Children younger than 12 should only take one regular-strength Colace capsule daily (or three Colace Clear capsules). Don’t give young children extra-strength Colace capsules without consulting a healthcare professional. 

Colace safety info

Colace is a gentle drug. Side effects are mild and rare, typically limited to diarrhea, stomach pain, cramping, or throat irritation.

However, Colace should not be taken by anyone who has had an allergic reaction to it or who is using mineral oil. It should also be avoided in people with severe abdominal pain, swelling, or fever, as these could be signs of an intestinal obstruction or infection.

Get medical advice before taking Colace if you have noticed a sudden change in bowel habits or are experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. 

Stop using Colace and talk to a healthcare provider if:

• You experience rectal bleeding

• You don’t have a bowel movement after taking Colace

• Constipation persists after taking Colace for seven days.

Keep Colace out of the reach of children.

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. 

Read the instructions on the package. Each Colace product has slightly different dosages and directions.

Swallow the capsule or softgel whole with a full glass of water. 

Store Colace at room temperature.

Colace dosage FAQs

How long does it take Colace to work?

You should have a bowel movement 12 to 72 hours after taking a Colace dose. Call a healthcare professional if you don’t.

How long does Colace stay in your system?

Docusate sodium works entirely in the intestines, with only a minimal amount absorbed into the blood. About 12 to 72 hours after taking a dose, almost the entire Colace dose is excreted in the stools. 

What happens if I miss a dose of Colace?

Take a missed Colace dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule. Do not exceed the maximum daily dosage.

How long can you take Colace?

Do not take Colace for longer than one week without consulting a healthcare provider. In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe Colace for long-term treatment of constipation associated with other drugs or conditions.

How do I stop taking Colace?

Colace can be stopped at any time without problems. If constipation returns when Colace is stopped, talk to a healthcare provider. 

What is the maximum dosage for Colace?

Adults should not take more than 300 mg of Colace in a 24-hour period, and 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 dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance. Call a poison control center or get emergency medical help if too much Colace is taken. 

What interacts with Colace?

Colace has very few drug interactions. The most significant is mineral oil, which should never be taken with Colace except under the direction of a healthcare provider. 

Colace may cause problems if taken with other laxatives or prescription drugs that cause low potassium.

RELATED: Colace vs. Dulcolax

What happens when you mix Colace and alcohol?

There is no evidence that Colace interacts with alcohol. However, alcohol dehydrates the body just as Colace does. Use alcohol cautiously when taking any kind of laxative. 

Is it safe to take Colace during pregnancy?

Colace is believed to be safe to take while pregnant or lactating. It’s minimally absorbed into the body and not present in breast milk. However, pregnant or nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before taking Colace.

What is the dosage of Colace for dogs/cats?

Colace is not FDA-approved for pets, but a vet may prescribe docusate for constipation or problems with hard feces. Colace comes in fixed-dose capsules, so the vet may prescribe another dosage form to allow for smaller doses. Cats may be given docusate enemas or suppositories.

The standard veterinary docusate dosage for dogs and cats is 2 mg per kg of body weight per day. 

Sources

• Colace, Atlantis Consumer Healthcare

• Colace docusate sodium capsule drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)

• Colace drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)

• Colace Extra Strength Stool Softener docusate sodium capsule drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)

• Docusate, PubChem

• Docusate, StatPearls

• Docusate solution, suspension, or syrup, Cleveland Clinic

• Cathartic and laxative drugs, Merck Veterinary Manual