Colace is a mild laxative that can be purchased without a prescription to help with occasional irregularity or constipation. Its active ingredient, docusate sodium, is a stool softener that increases the oil content within stools to make them softer and easier to pass. Because docusate doesn’t affect the body’s tissues, it’s considered one of the mildest and safest laxatives. Side effects are usually very mild and usually due to excessive use.
Find information about Colace 2-In-1 here, a Colace laxative with a different active ingredient.
Colace overview
BRAND NAMES:
Colace, Colace Clear, Diocto, Docusil, DocuSol, DOK, DSS, Dulcolax, ENEMEEZ, Fleet Sof-Lax, Laxa-Basic, OneLax docusate sodium liquid, Pedia-Lax, Promolaxin, Silace
Generic Names:
Docusate sodium
Uses:
Treats occasional constipation by helping you have a bowel movement
Therapeutic Classes:
Laxative, stool softener, surfactant laxative
Forms:
Capsule
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Colace used for?
Colace capsules contain a stool softener to help relieve occasional constipation.
What form(s) does Colace come in
Capsule
50 mg
100 mg
What are common Colace doses?
To relieve occasional constipation:
For adults and children older than 12: 1–3 regular strength capsules per day
For children ages 2–12: 1 regular strength capsule per day
For more detailed information about Colace dosages and Colace 2-In-1 dosages, see the Colace dosage, forms, and strengths page here.
Common Colace prescriptions
Colace
100 capsules bottleColace
250 capsules bottleColace
30 capsules bottleColace
60 capsules bottleColace
10 capsules boxColace
30 capsules box
How to take Colace
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription. Take doses exactly as instructed.
If this medicine is prescribed by a doctor, follow the doctor’s instructions.
Daily doses can be taken all at once or in divided doses throughout the day.
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water.
Store Colace capsules at room temperature.
What to do if you miss a dose of Colace
A daily Colace dose can be taken all at once or in divided doses.
If a dose is missed, take the missed dose when it’s remembered.
If you do not remember the missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. You should not take two days of Colace at the same time.
Colace contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine.
Colace warnings
Tell any healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Before using Colace, talk to a healthcare provider if you:
Have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
Are taking mineral oil
Have noticed a sudden change in bowel movements in the last 2 weeks
Stop using Colace and talk to a healthcare provider if:
You do not have a bowel movement 6–12 hours after taking a dose of Colace
You have rectal bleeding
You need to continue using Colace for longer than one week
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Keep Colace out of the reach of children.
Colace interactions
Tell any other healthcare provider you are using Colace when they prescribe new medications.
Docusate sodium has no known serious or moderate drug interactions.
You should not use mineral oil while taking Colace until you’ve talked to a healthcare provider.
Colace side effects
Less serious side effects
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Sources:
Colace, Atlantis Consumer Healthcare
Colace docusate sodium capsule drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Docusate, StatPearls
Subscribe to our savings newsletter
Health education, drug info, wellness & more
By clicking 'Subscribe', I agree to SingleCare's Terms & Conditions.
