What is Docusate Sodium: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Docusate sodium is a mild laxative that can be easily purchased without a prescription. Called a stool softener, it draws water into stools as they pass through the colon, quite literally making them softer and easier to pass. Doses are taken orally as capsules, liquids, or tablets. Side effects are minimal, but people should not exceed the recommended dosage or take longer than one week.

Check our best Docusate Sodium prices

Docusate Sodium overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Colace, Colace Clear, Diocto, Docusil, DocuSol, DOK, DSS, Dulcolax, ENEMEEZ, Fleet Sof-Lax, Laxa-Basic, OneLax, Pedia-Lax, Promolaxin, Silace

Generic Names:

  • Docusate sodium

Uses:

  • Treats occasional constipation by making it easier to have a bowel movement

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Laxative, stool softener, surfactant laxative

Forms:

  • Capsule, tablet, oral solution (liquid)

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Docusate Sodium used for?

Docusate sodium is a mild, nonprescription laxative used to treat occasional constipation or irregularity in children and adults.

What form(s) does Docusate Sodium come in

  • Capsule

    • 50 mg

    • 100 mg

    • 250 mg

  • Tablet

    • 100 mg

  • Oral solution (liquid)

    • 50 mg/5 mL

    • 100 mg/10 mL

What are common Docusate Sodium doses?

  • To relieve occasional constipation: 

    • For adults and children older than 12: 50–300 mg regular strength capsules or tablets or one extra strength capsule (250 mg) per day OR one to six teaspoons (50–300 mg) of docusate liquid

    • For children ages 2–12: 50–100 mg per day (use only on the advice of a healthcare provider)

Find more information about Colace (docusate sodium) dosage, forms, and strengths here.

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

  • If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label. Take doses exactly as instructed.

  • Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions if docusate has been prescribed.

  • Daily doses can be taken all at once or in divided doses throughout the day.

  • Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with a glass of water.

  • Docusate liquid must be mixed with eight ounces of milk or juice before it can be taken.

  • Store docusate capsules, tablets, or liquid at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Docusate Sodium

  • Take 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.

  • Do not take extra docusate to make up for a missed dose.

Docusate Sodium contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients.

Docusate Sodium warnings

  • Tell any healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Before using docusate sodium, talk to a healthcare provider if you:

    • Have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting

    • Have noticed a sudden change in bowel movements in the last two weeks

    • Are taking mineral oil

  • Do not use docusate until talking to a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • If you experience any of the following while taking docusate, immediately stop the drug and call a healthcare professional:

    • Rectal bleeding

    • No bowel movement within 12 hours of taking docusate

  • You should not use over-the-counter laxatives for longer than one week unless instructed to by a healthcare provider. If you still need a laxative after one week of continual dosing, talk to a doctor. You may have a more serious problem that docusate cannot treat.

  • Do not give docusate to children younger than 12 years old until a doctor has been consulted.

  • Keep docusate out of the reach of children.

Docusate Sodium interactions

  • To avoid any potential drug interaction, tell any other healthcare professional about using docusate before starting a new prescription medication.

  • Docusate sodium has no known serious or moderate drug interactions.

  • You should not use mineral oil while taking docusate

Docusate Sodium side effects

Less serious side effects

  • Diarrhea

  • Vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

Sources:

Docusate Sodium News & Research

Colace generic: Availability, cost, and more

Does Mounjaro cause constipation?

Does prednisone cause constipation?

Can you use laxatives to lose weight?

How to counsel patients with constipation

How much is Trulance without insurance?

MiraLAX dosage, forms, and strengths

How much is docusate sodium (Colace) without insurance?

See the 50 most prescribed drugs in 2020

Medicamentos A-Z:

Ver todos
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ