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 bottleDocusate Sodium
100 tablets bottleDocusate Sodium
1000 capsules bottleDocusate Sodium
120 capsules bottleDocusate Sodium
180 capsules bottleDocusate Sodium
30 capsules bottleDocusate Sodium
300 capsules bottleDocusate Sodium
473ml of 150mg/15ml bottleDocusate Sodium
473ml of 50mg/5ml bottleDocusate Sodium
60 capsules bottleDocusate Sodium
90 capsules bottleDocusate Sodium
100 capsules boxDocusate Sodium
100 tablets boxDocusate Sodium
750 capsules boxDocusate Sodium
100mg capsuleDocusate Sodium
250mg capsuleDocusate Sodium
10ml of 100mg/10ml cupDocusate Sodium
5ml of 50mg/5ml cupDocusate 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 capsule drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Docusate sodium extra strength 250 mg capsule drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Docusate sodium liquid 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.
