DOK: Side Effects, Uses and Dosage

Consequently, fecal matter is softened which helps natural defecation or bowel movement. Relief of constipation may occur with 1 to 3 days of therapy. Docusate is available in various salt forms including docusate sodium, docusate potassium, and docusate calcium. The salt forms of docusate are considered to be interchangeable.

Pregnancy Considerations

1. Since DOK is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule.
2. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist.
3. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
4. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
5. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
6. It is not known whether docusate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor.

How Do You Treat Small Bowel Narrowing?

Since docusate and senna is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it’s how to help an alcoholic parent almost time for your next dose. Colace® isn’t known to be harmful to you or the fetus during pregnancy.

Digestive Disorders: 23 Constipation Myths and Facts

Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medication. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Talk to your doctor eco sober house review or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment.

This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include Micromedex (updated 7 Jul 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 14 Jul 2024), ASHP (updated 10 Jul 2024) and others. Docusate is a commonly used non-prescription (OTC or over-the-counter) stool softener used to treat or prevent constipation. Docusate is an anionic surfactant that helps lower the surface tension at the oil-water interface of the stool, and thus allows water and lipids or fats to enter the stool.

Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the drops, measure the medication with the dropper provided, or use a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you have the correct dose. Mix the syrup, liquid or drops in 4 to 8 ounces of fruit juice, milk or infant formula to prevent throat irritation and mask a bitter taste. Other drugs may affect docusate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Senna/docusate is a combination of senna and docusate, both laxatives that work in different ways to promote bowel movement. Other drugs may interact with docusate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using. Other drugs may affect docusate and senna, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives. Hypomagnesemia was reported in a newborn following chronic maternal overuse of docusate sodium throughout pregnancy (Schindler 1984). Treatment of constipation in pregnant women is similar to that of nonpregnant patients and medications may be used when diet and lifestyle modifications are not effective. Agents other than docusate are preferred for initial treatment.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other laxative or other stool softener that may contain ingredients similar to docusate or senna. Stop using this medication and contact your care team if you experience any rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after use. Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) as directed by your doctor.

It is not known whether docusate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether docusate will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are pregnant. Docusate is generally considered to be safe during breastfeeding.

Once you’re in the routine of taking Colace® daily, your poops may become consistently easier to pass. You’ll probably be able to predict how long it’ll take to work. Docusate (Colace®) is a type of laxative known as a stool softener. It works by dissolving water and fats in your poop to soften it. This makes it easier to pass, especially when you need to avoid pushing or straining. Different brands of this medication have different storage needs.

Use this medication for temporary relief of constipation only. To prevent becoming dependent on laxatives, do not take this medication for a long period of time. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Take this medication by mouth, usually at bedtime with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water or juice, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. It may be best to take this medicine at night or at bedtime.

Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Stomach/abdominal pain or cramping, alcoholic liver disease nausea, diarrhea, or weakness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. DOCUSATE SODIUM; SENNA (doc CUE sayt SOE dee um; SEN na) prevents and treats occasional constipation. It also helps the muscles in your intestines move stool.

You should not use docusate if you are allergic to it. Docusate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. There are many brands and forms of docusate available.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat. After using the enema, lie down on your left side for at least 30 minutes to allow the liquid to distribute throughout your intestines. Avoid using the bathroom, and hold in the enema at least 1 hour, or all night if possible. Drink plenty of liquids while you are using docusate. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Irritated throat (with liquid or syrup forms) may also occur. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often or for longer than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read and follow all directions on the product package before taking this medication.

But it’s only meant to be a temporary solution, and constipation during pregnancy can be a recurring issue. If you regularly experience constipation during pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider about how to treat it long-term. You should mix the dose in 6 to 8 ounces of milk, fruit juice or infant formula prior to taking.