Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
capsule as sodium
- 50mg
- 100mg
- 250mg
capsule as calcium
- 240mg
tablet
- 100mg
oral liquid
- 10mg/mL
- 50mg/15mL
syrup
- 60mg/15mL
Enema, Rectal (Sodium)
- 283 mg (5 mL)
Stool Softener
Oral
- Docusate sodium: 50-300 mg PO once daily or divided doses
- Docusate calcium: 240 mg PO qDay
Rectal
- 283 mg/5mL (1 enema) PR once daily to three times daily
Dosage Forms & Strengths
capsule as sodium
- 50mg
- 100mg
- 250mg
capsule as calcium
- 240mg
oral liquid
- 10mg/mL
- 50mg/15mL
syrup
- 60mg/15mL
Enema, Rectal (Sodium)
- 100mg/5mL
- 283 mg (5 mL)
Stool Softener
Oral
Docusate sodium
- <2 years: Safety & efficacy not established
- 2-12 years: 50-150 mg PO qDay or divided doses
- >12 years: 50-300 mg PO once daily or divided doses
Docusate calcium
- <12 years: Safety & efficacy not established
- >12 years: 240 mg PO qDay
Rectal
- <2 years: Safety & efficacy not established
- 2-12 years: 100 mg/5 mL (1 enema) PR qDay; alternatively, 283 mg/5 mL (1 enema) PR qDay
- >12 years: 283 mg/5mL (1 enema) PR once daily to three times daily
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (0)
Monitor Closely (0)
Minor (1)
- mineral oil
docusate increases levels of mineral oil by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Excessive bowel activity
Intestinal obstruction
Throat irritation
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Intestinal obstruction, symptoms of appendicitis or acute abdominal pain, fecal impaction
Concomitant use of mineral oil
Nausea or vomiting
Use for longer than 7 days when self-medicating
Cautions
Electrolyte imbalance may occur with excessive use
Excessive use may result in dependence
Enema is for rectal use only; lubricate prior to insertion; discontinue use and notify health care professional if irritation occurs around the anus/rectal or if resistance is encountered with insertion; injury or damage to the rectum can occur if tube forced
Prior to OTC use, patient should contact healthcare professional if stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting are present, or if a sudden change in bowel habits occurs and persists over 14 days
Patient should discontinue use and notify healthcare professional if bleeding occurs, if bowel movement fails to occur after use, or need to continue use after using for 7 days
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Unknown whether drug is excreted in milk; compatible with nursing
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Surfactant laxative, reduces tension of oil-water interface of the stool; enhances incorporation of water and fat into stool, causing stool to soften
Absorption
Onset: 24-72 hr
Elimination
Excretion: Feces
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| docusate calcium oral - | 240 mg capsule |  | |
| Stool Softener (docusate calcium) oral - | 240 mg capsule |  | |
| Stool Softener (docusate calcium) oral - | 240 mg capsule |  | |
| Stool Softener (docusate calcium) oral - | 240 mg capsule |  | |
| Stool Softener (docusate calcium) oral - | 240 mg capsule | | |
| Kaopectate (docusate calcium) oral - | 240 mg capsule |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
docusate calcium oral
DOCUSATE - ORAL
(DOCK-you-sate)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Col-Rite, Colace, Correctol, Diocto, Doc-Q-Lace, Docusoft, DSS, Silace, Surfak
USES: This medication is used to treat occasional constipation. Some medications and conditions can make constipation more likely. Stool softeners such as docusate are often the first method used for preventing and treating this type of constipation. Docusate is often used when straining to have a bowel movement should be avoided (such as after a heart attack or surgery).Docusate is a stool softener. It works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
HOW TO USE: Follow all directions on the product package unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.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 and response to therapy. Decrease your dose or stop taking this medication if you develop diarrhea.If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. 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.Use this medication only when needed. Do not use this product for more than 1 week unless directed by your doctor.Relief is usually seen in 1 to 3 days.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach pain, diarrhea, or cramping may occur. Irritated throat (with liquid or syrup forms) may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: rectal bleeding.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication: severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, sudden change in bowel habits over the previous 2 weeks.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: mineral oil, drugs containing phenolphthalein.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Constipation can usually be prevented by eating a diet high in fiber, drinking enough fluids and getting regular exercise. Use this medication for temporary relief of constipation only. Do not use this medication for a long period of time to prevent becoming dependent on laxatives.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised December 2021. Copyright(c) 2021 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
