Contact Dr. Paauw at [email protected]. Skip to main content. Myth of the Month: Does Colace work? By Douglas S. Paauw, MD. Myth: Docusate is a stool softener and helps with constipation. Docusate and polyethylene glycol. Polyethylene glycol. Does it work? Douglas S.
Menu Menu Presented by. Menu Close. Unless recommended by your doctor, do not use this medication for longer than one week. Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor. Breast-feeding: It is not known if docusate sodium passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby.
Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Children: Laxatives such as docusate sodium should not be given to children under 6 years of age unless recommended by a doctor. In general, stool softeners should not be taken within 2 hours of other medications, since they may reduce the effectiveness of those medications.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to verify that this is the case with the medications that you are taking. If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter non-prescription , and herbal medications you are taking.
Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. All material copyright MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Source: www. About this Medication. How does this medication work? What will it do for me? Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time. The liquid and capsule forms of docusate typically take about one to two days to work. Docusate enemas usually take effect within 20 minutes. Your doctor may recommend docusate for other uses. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: December 10, It works by softening stools and making bowel movements easier to pass.
You should not use docusate if you are allergic to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have: stomach pain; nausea; vomiting; or a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 2 weeks. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Side Effects. Stop using docusate and call your doctor at once if you have: rectal bleeding or irritation; or no bowel movement after 72 hours.
Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all. Avoid using mineral oil, unless told to do so by a doctor. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
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