Drug Reference
Docusate
OTC
Fact box
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Over-the-counter (OTC)
Brand names
ColaceColace w/SennosidesDOKDoculaseDocusolEnemeezEnemeez PlusFerralet 90FerraplusHemaxLaxacinPedia-Lax LiquidPet-emaPhillips Stool SoftenerProlaxaPromolaxinSENOKOT-SSenexon SSenoSol-SSSurfak Stool Softener
Available as
30 UNT · Oral Capsule500 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet3.33 MG/ML · Oral Solution100 MG · Oral Tablet100 MG · Oral Capsule56.6 MG/ML4 MG/ML20.8 MG/ML8.33 MG · Oral Tablet240 MG · Oral Capsule4 MG/ML · Oral Solution250 MG · Oral Capsule10 MG/ML · Oral Solution50 MG · Oral Capsule10 MG/ML · Oral Suspension5 MG/ML50 MG/ML8 MG/ML · Oral Suspension120 MG · Oral Tablet30 UNT · Oral Tablet20 MG/ML2.5 MG/ML · Oral Solution50 MG · Oral Tablet
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
Uses relieves occasional constipation (irregularity) generally produces bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours
How to use / dosing
Directions Take only by mouth. Doses may be taken as a single daily dose or in divided doses. adults and children 12 years and over take 1-3 softgels daily children 2 to under 12 years of age take 1 softgel daily children under 2 years ask a doctor
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyConsult your doctor
…you need to use a stool softener laxative for more than 1 week If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…to use a stool softener laxative for more than 1 week If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings Do not use if you are presently taking mineral oil, unless told to do so by a doctor Ask a doctor before use if you have stomach pain nausea vomiting noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 2 weeks Stop use and ask a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or fail to have bowel movement after use of a laxative. These could be signs of a serious condition. you need to use a stool softener laxative for more than 1 week If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
- DOCUSATE SODIUM AND SENNOSIDES TABLET [MOREPEN BIO INC]
- COLACE (DOCUSATE SODIUM) CAPSULE [ATLANTIS CONSUMER HEALTHCARE, INC.]
- STOOL SOFTENER LAXATIVE (DOCUSATE SODIUM) CAPSULE, LIQUID FILLED [THE KROGER CO.]
- DOCUSATE SODIUM, EXTRA STRENGTH 250 MG (DOCUSATE SODIUM) CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED [ADVANCED RX LLC]
- DOCUSATE SODIUM LIQUID (DOCUSATE SODIUM.50MG/5ML) SOLUTION [ALDAMA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC]
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.