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Docusate
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Description
Docusate is a stool softener used in the treatment of constipation. It also prevents dry and hard stools.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Docusate
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Excessive bowel activity
Intestinal obstruction
Throat irritation
Irritation around the rectum
Uses of Docusate
What is it prescribed for?
Constipation
Docusate is used to relieve occasional constipation by softening the stools.
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
Onset of action
The amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is about 12 to 72 hours.Duration of effect
The time until which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.Safe with alcohol?
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Is it habit forming?
No habit forming tendency has been reported.Usage in pregnancy?
This medicine is recommended for use in pregnant women only if necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.Usage while breast-feeding?
This medicine is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only if necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to docusate or any other components present along with it.
Intestinal Obstruction
Docusate is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of intestinal obstruction due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is recommended for use in pregnant women only if necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only if necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Electrolyte imbalance
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of electrolytes and fluid imbalance. Report any side effects such as dizziness, weakness, or fainting to the doctor immediately.
Continuous use
This medicine is not recommended for use for more than 1 week due to the increased risk of dependence.
Stomach pain and nausea
It is advised to consult the doctor before taking this medicine if you have any stomach pain or nausea.
Missed Dose
If a dose of Docusate is missed, take the dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Docusate exactly as instructed by the doctor. The single dose of this medicine is usually taken at bedtime. Do not take larger amounts than prescribed. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any severe side effects.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by making the stool soft and easy to pass.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Laxatives
Schedule
N/A
DailyMed - DOCUSATE SODIUM - SENNOSIDES- docusate sodium - sennosides tablet, film coated [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 9 August 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 9 August 2017]. Available from:
Dioctyl 100 mg Capsules - Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) - (eMC) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2017 [cited 14 August 2017]. Available from:
Docusate sodium [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 14 August 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 15 Aug 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.