Docusate (Colace) Uses

Docusate is an over-the-counter laxative that helps relieve occasional constipation. It softens hard and painful stool and makes it easier to have bowel movements. The main use of this medication includes preventing difficult or painful defecation when peristaltic stimulants are contraindicated. This medication is often used when straining during bowel movements but should be avoided following a heart attack or surgery. 

There may be other uses of docusate— your healthcare professional or pharmacist can provide medical advice and give you more drug information on docusate.

Docusate (Colace) Mechanism of Action

Docusate is an emollient stool softener (surfactant laxative). By lowering the surface tension of the oil-water interface of the stool, it works by drawing water and lipids or fats into the stool mass. This gently softens stools and makes it easier to pass during a bowel movement, thereby providing predictable constipation relief. Stool softening occurs within 12 to 72 hours following oral medication and within 15 minutes following the rectal dose.

Docusate (Colace) Doses

Docusate comes in two different salt forms (docusate sodium and docusate calcium). The salt forms of docusate are interchangeable. Docusate is available as a capsule (50 mg, 100 mg, 250 mg; sodium and 240 mg; calcium), tablet (100mg), oral liquid (10 mg/mL, 50 mg/15mL), syrup (60mg/15mL), enema; rectal (sodium)283 mg/5mL and 100 mg/5 mL.

The typical dose of docusate sodium in adults and children over 12 years is 50-300 mg orally once daily or in divided doses. For children 2 to 12 years of age, the dose of the docusate sodium is 50-150 mg orally once daily or in divided doses. For docusate calcium, the dosage for adults and children over 12 years is 240 mg orally once daily.

The usual dose for adults and children over 12 years rectally is 283 mg/5mL (1 enema) one to three times daily. For children 2 to 12 years of age, the dose is 100 mg/5 mL (1 enema) rectally once daily; alternatively, 283 mg/5 mL (1 enema) rectally once daily.