Docusate Sodium

Medically Reviewed by Dr. J.R.G. Peries, M.D – Cardiology

Last Reviewed: Apr 27, 2023

Warnings

Docusate Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Docusate can cause severe health problems, especially in certain high-risk patients. Some of the risks of docusate use include:

SIGNS OF UNDERLYING SERIOUS CONDITION: Stop taking docusate and contact your healthcare provider if you notice rectal bleeding or a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks or are unable to have a bowel movement after taking docusate. These could be signs of a more serious problem.
POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO BABIES: Some liquid dosages of docusate can contain an ingredient called sodium benzoate. This ingredient can cause potential harm to babies and can result in brain damage. If the caregiver for your child has instructed you to administer docusate to your child, follow their advice and don't administer more than is advised. Follow the instructions on the packaging if you're taking docusate over the counter.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Patients should not use docusate if they have symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, intestinal obstruction, symptoms of appendicitis or acute abdominal pain and fecal impaction. If you are at a high risk of side effects or complications from docusate use, ask a health professional for alternative laxative tablets, stool softeners, or fiber supplements to relieve constipation or help clear your system naturally. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice if you are at a high risk of complications or adverse effects from docusate use.
INTERACTION WITH MINERAL OIL: If you are presently taking mineral oil, docusate may not be suitable for you. Increased absorption of the oil can occur.

Precautions Before Starting Docusate (Colace)

Keep all appointments with your healthcare providers.

Eat high-fiber foods, drink plenty of clear liquids, and exercise regularly.

Tell your healthcare provider if you ever had an allergic reaction to docusate, any of the active or inactive ingredients in docusate, or any other drugs. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your healthcare provider a complete medical history. Before the use of docusate, patients should contact a healthcare provider if stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting are present or if a sudden change in bowel habits occurs and persists over 14 days.

Give your doctor a complete list of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, dietary supplements, herbal products, and other laxatives. Do not forget to mention mineral oil. This can help avoid serious interactions between docusate and your other medications.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Precautions During Use of docusate (Colace)

Docusate (oral) generally produces bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms show no improvement after 72 hours of its use.

Do not take docusate for more than 7 days without talking to a doctor. Excessive use of the medication can cause dependency.

You should discontinue docusate use and tell your healthcare professional if you have rectal bleeding, bowel movement fails to occur after use, sudden changes in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks, or if your stools are still hard after you have taken this medicine for 1 week.

Do not consume other laxatives or stool softeners unless told to do so by your doctor.

Consult your doctor if you follow a low-sodium or sodium-free diet. These medications include sodium in some cases.

While using this medication, be sure to consume plenty of water. Constipation can be reduced by consuming enough water.

Call your doctor if you become pregnant while on docusate.

Docusate (Colace) Drug Interactions

Taking docusate with other drugs can affect how each of the medications works. Possible interactions between drugs can also increase the risk of serious side effects. Your healthcare professional may choose a different medication for you, change the dose or frequency of your medications, and/or closely monitor you for side effects if there are known interactions between docusate and your other drugs.

There can also be possible drug interactions between docusate and the following medications:

Mineral oil
Lactulose
Linaclotide
Phenolphthalein

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products.

Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription drugs.

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