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GENERIC NAME: DOCUSATE - ORAL (DOCK-you-sate)

BRAND NAME(S): Colace, Dialose, DSS, Surfak

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication helps fluids to mix with the stool to keep them from becoming hard or dry. It is used to treat constipation.

HOW TO USE: Swallow capsules and tablets whole with a full glass of water or juice. The liquid and syrup forms must be given in 6 to 8 ounces of milk or juice to prevent throat irritation. Relief is usually obtained in 1 to 3 days after first dose.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach ache, cramping or irritated throat (liquid and syrup forms). If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: skin rash, rectal bleeding, lack of bowel movements. Frequent use of laxatives can cause dehydration and loss of essential nutrients. Symptoms include muscle cramps, muscle weakness or dizziness. Maintain an adequate fluid intake while using this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking docusate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug is not recommended for use with mineral oil. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aspirin.





Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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docusate-oral, Colace, Dialose, DSS, Surfak

Constipation »

What is constipation?

Constipation means different things to different people. For many people, it simply means infrequent stools. For others, however, constipation means hard stools, difficulty passing stools (straining), or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement. The cause of each of these "types" of constipation probably is different, and the approach to each should be tailored to the specific type of constipation.

Constipation also can alternate with diarrhea. This pattern commonly occurs as part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool.

The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age. Ninety-five percent of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week, and this would be considered normal. The most common pattern is one bowel movement a day, but ...

Read the Constipation article »


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