DOCUSATE

(DOK ue sate) Brand: Calcium Stool Softener, Colace, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, D-S Caps, Diocto, Doc-Q-Lace, Docu, Docu Soft, Doculase, Docusoft S, DocuSol, DOK, DOS, DSS, Dulcolax Stool Softener, Enemeez Mini, Fleet Sof-Lax, Kao-Tin, Kaopectate Stool Softener, Kasof, Phillips Stool Softener, Silace, Sur-Q-Lax

What is the most significant information I must know about docusate?

• You must not use docusate if you are allergic to it, or if you have a blockage in your intestines. Do not use docusate while you are sick with nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

• Do not take mineral oil while using docusate, unless your doctor tells you to.

• Ask a doctor or pharmacist till using docusate if you are on a low-salt diet, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have recently had a sudden change in your bowel habits lasting for longer than 2 weeks.

What is docusate?

• Docusate is a stool softener. It makes bowel movements softer and easier to pass.

• Docusate is used to treat or prevent constipation, and to reduce pain or rectal hurt caused by heavy stools or by straining during bowel movements.

• Docusate may also be used for another purposes not listed in this medicine guide.

What must I discuss with my healthcare provider till using docusate?

• You must not use docusate if you are allergic to it, or if you have a blockage in your intestines. Do not use docusate while you are sick with nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

• Do not take mineral oil while using docusate, unless your doctor tells you to.

• Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safety for you to take docusate:

· if you are on a low-salt diet; or

· if you have recently had a sudden change in your bowel habits lasting for longer than 2 weeks.

• It is not known whether docusate will harm an unborn child. Speak your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

• It is not known whether docusate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing child. Do not use this medicine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

• Do not give this medicine to a baby younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How must I use docusate?

• Use exactly as directed on the label, or as predesigned by your doctor. Do not use in larger or less amounts or for longer than recommended.

• Take docusate tablets or capsules with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking docusate.

• Do not crush, chew, or interrupt a docusate capsule. Swallow it whole.

• Measure liquid medicine with a particular dose-measuring spoon or medication cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Mix the liquid with 6 to 8 ounces of milk, fruit juice, or infant formula and drink the mixture right away.

• Do not take docusate rectal enema by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

• Wash your hands till and after using docusate rectal enema.

• Try to empty your bowel and bladder just till using the enema.

• Twist off the applicator tip. Lie down on your left side with your knees bent, and gently insert the tip of the enema applicator into the rectum. Squeeze the pipe to empty the entire contents into the rectum. Throw away the pipe, even if there is still some medication left in it.

• After using docusate, you must have a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. Call your doctor if you have not had a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days.

• Do not use docusate for longer than 7 days unless your doctor has told you to. Overuse of a stool softener can lead to serious medical problems.

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Since docusate is used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medicine regularly, use the missed doze as soon as you remember. Skip the missed doze if it is nearly time for your following scheduled doze. Do not use extra medication to create up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

• Search abnormal medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

• Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.

What must I avoid while using docusate?

• Avoid using laxatives or another stool softeners unless your doctor has told you to.

• Avoid using the bathroom just after using docusate enema.

What are the possible side effects of docusate?

• Get abnormal medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your person, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Stop using docusate and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

· rectal bleeding or irritation;

· numbness or a rash near your rectum;

· severe diarrhea or stomach cramps; or

· continued constipation.

• Smaller serious side effects may include:

· mild diarrhea; or

· mild nausea.

• This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may message side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What another drugs will affect docusate?

• There may be another drugs that can interact with docusate. Speak your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal commodity. Do not start a new medicine without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about docusate.

Remember, hold this and all another medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the indication prescribed.

Disclaim: Each effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses external of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way must be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safety, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the help of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.