Stool Softener 100mg Tablets
It is used to treat constipation.
Drug Class
Laxative
Pharmacologic Class
Stool Softener; Surfactant Laxative
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Docusate is a stool softener that helps make your bowel movements easier and more comfortable. It works by allowing more water and fat to get into your stool, making it softer and easier to pass. It is used to prevent and treat occasional constipation, especially when straining should be avoided (e.g., after surgery, heart attack, or in hemorrhoids).
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication Correctly
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely. You can take this medication with or without food, and it's essential to swallow it with a full glass of water.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the effectiveness and safety of your medication, store it at room temperature, away from freezing temperatures. Keep it in a dry place, avoiding storage in a bathroom. It's crucial to keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so. Instead, consult with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method. You may also want to explore local drug take-back programs for safe and responsible disposal.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you take this medication on a regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, be sure not to take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
To ensure you get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely. You can take this medication with or without food, and it's essential to swallow it with a full glass of water.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the effectiveness and safety of your medication, store it at room temperature, away from freezing temperatures. Keep it in a dry place, avoiding storage in a bathroom. It's crucial to keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless specifically instructed to do so. Instead, consult with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method. You may also want to explore local drug take-back programs for safe and responsible disposal.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you take this medication on a regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, be sure not to take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Increase fluid intake (unless medically restricted)
- Increase dietary fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Do not use for more than 7 days unless directed by a doctor
- Do not take with mineral oil
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
50 to 300 mg daily, typically 100 mg once or twice daily
Dose Range:
50 - 300 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
constipation:
100 mg once or twice daily, or 50 mg 1-4 times daily
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established
Infant:
Not established (consult physician, typically 25 mg once daily if used)
Child:
2-12 years: 50-150 mg daily in divided doses (e.g., 50 mg 1-3 times daily)
Adolescent:
12-18 years: 50-300 mg daily in divided doses (e.g., 100 mg once or twice daily)
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Dialysis:
No specific considerations; generally safe
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment
Moderate:
No adjustment
Severe:
No adjustment
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Docusate sodium is an anionic surfactant that lowers the surface tension of the oil-water interface of the stool, allowing water and fats to penetrate the stool more easily. This results in a softer stool that is easier to pass.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Variable, limited systemic absorption
Tmax:
Not well-defined for laxative effect (onset of action is 12-72 hours)
FoodEffect:
Not significant
Distribution:
Vd:
Not well-defined
ProteinBinding:
Not well-defined
CnssPenetration:
No
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not well-defined for laxative effect
Clearance:
Not well-defined
ExcretionRoute:
Biliary/Fecal
Unchanged:
Minimal
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
12-72 hours (1-3 days)
PeakEffect:
Not applicable (gradual softening)
DurationOfAction:
As long as therapy continues
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
To report side effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or visit their website at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is also a valuable resource for guidance on managing side effects.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
To report side effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or visit their website at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is also a valuable resource for guidance on managing side effects.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rectal bleeding
- No bowel movement after 3 days of use
- Symptoms of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
Certain health issues, including:
+ Bowel blockage
+ Abdominal pain
+ Upset stomach
+ Rectal bleeding
+ Vomiting
+ Changes in bowel habits that last longer than 2 weeks
* If you are currently taking mineral oil
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
Certain health issues, including:
+ Bowel blockage
+ Abdominal pain
+ Upset stomach
+ Rectal bleeding
+ Vomiting
+ Changes in bowel habits that last longer than 2 weeks
* If you are currently taking mineral oil
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
Do not use this medication for more than 7 days without explicit instructions from your doctor to do so.
If you experience rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after using this medication, consult your doctor promptly.
Unless advised by your doctor, avoid using other laxatives or stool softeners in conjunction with this medication. Additionally, if you are following a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, discuss this with your doctor, as some products may contain sodium.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is crucial to consult your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby.
Do not use this medication for more than 7 days without explicit instructions from your doctor to do so.
If you experience rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after using this medication, consult your doctor promptly.
Unless advised by your doctor, avoid using other laxatives or stool softeners in conjunction with this medication. Additionally, if you are following a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, discuss this with your doctor, as some products may contain sodium.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, it is crucial to consult your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
What to Do:
Discontinue use. Symptomatic and supportive care. Maintain hydration. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).
Drug Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Mineral oil
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Bowel habits and frequency
Rationale: To establish baseline and assess effectiveness of treatment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Bowel movements (frequency, consistency)
Frequency: Daily
Target: Regular, soft, formed stools
Action Threshold: No bowel movement after 3 days, or persistent diarrhea/cramping
Abdominal discomfort/cramping
Frequency: Daily
Target: None to mild
Action Threshold: Severe or persistent abdominal pain
Symptom Monitoring
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Rectal bleeding (rare, but serious)
- Electrolyte imbalance symptoms (e.g., muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat - very rare with docusate alone)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe for occasional use during pregnancy. Docusate is minimally absorbed systemically. Consult a healthcare provider.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk
Second Trimester:
Low risk
Third Trimester:
Low risk
Lactation
Considered compatible with breastfeeding. Minimal amounts are excreted into breast milk, and adverse effects on the infant are unlikely.
Infant Risk:
Low risk (L2)
Pediatric Use
Use with caution and under medical supervision, especially in infants and young children. Dosing should be age and weight-appropriate. Not recommended for children under 2 years without physician consultation.
Geriatric Use
Generally safe for use in the elderly. No specific dose adjustment is typically needed. Monitor for fluid and electrolyte balance, especially if diarrhea occurs, though this is rare with docusate alone.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Docusate is a stool softener, not a laxative that stimulates bowel movements. It is best for preventing constipation or making existing hard stools easier to pass, rather than treating acute, severe constipation.
- Onset of action is slow (1-3 days), so it's not suitable for immediate relief of constipation.
- Encourage adequate fluid intake and dietary fiber for optimal effect.
- Avoid concomitant use with mineral oil due to increased absorption of mineral oil and potential for adverse effects.
- Not intended for long-term use without medical supervision. If constipation persists, investigate underlying causes.
Alternative Therapies
- Bulk-forming laxatives (e.g., psyllium, methylcellulose)
- Osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol, lactulose, magnesium hydroxide)
- Stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl, senna) - for acute constipation, not long-term
- Lubricant laxatives (e.g., mineral oil - generally not recommended due to side effects and interactions)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 30 tablets (100mg)
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Often OTC, may not be covered by insurance or covered as Tier 1 (preferred generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.