Stool Softener 240mg Capsules
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 to pass by allowing water and fats to get into the stool, making it softer. It's used to prevent and treat occasional constipation.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. 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
Store your medication at room temperature, away from freezing temperatures. Keep it in a dry place, avoiding bathrooms and areas where children and pets can access it. Ensure all medications are stored safely and out of 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 instructed to do so. Instead, consult your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method or inquire about potential drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking two doses at the same time or taking extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. 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
Store your medication at room temperature, away from freezing temperatures. Keep it in a dry place, avoiding bathrooms and areas where children and pets can access it. Ensure all medications are stored safely and out of 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 instructed to do so. Instead, consult your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method or inquire about potential drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Avoid taking two doses at the same time or taking extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Increase fluid intake (especially water)
- 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 use if you have abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
240 mg orally once daily
Dose Range:
50 - 360 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
constipation_prophylaxis:
50-300 mg orally daily in 1-3 divided doses
constipation_treatment:
50-300 mg orally daily in 1-3 divided doses
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (use with caution, consult physician)
Infant:
Not established (use with caution, consult physician)
Child:
2-12 years: 50-150 mg orally daily in 1-3 divided doses
Adolescent:
12-18 years: 50-300 mg orally daily in 1-3 divided doses
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Dialysis:
No adjustment needed; not dialyzable
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Docusate 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. This results in a softer, easier-to-pass stool. It may also stimulate fluid and electrolyte secretion in the colon.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Minimal systemic absorption
Tmax:
Not well-defined due to minimal systemic absorption; onset of action is 1-3 days
FoodEffect:
Not significant
Distribution:
Vd:
Not well-defined
ProteinBinding:
Not well-defined
CnssPenetration:
Limited
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not well-defined due to minimal systemic absorption
Clearance:
Not well-defined
ExcretionRoute:
Fecal (primary route of action); minimal renal excretion of absorbed drug
Unchanged:
Not applicable (acts locally)
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
12-72 hours (1-3 days)
PeakEffect:
Not applicable (gradual softening)
DurationOfAction:
Continues as long as therapy is maintained
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as 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 or seek medical help if you experience:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
These are not all the possible side effects of this medication. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as 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 or seek medical help if you experience:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
These are not all the possible side effects of this medication. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
For medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- No bowel movement after 7 days of use
- Signs 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 allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, 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 dose 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 allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, 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 dose 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 unless your doctor has instructed you 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, do not use 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 of these products contain sodium.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform 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 unless your doctor has instructed you 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, do not use 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 of these products contain sodium.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform 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:
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Electrolyte imbalance (rare with oral use)
What to Do:
Discontinue use. Symptomatic and supportive care. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control) or seek immediate medical attention if symptoms are severe.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Mineral oil (increased absorption of mineral oil, potentially leading to lipid pneumonia or granulomas)
Moderate Interactions
- Phenolphthalein (increased absorption of phenolphthalein, leading to increased toxicity)
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Frequency and consistency of bowel movements
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Signs of dehydration
- Rectal bleeding
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe for occasional use during pregnancy. Minimal systemic absorption.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk
Second Trimester:
Low risk
Third Trimester:
Low risk
Lactation
Considered compatible with breastfeeding. Minimal excretion into breast milk.
Infant Risk:
Low risk of adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Pediatric Use
Safe for use in children at appropriate doses, but generally not recommended for infants or neonates without medical supervision. Consult a pediatrician.
Geriatric Use
Safe for use in elderly patients. No specific dose adjustments needed. Start with lower doses and monitor response, as elderly may be more sensitive to fluid and electrolyte changes, though rare with docusate.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Docusate is a stool softener, not a laxative that stimulates bowel movements. It works best for preventing constipation or for mild, occasional constipation.
- It may take 1-3 days for the full effect to be seen.
- Ensure adequate fluid intake when using docusate to maximize its effectiveness.
- Avoid concomitant use with mineral oil due to increased absorption of mineral oil.
- Not intended for long-term use; if constipation persists, consult a healthcare provider.
Alternative Therapies
- Bulk-forming laxatives (e.g., psyllium, methylcellulose)
- Osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol, lactulose, magnesium hydroxide)
- Stimulant laxatives (e.g., senna, bisacodyl)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 30 capsules (240mg)
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 (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 this 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 overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.