Docusate has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs. Docusate is often used when straining to have a bowel movement should be avoided (e.g., after a heart attack or surgery). Stool softeners such as docusate are often the first method used for preventing and treating this type of constipation. If your constipation returns, check with your care team.
While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. This medication treats occasional constipation.
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Keep docusate out of reach of children. Docusate is an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener used to treat constipation. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.
What drugs interact with docusate?
It works by softening the stool. DOCUSATE SODIUM; SENNA (doc CUE sayt SOE dee um; SEN na) prevents and treats occasional constipation. RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This information does not contain all Docusate info possible interactions or adverse effects. Docusate is used to treat occasional constipation.
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Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Use it according to the product label or as your health care provider recommends. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking mineral oil, which is a medicine used for constipation, while using docusate. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use docusate while breastfeeding.
Docusate is available to take by mouth as a capsule, liquid, or tablet or for rectal use as an enema.
Related Disease Conditions
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your doctor before taking docusate if pregnant or breastfeeding. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at FDA-1088.
Breastfeeding
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine.
- People who are allergic to any of the following should not use docusate.
- Some medications and conditions can make constipation more likely.
- No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of docusate sodium in geriatric patients.
- If you are taking docusate by mouth, it usually makes you poop in 12 to 72 hours after taking it.
- Some items may interact with your medicine.
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives. DOCUSATE (doc CUE sayt) prevents and treats occasional constipation.
Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have, and make sure you understand how to use it properly. There are multiple forms of docusate available. Docusate should not be used if you have problems such as a gut blockage, appendicitis, or poop stuck in your digestive tract (fecal impaction). People who are allergic to any of the following should not use docusate.
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- Mineral oil may not be the only medicine that can interact with docusate.
- Rectal administration takes effect within 15 minutes while it may take 12 to 72 hours for a bowel movement to occur after oral dosing.
- Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Mineral oil may not be the only medicine that can interact with docusate. There are no known interactions between docusate and foods or drinks. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Do not use this medicine if you are also using mineral oil. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
docusate
The most common side effects of docusate are listed below. Follow the storage instructions on your specific product. This helps soften your poop and makes it easier to pass through your digestive tract. It works by lowering the surface tension of poop, which allows water and fat to mix in. Docusate is a surfactant laxative, also known as a stool softener.
Some items may interact with your medicine. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. This list may not describe all possible interactions.