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Product Overview
Docusate (generic Colace)
What is docusate? Docusate is an over-the-counter medication used to treat constipation. It is a stool softener that makes it easier to pass bowel movements, helping to avoid straining that could be dangerous after a heart attack or surgery.
Constipation is a common condition that makes it difficult for you to pass stools, leading to discomfort and even pain.
Talk to your doctor about whether docusate could be right for your needs.
What are common side effects of docusate? While adverse reactions to docusate are uncommon, some patients who take the drug may experience mild side effects, including stomach pain, diarrhea, cramping, and throat irritation.
Rare, more serious adverse events have also been known to occur. If you are concerned that docusate may be causing you to experience any number of adverse side effects, please contact your doctor or seek emergency care.
This is not a complete list of docusate side effects. If you are concerned about additional side effects, please contact your provider directly.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Allison Edwards, MD
Frequently asked questions about Docusate
What is docusate?
Docusate is an over-the-counter medication used to treat constipation. It is a stool softener that makes it easier to pass bowel movements, helping to avoid straining that could be dangerous after a heart attack or surgery.
Constipation is a common condition that makes it difficult for you to pass stools, leading to discomfort and even pain.
Talk to your doctor about whether docusate could be right for your needs.
What is docusate used to treat?
Docusate is used to treat constipation, a condition that occurs when bowel movements become less frequent and more strained. Many doctors define constipation as a period in which patients have fewer than 3 bowel movements over the course of a week.
Docusate is often given to patients to whom straining to pass bowel movements could be dangerous. These patietns have often just experienced a heart attack or undergone surgery.
Docusate can help soften your stool and alleviate bouts of constipation. An over-the-counter medication, docusate does not require a prescription.
How does docusate work?
Docusate belongs to a family of medications known as stool softeners. These medications work by increasing the amount of water your stool absorbs while in your intestines. This softens and makes it easier to pass bowel movements, helping alleviate discomfort associated with constipation.
What are common side effects of docusate?
While adverse reactions to docusate are uncommon, some patients who take the drug may experience mild side effects, including stomach pain, diarrhea, cramping, and throat irritation.
Rare, more serious adverse events have also been known to occur. If you are concerned that docusate may be causing you to experience any number of adverse side effects, please contact your doctor or seek emergency care.
This is not a complete list of docusate side effects. For more information on adverse reactions you may experience while taking docusate, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.
How long does it take for docusate to work?
Most patients begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days of starting docusate.
What is a typical starting dose of docusate?
For adult patients, starting doses of docusate usually begin at 50 to 400 mg. Talk to your doctor for more guidance on a dosage that best meets your needs.
Can I get docusate over-the-counter?
Docusate is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.
Looking for a prescription? Good news! Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not docusate is right for you.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.
Can I get docusate online?
Yes! Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your clinician.
