Colace Products for Constipation

What do Colace products treat?

Colace products are used to treat constipation. Constipation is when it is hard for you to poop or you poop less often than what is normal for you.

Colace uses different active ingredients to help you go.

• Stool Softeners (Docusate). This is the main ingredient in many Colace products. It works by mixing water and fat into your poop more easily, which makes it softer and easier to move through your body. The estimated time for a bowel movement is 12-72 hours.
  • Products that only contain docusate are cramp-free and stimulant-free.
• Stimulant Laxative (Sennosides). This works by making the muscles in your intestines squeeze, which pushes the poop through and out of your body.
  • Products with sennosides are fast-acting. The estimated time for a bowel movement is 6-12 hours.
• Saline Laxative (Magnesium Citrate). This also works to soften your poop by pulling water into it. The estimated time for a bowel movement is 12-72 hours.

What are the possible side effects of Colace products?

Stop using the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

Most side effects are mild and may include the following:
● Stomach pain or cramps 
● Diarrhea 
● Nausea 
● Gas

What should I know before using Colace products?

Colace products come in various forms, such as capsules, soft gel capsules, tablets, gummies, and soft chews. When taking Colace Stool Softening Gummies or Soft Chews, chew them fully, then swallow. If you are taking Colace Stool Softening Gummies, after you chew and swallow the gummy, drink a full glass (8 oz) of liquid.

Talk to your health care provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Colace.

Before taking any Colace product, talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• A sudden change in your pooping pattern that lasts for more than two weeks
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Stop taking Colace and talk to your health care provider if you need to use a laxative, such as Colace, for one week or more, have bleeding from your butt (rectal bleeding), or are not able to poop after using the medicine. Do not use Colace with another type of laxative, called mineral oil, unless you are told to do so by your health care provider.

There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Colace product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.