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Overview: Docusate is a stool softener that is used to help you poop if you are having trouble with occasional constipation. Common side effects may include stomach cramps and diarrhea. You should not use docusate for more than one week unless your health care provider tells you to do so. Docusate is available to take by mouth as a capsule, liquid, or tablet or for rectal use as an enema. 

Uses

What is docusate used for?

Docusate is commonly used to help you poop if you have occasional constipation. 

Docusate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does docusate work (mechanism of action)?

Docusate is a surfactant laxative, also known as a stool softener. It works by lowering the surface tension of poop, which allows water and fat to mix in. This helps soften your poop and makes it easier to pass through your digestive tract. 

How is docusate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Colace
  • DSS
  • Dulcolax Stool Softener
  • Phillips Stool Softener
  • Silace
  • Surfak

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 50 mg, 100 mg, 240 mg, 250 mg oral capsules
  • 50 mg/5 mL, 50 mg/15 mL, 100 mg/10 mL oral liquid
  • 100 mg oral tablets
  • 100 mg/5 mL, 283 mg/5 mL rectal enemas 

How should I store docusate?

Storage instructions can vary among docusate products. Follow the storage instructions on your specific product. If there are no storage instructions, most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight. If you are not sure how to store your product, ask your pharmacist. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of docusate?

The most common side effects of docusate are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Throat irritation (oral liquid)

There may be other side effects of docusate that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of docusate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of docusate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Docusate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using docusate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use docusate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use docusate.

  • Colace
  • Docusate
  • Dulcolax Stool Softener
  • Phillips Stool Softener
  • Silace
  • Surfak
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific docusate products they stock.

Digestive Tract Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have constipation with stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. These could be symptoms of a more serious condition. Docusate should not be used if you have problems such as a gut blockage, appendicitis, or poop stuck in your digestive tract (fecal impaction). 

What should I know about docusate before using it?

There are multiple forms of docusate available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have, and make sure you understand how to use it properly. Do not use more than the recommended dose. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Keep docusate out of the reach of children.

If you are taking docusate by mouth, it usually makes you poop in 12 to 72 hours after taking it. If you are using rectal docusate, it usually makes you poop in 2 to 15 minutes after using it. 

Do not use docusate for more than one week unless your health care provider tells you to do so. 

Stop using docusate and contact your health care provider right away if you have rectal bleeding or blood in your poop or are not able to poop after using the medicine. These could be symptoms of a serious condition.

If you are taking docusate oral liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use. The liquid may irritate your throat and leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Taking it with milk, juice, or formula (for children) can help limit this. 

If you are using docusate as an enema, it is only for rectal use. Lubricate the tip before inserting it gently into the rectum. Follow the product instructions, and ask your health care provider if you have any questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before using docusate?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if docusate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • A new change in your bowel habits that lasts for two weeks or more
  • Already used a laxative for more than one week
  • An eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia
  • An electrolyte imbalance

Other Medicines and Supplements. Docusate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using docusate, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how docusate could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use docusate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if docusate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use docusate while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does docusate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between docusate and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect docusate.

Does docusate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking mineral oil, which is a medicine used for constipation, while using docusate. 

Mineral oil may not be the only medicine that can interact with docusate. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much docusate?

If you or someone else has used too much docusate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of docusate?

Docusate is meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the product label or as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.