Is docusate sodium safe?

Most adults and children aged 12 years and over can safely take docusate.

Is Docusate sodium harmful?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: rectal bleeding. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

How long can you take Docusate sodium?

Do not take more docusate than recommended or take for longer than seven days. Talk to your doctor before taking if you have any stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, or have experienced a sudden change in bowel motions that has persisted for longer than two weeks.

When should you not take docusate?

Is it OK to take a stool softener every day?

Over-the-counter stool softeners are effective for some people. However, in controlled clinical trials, there is no evidence that they improve symptoms. While they only are intended for short-term relief of constipation, using a daily stool softener long-term probably is not harmful.

Surfactant Laxatives (Docusate) | Stool softeners

What is the safest stool softener to use daily?

In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.

Who should not use docusate sodium?

Never give docusate to a child under 12 years old unless their doctor prescribes it. Docusate is not suitable for some people. To make sure it is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have: ever had an allergic reaction to docusate or any other medicines.

Can docusate sodium raise blood pressure?

7. Does docusate sodium raise blood pressure? Even though docusate sodium contains elements that can raise blood pressure, it does not cause an increase in blood pressure.

What can you not take with docusate?

Is docusate a laxative or stool softener?

DOCUSATE SODIUM; SENNA (doc CUE sayt SOE dee um; SEN na) contains a stool softener and a laxative. It is used to treat constipation.

What happens if you take stool softeners for too long?

Taking a stool softener for an extended period of time can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes include sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and chloride. They help regulate certain functions in your body. An imbalance of electrolytes can lead to weakness, confusion, seizures, and irregular heart rhythms.

Will stool softener soften existing stool?

They typically contain docusate sodium and docusate calcium as the active ingredients. They help soften the stool, making it easier to pass. Over-the-counter (OTC) stool softeners are useful when a person experiences temporary, mild, or chronic constipation.

Can docusate sodium affect kidneys?

The FDA is warning that taking more than the recommended daily dose of OTC sodium phosphate laxative products to treat constipation can cause rare but serious harm to the kidneys and heart, and even death.

How can I soften my stool naturally?

Does docusate sodium dehydrate you?

But if you take more than prescribed, or take them for a long time, they can cause dehydration. Over-the-counter brands include: Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) Docusate (Colace)

Is docusate better than Dulcolax?

Docusate has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 33 ratings on Drugs.com. 47% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 34% reported a negative effect. Dulcolax has an average rating of 5.2 out of 10 from a total of 1030 ratings on Drugs.com.

How much docusate sodium can I take a day?

Typical dosing for docusate (Colace)

Adults and children age 12 and older: The typical dose is 100 mg to 300 mg by mouth per day. It can be taken all at once or in multiple doses throughout the day.

What is the best treatment for chronic constipation in the elderly?

Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) is preferred over lactulose for the treatment of constipation because it is more effective and has fewer adverse effects. Linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone (Amitiza) are more effective than placebo for chronic constipation.

How can I soften my stool quickly?

Can you become dependent on docusate sodium?

Overuse and prolonged use: Overusing or using docusate sodium for long periods of time may cause your bowels to become dependent on the medication. Unless recommended by your doctor, do not use this medication for longer than one week.

Is docusate and Dulcolax the same thing?

Dulcolax^® Stool Softeners are made with active ingredient docusate sodium to help relieve occasional constipation and irregularity. They provide stimulant-free, gradual relief. Dulcolax^® Stool Softeners give you gentle, dependable relief of your constipation symptoms in 12-72 hours.

Do stool softeners dehydrate the bowel?

Osmotic laxatives encourage bowel movements by drawing water into the bowel from the nearby tissue (intestinal lumen) thereby softening the stool. Some of these laxatives can cause electrolyte imbalances as they draw out nutrients and other contents with the water, which increases thirst and dehydration.

What should I take daily for constipation?

Bulk-forming fiber supplements include calcium polycarbophil (Equilactin, Fibercon), methylcellulose fiber (Citrucel), and psyllium (Fiber-Lax, Konsyl, Metamucil), and wheat dextrin (Benefiber). Unlike other laxatives, you can take these every day. They make the stool bigger and softer.

How do you pass a big hard stool?