What is Docusate?
Docusate is a stool softener which makes bowel movements softer and easier to move. Docusate is used to relieve constipation irregularity. Docusate is a laxative used to treat constipation (difficulty pooping). It helps soften your poop and makes your bowel movements easier. It's helpful if you have difficulty going to the toilet because of dry poops or piles (haemorrhoids) or if you have a tear in the linen of your anus (an anal fissure).
Docusate Uses
This medicine is being used to diagnose occasional constipation. Some medicines and conditions may make constipation more likely. Stool softeners, such as docusate, are always the first method used to prevent and treat this type of constipation. Docusate is often used when straining to prevent bowel movements (e.g. after a heart attack or surgery). Docusate is a stool softener. This medication works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut and making the stool softer and easier to pass.
Docusate Side effects
Some of the common and serious side effects of Docusate are:
- Abdominal Cramping
- Stomach Pain
- Diarrhea
- Excessive Bowel activity
- Intestinal Obstruction
- Throat irritation
- Rashes
- Low electrolyte levels
- Dependence
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Docusate if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Docusate side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Docusate talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or some other serious problems.
Before taking Docusate talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sudden change in bowel habits over 2 weeks
How to take Docusate?
Take this medicine by orally, usually at bedtime with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 millilitres) of water or juice, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and treatment response. Decrease your dose or stop taking this medicine if you develop diarrhea. Docusate comes as a capsule and a liquid you swallow. It also comes as an enema – a tube of liquid medicine that you squeeze into your anus.
Dosage
Capsules – The normal dose is 1 capsule 3 times daily. Do not take more than 5 capsules a day.
Liquid – the normal dose is 2 or 3 x 5 ml of spoonfuls. Take this dose three times a day.
Enema – usually 1 tube of liquid is all you need. If you need a second dose, you can take it later in the day or the next day.
Warnings for Some Serious Health Conditions
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Docusate may not be appropriate if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, as small amounts may be absorbed by your intestines.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, it is always better to try to treat constipation without taking medicine. The doctor or midwife will first advise you to eat more fiber and drink plenty of fluids. It can also help to do a gentle exercise.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Docusate won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Docusate tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Docusate consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Docusate rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Docusate
Docusate vs. Bisacody
Docusate |
Linzess |
|---|---|
| Docusate is a stool softener which makes bowel movements softer and easier to move. Docusate is used to relieve constipation occasionally (irregularity). | Linzess is a medication used to treat symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Chronic Idiopathic Constipation. Linzess may be used on its own or with other medicines. |
| This medicine is being used to diagnose occasional constipation. Some medicines and conditions may make constipation more likely. Stool softeners, such as docusate, are always the first method used to prevent and treat this type of constipation. | Linzess is being used to treat certain types of gastrointestinal issues (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, chronic idiopathic constipation). |
Some of the common side effects of Docusate are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Linzess are:
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