What is docusate used for?
Docusate is a stool softener that makes bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Docusate is used to relieve occasional constipation (irregularity).
What is the mechanism of action for docusate Sodium?
Mechanism of Action Docusate is an anionic surfactant (i.e., a surface-active agent). It lowers the surface tension at the oil-water interface of the feces, allowing water and lipids to penetrate the stool. This helps to hydrate and soften the fecal material, facilitating natural defecation.
What is the mechanism of action of stool softener?
Stool softeners are a type of laxatives used for treating constipation. They act by reducing the surface tension of the stools and allowing water and oil to enter the stool mass causing it to soften, which is then easier to pass.
What are the benefits of Colace?
Colace (docusate) is a stool softener. It makes bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Colace is used to treat or prevent occasional constipation, and to reduce pain or rectal damage caused by hard stools or by straining during bowel movements.
What is docusate sodium side effects?
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Docusate?
- Abdominal cramping.
- Stomach pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Excessive bowel activity.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Throat irritation.
- Rash.
- Low electrolyte levels (excessive use)
How effective is docusate sodium?
The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health concluded “the available evidence suggests that docusate is no more effective than placebo in the prevention or management of constipation” (Dioctyl sulfosuccinate or docusate [calcium or sodium] for the prevention or management of constipation: a review of the …
How is docusate sodium excreted?
Docusate sodium works by allowing more water to be absorbed by the stool. Docusate does not stay in the gastrointestinal tract, but is absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted via the gallbladder after undergoing extensive metabolism.
When do stool softeners start working?
Osmotic laxatives, including magnesium citrate and magnesium hydroxide, may produce a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours. Others may not take effect for 24–48 hours. Stimulant laxatives, such as Dulcolax and Senna, may take 6–12 hours. Stool softeners, such as Docusate, may take 24–48 hours.
Is Colace safe?
Colace is generally safe to be taken long term with the guidance of a healthcare provider and may be prescribed to prevent constipation associated with other medications or conditions known to cause constipation.
Is docusate safe?
Most adults and children aged 12 years and over can safely take docusate.
Is Colace good for constipation?
Colace is classified as a stool softener but is not considered a laxative because it does not directly stimulate motility. It may take one to three days for stool softening to occur therefore Colace will not typically provide quick relief of constipation symptoms.
How often should I take docusate sodium?
If it is the docusate sodium, most people take 1 cap 2-3 times daily. If it is the docusate calcium, it is just 1 cap daily.
Is docusate and Dulcolax the same thing?
Colace (docusate) and Dulcolax (bisacodyl) are effective medications that can treat constipation. While they both can be prescribed or purchased over the counter, they differ in how they work. Colace is an emollient laxative while Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative.
What is the difference between docusate and bisacodyl?
Docusate is a stool softener, it increases water retention in the intestines so it is easier to pass stool. Bisacodyl is a stimulant that is used to stop constipation by increasing motor activity in the intestine. Hope this helps.
How much docusate should I take?
For docusate stool softeners taken orally, the normal daily dosage for adolescents and adults is 200 mg, but the maximum daily dosage is 500 mg. For children three to six years old, the maximum daily dosage is 60 mg, and for those six to 12 years old, it is 150 mg.