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What Is Colace?

Colace is an over-the-counter stool softener containing docusate sodium. Current 100 mg capsules are used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and generally produce a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. Docusate sodium is taken by mouth and can be used as a single daily dose or in divided doses.

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What Is Colace?

Colace is an over-the-counter stool softener containing docusate sodium. Current 100 mg capsules are used for temporary relief of occasional constipation and generally produce a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. Docusate sodium is taken by mouth and can be used as a single daily dose or in divided doses.

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How Does Colace Soften Stool?

Docusate is a surfactant stool softener. It lowers surface tension in the stool, helping water and lipids enter the stool mass more readily. This makes stool softer and easier to pass without directly stimulating intestinal contractions.

Who Uses Colace for Constipation?

Colace 100 mg capsules are labeled for temporary relief of occasional constipation. Adults and children age 12 and older can use the current 100 mg capsule directions. Children age 2 to under 12 use a lower labeled daily amount, while children younger than 2 require medical advice before use.

How Are Colace 100 mg Capsules Taken?

Adults and children age 12 and older take one to three 100 mg capsules daily. Children age 2 to under 12 take one capsule daily. The total daily amount can be taken at one time or divided across the day. Children younger than 2 should use Colace only under medical direction.

What Safety Precautions Apply to Colace?

Colace should not be used with mineral oil unless directed by a doctor. Medical advice is recommended before use for stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden bowel habit change lasting more than two weeks. Rectal bleeding, no bowel movement after use, or need for a stool softener beyond one week calls for medical evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colace

What medicine is in Colace?

Current Colace 100 mg capsules contain docusate sodium, a stool softener.

How long does Colace take to work?

Current labeling states that a bowel movement generally occurs within 12 to 72 hours.

What is the adult Colace 100 mg dose?

Adults and children age 12 and older take one to three capsules daily under current directions.

Can Colace be taken with mineral oil?

Not unless a doctor directs it. Current labeling advises against taking Colace with mineral oil without medical direction.

References

COLACE (docusate sodium) capsule. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7793fced-e8ee-44e2-b212-dd2a59a5f462. Date Accessed September 23, 2026.

DOCUSATE SODIUM - STOOL SOFTENER LAXATIVE (docusate sodium) capsule, liquid filled. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b5e4b14d-bf11-4309-bf6d-65ee9d877a24. Date Accessed September 23, 2026.

Docusate. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/11339. Date Accessed September 23, 2026.

Docusate. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555942/. Date Accessed September 23, 2026.

Stool Softeners. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601113.html. Date Accessed September 23, 2026.