Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.
Docusate sodium is an over-the-counter stool softener used for temporary relief of occasional constipation. A common softgel contains 100 mg. Current labeling states that it generally produces a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. Doses can be taken as one daily amount or divided across the day.
read more about docusate sodium ...Docusate sodium softens stool so it is easier to pass. Stool softeners are used for short-term constipation relief and can be useful when straining during bowel movements should be reduced. Docusate does not act as a stimulant laxative.
Current 100 mg softgel labeling includes adults and children age 2 and older. Adults and children age 12 and older use the adult dose, while children age 2 to under 12 use a lower daily amount. Children younger than 2 require medical advice before use.
Adults and children age 12 and older take one to three 100 mg softgels daily. Children age 2 to under 12 take one softgel daily. The daily amount can be taken at one time or divided into separate doses. Current labeling states that the medicine is taken only by mouth.
Docusate sodium should not be taken 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 treatment longer than one week calls for medical evaluation.
Docusate sodium temporarily relieves occasional constipation by softening stool.
Current labeling states that a bowel movement generally occurs within 12 to 72 hours.
Adults and children age 12 and older take one to three softgels daily.
Not unless directed by a doctor. Current labeling advises against combining it with mineral oil without medical direction.
COLACE (docusate sodium) capsule. DailyMed. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7793fced-e8ee-44e2-b212-dd2a59a5f462. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.
DailyMed - DOCUSATE SODIUM capsule, liquid filled. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=05b0732b-012f-78ee-e063-6294a90a839a. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.
Docusate. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555942/. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.
Docusate Sodium. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Docusate-Sodium. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.
Stool Softeners. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601113.html. Date Accessed September 25, 2026.