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Docusate Sodium Coupon - Docusate Sodium 100mg capsule

docusate sodium

Generic Colace
Used for Constipation
Used for Constipation

Docusate (Colace) is an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener that can help with constipation. It's available as capsules and a liquid that are taken by mouth.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 25, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Docusate (Colace)?

What is Docusate (Colace) used for?

  • Occasional constipation from hard, dry stools

How Docusate (Colace) works

Docusate (Colace) is a stool softener. It draws water and fat into your stool to make it softer, which helps it move easier through your gut. This relieves constipation.

Are you looking for information on docusate enema (Enemeez) instead?
When does Docusate (Colace) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsColace, Dok, DocQLace, Pedia-Lax
Drug ClassStool softener
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$8.96(save 64.86%)
GoodRx discount
$3.15
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What are the side effects of Docusate (Colace)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Throat irritation (liquid form)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Rectal bleeding (blood that comes from your anus): blood on the toilet paper when you wipe, red-colored water in the toilet, blood mixed in with or on the outside of your stool
  • No bowel movement after consistently taking the medication
When do Docusate (Colace) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Stomach cramps

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Docusate (Colace)

thumbs-up

Pros

Softens your stool so you don't have to strain

Available OTC so you don't need a prescription

Safe to use in children (docusate sodium)

thumbs-down

Cons

Won't stimulate your bowels to move like other laxatives

Should only be used short-term (less than 7 days)

Not a first-choice treatment option for chronic constipation

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Docusate (Colace)

pharmacist

  • Before using docusate (Colace), contact your provider if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, or if you've noticed sudden changes to your bowel movement patterns for more than 2 weeks. Docusate (Colace) might not be the best medication for you, and your provider should make sure there's not a more serious problem going on.

    • You can take docusate (Colace) at any time during the day. If you know how your body responds to the medication, you can try to time your dose so that you're near a bathroom when it's time for your bowel movement.

      • Don't take docusate (Colace) if you're taking mineral oil, unless your provider tells you to. Taking these two products together can raise the amount of mineral oil your body absorbs.

        • If you're taking the liquid form of docusate (Colace), shake well before using. Make sure to use the medication dosing cup that comes with the product to measure out the dose. Don't use kitchen or measuring spoons since they might not be accurate. Ask your pharmacist if you need one.

          • For the liquid, mix docusate (Colace) into a full glass of milk or fruit juice to help prevent throat irritation.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Docusate (Colace)

            How long does it take for docusate (Colace) to work?
            Most people who take docusate (Colace) will have a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours.
            Are docusate (Colace) and bisacodyl (Dulcolax) the same?
            No, even though the two medications sound very similar, they aren't the same. Dulcolax is a brand name for the laxative, bisacodyl. Docusate (Colace) works by drawing water into your stool to make it easier to pass through your gut, whereas bisacodyl (Dulcolax) stimulates the muscles of your gut to help your body have a bowel movement. It can get a little confusing with OTC products for constipation because there are a lot of brand names for each medication. It's best to always check the active ingredient on the package so you know exactly which medication you're getting.
            Can I take docusate (Colace) every day?
            Docusate (Colace) doesn't have a lot of serious side effects, but you shouldn't take it long term unless directed by your healthcare provider. It's recommended that you follow up with your provider if you have to take docusate (Colace) to use the bathroom for more than 7 days in a row. Your provider might need to check to see if there's a more serious problem going on that's causing your constipation.
            What's the difference between docusate sodium and docusate calcium?
            This medication comes in two different salt forms: docusate sodium and docusate calcium. Some medications, like docusate (Colace), need a salt to help them get absorbed, stay stable, or get dissolved in your body. Docusate sodium and docusate calcium don't act as sodium or calcium supplements. In addition, having different salt forms doesn't mean that one works better than the other. Both are OTC medications that work well to treat constipation. But docusate sodium is more commonly found and has a wider range of formulations than docusate calcium. In addition, certain formulations of docusate sodium can be used in young children, whereas docusate calcium can only be used in adults and children older than 12 years old. It's best to check with your child's provider before giving this medication to your child.
            Is docusate (Colace) a laxative?
            Yes, docusate (Colace) is an "emollient laxative," which is one of many types of laxatives. Laxatives work in different ways to help treat constipation. An emollient laxative draws water and fat into your stool, making it softer and easier to pass. The laxative that works best for you will change depending on what's causing your constipation.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Docusate (Colace)?

            Docusate (Colace) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Potential harm to babies

            Some liquid forms of docusate (Colace) can contain an ingredient called sodium benzoate. This ingredient can be harmful to babies and cause brain damage. If your child's provider has told you to give docusate (Colace) to your child, make sure to follow their instructions and don't give more docusate (Colace) than they recommend. If you're using docusate (Colace) over the counter, follow the directions that come with the package.

            dosage

            Docusate (Colace) dosage forms

            The average cost for 30 capsules of 100mg of Docusate (Colace) is $3.15 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 64.86% off the average retail price of $8.96.
            bottle of oral solution
            Bottle of oral solution
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            473ml of 50mg/5ml1 bottle$13.64$13.64
            capsule
            Capsule
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            50mg30 capsules$11.99$0.40
            100mg30 capsules$3.15$0.10
            250mg30 capsules$3.67$0.12
            carton
            Carton
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            30 mini-enemas of 283mg1 carton$36.37$36.37
            tablet
            Tablet
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            100mg20 tablets$3.29$0.16

            Typical dosing for Docusate (Colace)

            This medication comes in different formulations. It also comes in two different salt forms (docusate sodium and docusate calcium); check out the FAQs to learn more about the differences between the two.

            Make sure to read the directions on the label of the medication you're using.

            Oral capsule

            • Adults and children age 12 or 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.

            • Children ages 6 to 12 years old (docusate sodium only): The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth once a day.

            Oral liquid (docusate sodium only)

            Generic docusate:

            • Adults and children over 12 years old: The typical dose is 5 mL to 30 mL (or 1 to 6 teaspoonsful) by mouth per day. This dose can be taken as a single daily dose or separated into many doses throughout the day.

            • Children 12 years or younger: Ask your child's provider.

            Pedia-Lax brand (for young children only):

            • Children ages 2 to 12 years: The typical dose is 15 mL to 45 mL by mouth per day. This dose can be taken as a single daily dose or separated into many doses throughout the day.

            • Children under 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.

            drug-cost

            How much does Docusate (Colace) cost?

            To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
            Colace (brand)
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            $3.15

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            Docusate (Colace) (generic)
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            $3.15

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            contraindications-icon

            Docusate (Colace) contraindications

            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Docusate (Colace) will not be safe for you to take.

            • Use or take mineral oil

            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Docusate (Colace)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Docusate (Colace). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Docusate (Colace)
            Used for:

            • Occasional constipation from hard, dry stools

            $3.15 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Senna
            Used for:

            • Occasional constipation

            $1.03 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Psyllium (Metamucil)
            Used for:

            • Occasional constipation

            View Prices
            latest news

            What is the latest news about Docusate (Colace)?

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            Colace is available in different forms and doses. The typical Colace dosage for adults is 50 mg to 300 mg daily. Read about this and dosages for kids here.

            Colace Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

            Colace is available in different forms and doses. The typical Colace dosage for adults is 50 mg to 300 mg daily. Read about this and dosages for kids here.
            It takes 6 to 12 hours for Dulcolax tablets to work for constipation. You may experience faster results with different forms of Dulcolax, like the suppositories.

            How Long Does Dulcolax Take to Work? Answers to This and 5 More FAQs

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            images

            Docusate (Colace) images

            Red And White L486 - GoodSense Stool Softener 100mg Softgel
            This medicine is Red And White Capsule Imprinted With "L486".Red And White L486 - GoodSense Stool Softener 100mg Softgel
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            Red-Orange P20 - Docusate Sodium 100mg Capsule
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            Orange Oval P51 - GoodSense Gentle Stool Softener 100mg Softgel
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            Red Scu1 - Stool Softener 100mg Softgel
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            Red Oval Pc1 - Docusate Sodium 100mg Softgel
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            Red P51 - CVS Stool Softener 100mg Liquid Gels
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            Red And White Scu2 - CVS Stool Softener 100mg Softgel
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            Red And White Pc18 - Foster & Thrive Stool Softener 100mg Softgel
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