Author: Alex Thompson
Docusate oral rectal Uses, Side Effects & Warnings
You may report side effects to FDA at FDA-1088 or at /medwatch. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the drops, measure the medication with the dropper provided, or use a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you have the correct dose.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. Stomach/abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, diarrhea, or weakness may occur.
Your healthcare provider might suggest different medications to use long-term. DOCUSATE SODIUM; SENNA (doc CUE sayt SOE dee um; SEN na) prevents and treats occasional constipation. It also helps the muscles in your intestines move stool. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives.
Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with docusate. You should refer to the prescribing information for docusate for a complete list of interactions. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
What happens if I miss a dose?
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often or for longer than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Despite these data, the use of saline is still considered to be first-line McCarter 2007. Additional trials may be necessary to further define the role of intra-aural docusate in the treatment of this condition.
- Drink plenty of liquids while you are using docusate.
- Stool softeners such as docusate are often the first method used for preventing and treating this type of constipation.
- Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) as directed by your doctor.
- If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose.
- If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read and follow all directions on the product package before taking this medication.
If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Do not use this product for more than 1 week unless directed by your doctor. Do not use for more than 1 week unless otherwise directed by your care team. Do not use for more than one week without advice from your care team. If your constipation returns, check with your care team. This medication passes into breast milk, but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Docusate is not known to be carcinogenic or cause reproductive toxicity.
docusate (OTC)
Serious side effects may occur with overuse of this medication (see also Side Effects section). Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) as directed by your doctor. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Docusate sodium and senna are two different types of laxatives combined in one formula.
One is a stool softener, and one is a bowel stimulant. Together, they can produce a bowel movement in six to twelve hours. Hypomagnesemia was reported in a newborn following chronic maternal overuse of docusate sodium throughout pregnancy (Schindler 1984). Agents other than docusate are preferred for initial treatment.
If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. It may take 6 to 12 hours before this medication causes a bowel movement. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse, or if bleeding from the rectum occurs. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away. Stop using this medication and contact your care team if you have rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after use.
Response and effectiveness
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. It’s safe to crush docusate and senna tablets, but they can be hard to crush, and they won’t taste good that way. You won’t be able to disguise them in apple sauce.
Docusate sodium may be used if needed, but may not be as effective as other agents (ACG [Christie 2007]). This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
As the actions of docusate are local and it is not absorbed, the pharmacokinetic parameters are not available9. Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat. After using the enema, lie down on your left side for at least 30 minutes to allow the liquid to distribute throughout your intestines. Avoid using the bathroom, and hold in the enema at least 1 hour, or all night if possible. To use the enema, lie on your left side with your left leg extended and your right leg slightly bent.
Docusate Images
These could be signs of a more serious condition. This list may not describe all possible side effects. Stop using this medication and contact your care team if you experience any rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after use. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to senna, sennosides, or docusate; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.