Docusate

Pronunciation: (koh-LACE, DOCK-yoo-sate).

Generic name
docusate
Brand names
Doc-Q-Lace, Diocto, Laxsol, Soflax, Docusol, Surfak
Drug class
Stool softener (laxative)

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country: United States · Canada

Australia: · Full directory

What docusate is and how it works

Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.

Mechanism of action: how docusate works

Docusate is an anionic surfactant that lowers the surface tension of stool, allowing water and lipids to penetrate and soften fecal material. This facilitates easier defecation without stimulating intestinal peristalsis. (1)

What docusate is used for

Constipation

Constipation (2)

Before taking docusate

Do not take / not appropriate for

  • Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to docusate, intestinal obstruction, acute abdominal pain of unknown origin, or undiagnosed rectal bleeding. (Contraindication) (2)

Tell your clinician about

(2)

How to take docusate

  • General Instructions: Take Colace exactly as directed on the package or by your healthcare provider. Do not take larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.. Adult Dosing: Usual dose: 50–300 mg daily in single or divided doses. Dose may be adjusted based on response.. Pediatric Dosing: Children 2–12 years: 50–150 mg daily in divided doses. Children under 2 years: Use only under medical supervision.. Administration: Take with a full glass of water. Capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole. Liquid forms may be mixed with milk or juice to mask the taste.. When To Stop: If you have no bowel movement after using Colace for 7 days, or if you develop rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pain, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
  • This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
(2)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. Seek emergency medical attention immediately or contact a poison control center (in the US, Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222). (2)

Side effects

Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.

Abdominal cramps

Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established

Diarrhea

Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established

Nausea

Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established

Throat irritation

Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established

Skin rash

Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established

Rectal bleeding

Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established

Serious warnings

Do not use if you have symptoms of intestinal blockage or acute abdominal pain — serious

Symptoms: Do not use if you have symptoms of intestinal blockage or acute abdominal pain. Do not use for longer than 1 week unless directed by a healthcare provider. Consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you develop rectal bleeding or have no bowel movement after use, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use. Keep out of reach of children.

Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)

Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious

Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to docusate, intestinal obstruction, acute abdominal pain of unknown origin, or undiagnosed rectal bleeding. Use with caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disorders, electrolyte imbalances, or those on concurrent mineral oil therapy.

Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)

Interactions

Medicine or testEffectAction
Recorded interactionsColace may increase the absorption of mineral oil if taken together, which can lead to unwanted side effects. It may also interact with certain medications, such as other laxatives or drugs that affect electrolyte balance. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. (1)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Pregnancy

Neither source provides a definitive risk category. Ask a doctor before using Colace if you are pregnant. (2)

Breastfeeding

Neither source provides specific breastfeeding safety data. Ask a doctor before using Colace if you are breastfeeding. (2)

Children

Docusate is used in children with age-banded dosing under medical guidance: under 3 years, 10-40 mg/day in divided doses; 3-6 years, 20-60 mg/day in divided doses; 6-12 years, 40-150 mg/day in divided doses; 12 years and older, the adult range of 50-400 mg/day in divided doses. Use in children under 2 years should only be under medical supervision. (Correction 2026-08-06: an earlier draft of this section incorrectly stated docusate is 'not recommended under 12 years' — that conflicted with the record's own dosing table and has been corrected using an independent source.) (2)

Renal_impairment

No renal- or hepatic-impairment-specific dosing has been established for docusate in either source reviewed. Use general caution and clinician guidance. (2)

Hepatic_impairment

No renal- or hepatic-impairment-specific dosing has been established for docusate in either source reviewed. Use general caution and clinician guidance. (2)

Monitoring

(2)

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat/light. Keep out of reach of children.

Professional information

Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.

General

Indication: Constipation

Dose summary: 50-400 mg per day, divided into 1-4 doses

Renal context: No renal-impairment-specific dose adjustment has been established for docusate in either source reviewed. Use general caution and clinician guidance in anyone with renal impairment. (1) (2)

Mechanism of action

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take for Colace to work?

Colace usually produces a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours after the first dose.

Can I use Colace every day?

Colace is intended for short-term use. Do not use for more than one week unless directed by your healthcare provider.

Is Colace safe during pregnancy?

Neither the clinician-authored record nor the independent literature reviewed establishes a definitive pregnancy risk category for docusate. Always consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant.

Can children take Colace?

Colace can be used in children, but dosing is age-dependent and should be guided by a healthcare provider.

What should I do if I experience stomach pain while taking Colace?

If you experience severe or persistent stomach pain while taking Colace, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop use.

Can I take Colace with other medications?

Some medications may interact with Colace. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking.

What is the difference between a stool softener and a laxative?

Stool softeners like Colace help soften the stool by increasing water content, making it easier to pass. Laxatives may stimulate bowel movements or increase stool bulk.

What happens if I take too much Colace (docusate)?

Taking too much Colace (docusate) can lead to severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and dehydration. In extreme cases, electrolyte imbalances may occur. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Do not attempt to self-treat severe symptoms.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Colace (docusate)?

No specific interaction between alcohol and Colace is documented in the sources reviewed for this page. As a general precaution, staying well hydrated is helpful when managing constipation, and heavy alcohol use can itself contribute to dehydration. Discuss your alcohol intake with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Is Colace (docusate) safe during pregnancy?

Neither the clinician-authored record nor the independent literature reviewed establishes a definitive pregnancy risk category for docusate. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication, including Colace, while pregnant so they can assess the most appropriate and safest option for your situation.

What is the mechanism of action of docusate?

Docusate is an anionic surfactant that lowers the surface tension of stool, allowing water and lipids to penetrate and soften fecal material. This facilitates easier defecation without stimulating intestinal peristalsis. (1)

What is the generic name of Docusate?

The generic name is docusate. It is sold under brand names including Doc-Q-Lace, Diocto, Laxsol, Soflax, Docusol, Surfak.

What class of drug is docusate?

Docusate is classed as: Stool softener (laxative).

References

  1. Colace (docusate) medicine recordMedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record · Global (internal database) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
  2. Docusate Uses, Side Effects & WarningsDrugs.com (consumer monograph) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
  3. DOCUSATE SODIUM LIQUID (DOCUSATE SODIUM.50MG/5ML) SOLUTION [ALDAMA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
  4. Stool Softeners — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
  5. Docusate Sodium — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA M)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
  6. docusate — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 82003)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient docusate names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries

United States

  • DOCUSATE SODIUM 100mg Two-Tone100 mg · humanwell puracap pharmaceutical (wuhan), ltd.
  • Docusate Sodium Liquid50 mg/5mL · aldama pharmaceuticals, inc
  • Prolaxa250 mg · terrain pharmaceuticals
  • Gentle Stool Softener100 mg · walgreen company
  • Colace50 mg, 100 mg · atlantis consumer healthcare, inc.
  • GeriCare Docusate Sodium Liquid50 mg/5mL · geri-care pharmaceuticals, corp
  • ENEMEEZ283 mg/5mL · quest products, llc
  • Pedia-Lax50 mg5mL · c.b. fleet company, inc.
  • Docusate Sodium Oral Liquid100 mg0mL · kesin pharma corporation
  • MiraSOFT Stool Softener100 mg · bayer healthcare llc.

Canada

  • SOFLAX
  • COLACE
  • STOOL SOFTENER
  • SILACE SYR
  • SOFLAX DPS
  • SIROP DOCUSATE DE SODIUM
  • SIROP DOCUSATE DE SODIUM
  • SELAX
  • EURO-DOCUSATE
  • EURO-DOCUSATE C
View brands in additional countries.

General information only — not a diagnosis, prescription, or substitute for professional medical advice.

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