Most people have experienced constipation, or as we call it, 'dry stool', at least once in their lives. It is a very uncomfortable and annoying condition. So today we are going to talk about a medicine called 'Docusate', which is used in such cases and helps soften the stool and make it easier to pass. This usually comes in the form of a syrup, solution, or suspension.
Simply put, what is Docusate?
Docusate is a medication used to prevent and treat constipation. It belongs to a class of drugs called stool softeners ( laxatives ). However, it does not stimulate bowel function like other laxatives.
Imagine that your stool is hard as a rock. What Docusate does is it draws water into that hard stool and softens it. To be precise, it acts like soap, mixing the water and fat in the stool together, softening it. Then you can pass the stool without much effort or straining.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor should be aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition/problem | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Nausea or vomiting | These may be symptoms of another serious illness. |
| Severe constipation or stomach cramps | You should check if the cause of the constipation is something else. |
| A sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks | This could be a sign of a problem with the intestines. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding | You need to be careful about whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
| Allergies to Docusate or other medications, foods, or dyes | This is very important to avoid causing an allergic reaction. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
It's very simple to use, but it's important to follow the instructions exactly.
- Shake well: Shake the medicine bottle well before using.
- Mix and drink: Since this syrup has a slightly bitter taste, to reduce the risk of a sore throat, mix the medicine into a glass of milk, fruit drink (about 6-8 ounces), or if giving it to a small baby, mix it with their milk.
- Accurate measurement: Use the special lid, spoon, or cup that comes with the medicine to measure it. Measuring with household teaspoons is not always accurate.
- Overdose: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not share this with others, this medicine is for you only.
When given to children: This medicine is sometimes prescribed to children over 2 years of age. However, it should only be done under the advice of a doctor.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What other interactions may occur with this medicine?
Although this medicine does not interact with many things, it is especially important not to take it with another laxative called mineral oil . This is because Docusate can increase the amount of mineral oil absorbed by the body. This is not a good thing. Tell your doctor about all other medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking.
Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine
- Duration: Do not use this medicine for more than a week without medical advice. If your constipation persists, it is best to see a doctor to find out the cause.
- Water: Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine. This medicine works by drawing water into the intestines and softening the stool. So, the body needs to get enough water.
- Warning signs: If you experience the following symptoms , stop taking the medication immediately and talk to your doctor.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Not passing stool despite using medicine.
These may be symptoms of a more serious condition.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like all medications, there is a possibility of minor side effects. Most of the time, these are not serious.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to inform your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Stomach ache | A slight stomach ache may occur. |
| Diarrhea | Excessively loose stools. |
Some common questions you may have
How long does it take for this medicine to work?
It usually takes between 12 and 72 hours to see results after taking this medicine. This is because it takes some time for the medicine to travel through the digestive system, attach to the stool in the large intestine, and soften it. So don't expect results right away.
Why do some people say to take this medicine at night?
The idea behind this is that if you take the medicine before going to bed at night, your stool will be soft enough to pass easily when you wake up in the morning. This method can be effective, as most people see results within 12 hours.
Can this be used during pregnancy?
Constipation is very common during pregnancy. Docusate is a medication that has not been shown to be harmful to the pregnant woman or the unborn baby. However, this is only a temporary solution. If you have persistent constipation throughout your pregnancy, it is important to talk to your doctor about a long-term solution.
Stool softeners are very useful in preventing straining when defecation is painful due to conditions such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Take-Home Message
- Docusate is a stool softener, not a laxative.
- Rather than drinking this syrup alone, mix it with milk or a fruit drink to prevent a sore throat.
- Do not use this medicine for more than a week without consulting a doctor.
- It is very important to drink plenty of water while taking the medication.
- If you experience rectal bleeding or have not had a bowel movement despite taking the medication, stop taking the medication immediately and see your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you may have before taking the medicine.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 Is Docusate a laxative?
No! This is one of the safest and gentlest medicines in the world for people with 'Constipation' (Stool Softener). While regular Laxatives (like Senna) cause the intestines to become loose and gassy, this Docusate has no effect on the intestines, instead it only loosens and breaks up the hard stools. This is often given to pregnant mothers and those who have had surgery.
💬 How do you use this medicine (Docusate) to loosen/dissolve stool that is stuck in the colon?
Just like a surfactant dissolves dirt from clothes, this is how it works physically! As soon as this medicine enters the intestines, it breaks the outer covering/surface tension of the hardened stool mass (Reduces surface tension). Then, the water and fats in the intestines are sent into the stool mass, completely loosening it like a well-prepared dough.
💬 What are the possible side effects and dangers of taking this medicine?
This is extremely safe, so the side effects are very few! However, some people may experience bloating/gas and mild cramps. Another special thing is that it does not work immediately (it can take about 1-3 days). Also, never take any other medicine made with 'Mineral Oil' while taking this! Mineral oil can be absorbed by the liver and become toxic.
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