It moves through the intestines undigested, adding bulk to stools and encouraging regularity. They can be safe and inexpensive alternatives to over-the-counter products and have minimal side effects.įiber is a natural treatment and one of the first lines of defense against constipation. If you’re looking to achieve regularity, try incorporating some natural laxatives into your routine. Though over-the-counter laxatives can be very helpful in alleviating constipation, using them too often can cause electrolyte disturbances and changes in body salts and minerals. Over-the-counter laxatives begin to work within a few hours or may take a few days to take full effect. Stimulant laxatives are available as tablets, pills, powders, chewables, liquids, and suppositories under brand names like Ex-Lax, Senokot, and Dulcolax. They speed the movement of the digestive system to induce a bowel movement. Magnesium citrate is one type of saline laxative. These draw water into the small intestine to encourage a bowel movement. These are available as a liquid, caplet, enema, or suppository. Examples of osmotic laxatives include milk of magnesia and glycerin. These help the colon retain more water, increasing the frequency of bowel movements. Mineral oil is an example of a lubricant laxative that’s available in liquid or enema form. These coat the surfaces of stools and intestinal lining to keep in moisture, allowing for softer stools and easier passage. They’re available in pill or tablet form. Stool softeners include docusate sodium and docusate calcium. These increase the amount of water absorbed by stools to make them softer and easier to pass. Commercial options of bulk-forming laxatives include Metamucil and Citrucel, which are available in powder and capsule form. These move through the body undigested, absorbing water and swelling to form stools. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-80.Several types of laxatives work in different ways. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Less serious Colace side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all. You need to use a stool softener for more than 1 week or No bowel movement occurs after using a laxative Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Colace : hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. What should I avoid while using Colace?Īvoid using mineral oil, unless told to do so by a doctor. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-80. ![]() Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Since Colace is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Less than 2 years: Check with your doctor.Ģ to 12 years: 50 to 150 mg daily divided in 1 to 4 doses each day.ĭetailed Colace dosage information What happens if I miss a dose? Dosing informationĥ0 to 300 mg daily divided in 1 to 4 doses each day. Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat. Overuse of a stool softener can lead to serious medical problems. ![]() Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have not had a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days. You should not use this medicine for longer than 1 week, unless your doctor tells you to. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 72 hours. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.Ĭolace generally produces bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine. Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Use Colace exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. You should not use Colace if you are allergic to docusate.Īsk a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:Ī sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 2 weeks.Īsk a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.ĭo not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.Ĭolace pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail) How should I use Colace? You should not use docusate if you also use mineral oil, unless your doctor tells you to. You should not use Colace if you have a blockage in your intestines.ĭo not use Colace while you are sick with nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain. It makes bowel movements softer and easier to pass.Ĭolace is used to treat or prevent occasional constipation, and to reduce pain or rectal damage caused by hard stools or by straining during bowel movements.Ĭolace may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. ![]() Last updated on Mar 3, 2022.Ĭolace is a stool softener. Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm.
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