DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic name: Docusate
Brand names: Surfak Liqui-Gels, Ex-Lax Stool Softener, Phillips' Liqui-Gels, Colace

Why is Colace prescribed?

Colace, a stool softener, promotes easy bowel movements without straining. It softens the stool by mixing in fat and water.

Colace is helpful for people who have had recent rectal surgery, people with heart problems, high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, or hernias, and women who have just had babies.

Colace Microenema is used to relieve occasional constipation.

Most important fact about Colace

Colace is for short-term relief only, unless your doctor directs otherwise. It usually takes a day or two for the drug to achieve its laxative effect; some people may need to wait 4 or 5 days. Sof-Lax Overnight works in 6 to 12 hours. Colace Microenema works in 2 to 15 minutes.

How should you take Colace?

To conceal the drug's bitter taste, take Colace liquid in half a glass of milk or fruit juice; it can be given in infant formula. The proper dosage of Colace may also be added to a retention or flushing enema.

For Colace Microenema:
1. Lubricate the tip by pushing out a drop of the medication.
2. Slowly insert the full length of the nozzle into the rectum. (Stop halfway for children aged 3 to 12 years of age.)
3. Squeeze out the contents of the tube.
4. Remove the nozzle before you release your grip on the tube.

--If you miss a dose...

Take Colace only as needed.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature. Keep from freezing.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects are unlikely. The main ones reported are bitter taste, throat irritation, and nausea (mainly associated with use of the syrup and liquid). Rash has occurred.

Why should Colace not be prescribed?

There are no known reasons Colace should not be prescribed.

Special warnings about Colace

Do not use this product if you have any abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless your doctor advises it. Do not take this product if you are taking mineral oil. If you have noticed a change in your bowel habits that has lasted for 2 weeks, ask your doctor before you use this product. If you bleed from the rectum or you do not have a bowel movement after using this product, stop using it and call your doctor; you may have a more serious condition. Do not use any laxative for more than a week without your doctor's approval.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Colace

No interactions have been reported with Colace.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding your baby, notify your doctor before using Colace.

Recommended dosage

Your doctor will adjust the dosage according to your needs.

You will be using higher doses at the start of treatment with Colace. You should see an effect on stools 1 to 3 days after the first dose.

Colace Microenema should produce a bowel movement in 2 to 15 minutes.

ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 AND OLDER

The suggested daily dosage of Colace is 50 to 200 milligrams.

In enemas, add 50 to 100 milligrams of Colace or 5 to 10 milliliters of Colace liquid to a retention or flushing enema, as prescribed by your doctor.

For Colace Microenema, use the entire contents of the tube.

CHILDREN UNDER 12

The suggested daily dosage of Colace for children 6 to 12 years of age is 40 to 120 milligrams; for children 3 to 6, it is 20 to 60 milligrams; for children under 3, it is 10 to 40 milligrams.

Colace Microenema should not be given to children under 3.

Overdosage

Overdose is unlikely with normal use of Colace. If you or your child should accidentally take too much, call your doctor or a Poison Control Center.