DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Docusate Liquid (DOK-yoo-sate)
Brand Name: Examples include Colace and Diocto

Diocto Liquid is used for:

Relieving occasional constipation.

Diocto Liquid is a stool softener. It works by helping fat and water into the stool mass to soften the stool.

Do NOT use Diocto Liquid if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Diocto Liquid
• you have undiagnosed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, a history of bowel obstruction, or appendicitis

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Diocto Liquid:

Some medical conditions may interact with Diocto Liquid. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of bowel obstruction

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Diocto Liquid. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Mineral oil because its absorption may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Diocto Liquid may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Diocto Liquid:

Use Diocto Liquid as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Diocto Liquid by mouth with or without food.
• Mix Diocto Liquid with a half glass of milk, fruit juice, or infant formula before taking it.
• Shake well before each use.
• Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Diocto Liquid is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• A bowel movement usually occurs 1 to 3 days after the first dose.
• If you miss a dose of Diocto Liquid and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Diocto Liquid.

Important safety information:

• The risk of loss of normal bowel function may be greater if you take Diocto Liquid in high doses or for a long time. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than 1 week without checking with your doctor.
• Do not take Diocto Liquid with other laxatives or stool softeners, unless directed by your doctor.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you develop rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after using Diocto Liquid. These may be signs of a serious condition.
• Do not use Diocto Liquid if you experience stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, except under the direction of your doctor.
• If you notice a sudden change in bowel movements that lasts for 2 weeks or more, check with your doctor.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Diocto Liquid while you are pregnant. It is not known if Diocto Liquid is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Diocto Liquid, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Diocto Liquid:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Bitter taste; cramping; diarrhea; nausea; throat irritation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea; stomach cramps.

Proper storage of Diocto Liquid:

Store Diocto Liquid at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Diocto Liquid out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Diocto Liquid, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Diocto Liquid is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Diocto Liquid. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.