Docusate Sodium
About Docusate Sodium
Docusate Sodium belongs to the class of laxatives. It is used in the treatment of constipation, and haemorrhoids (piles). Haemorrhoids are a medical condition which causes pain and swelling of veins present in the anus and rectum area.
Docusate Sodium contains Docusate sodium, which belongs to the class of laxatives. It works by boosting the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
Docusate Sodium may cause certain side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, headache, and rectal bleeding. Most of these side effects of Docusate Sodium do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. Take Docusate Sodium as suggested by your doctor.
Docusate Sodium should be avoided if you observe any allergic reactions during the treatment, had any previous history of allergic reactions, or are currently taking mineral oil. To treat your condition effectively, continue taking Docusate Sodium for as long as your doctor has suggested. Inform your doctor about your complete health condition and medications before taking Docusate Sodium to rule out any side effects. Consult your doctor before taking Docusate Sodium if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Docusate Sodium
Medicinal Benefits
Docusate Sodium is a stool softener that belongs to the class of laxatives. It is indicated in softening the stool (constipation), and haemorrhoids (piles). It works by boosting the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass. In this way, Docusate Sodium provides relief in piles, varicose veins, and diabetic retinopathy.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Docusate Sodium
- Nausea
- Stomach cramp
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Headache
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectively, continue taking Docusate Sodium for as long as your doctor has suggested. Docusate Sodium should be avoided if you observe any allergic reactions during the treatment, had any previous history of allergic reactions, or are currently taking mineral oil. Do not exceed the dose and duration suggested by your doctor. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medications before taking Docusate Sodium to rule out any side effects. Do not take Docusate Sodium for longer durations unless suggested by your doctor. If your condition does not improve even after taking Docusate Sodium for 2-4 weeks, please consult your doctor. Inform your doctor if you have stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Docusate Sodium is not recommended for use in children below six years of age unless advised by the doctor. Consult your doctor before taking Docusate Sodium if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have any liver/kidney disease or rectal bleeding before taking Docusate Sodium.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorDocusate Sodium does not interact with alcohol. However, please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before using Docusate Sodium. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before using Docusate Sodium. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safe if suggestedDocusate Sodium does not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease. Your doctor will recommend it only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease. Your doctor will recommend it only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
cautionDocusate Sodium is not recommended for use in children below six years of age unless suggested by your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet and sleep at least 8 hours a day for a speedy recovery.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet.
- You can also use low-fat cooking oils, such as olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
- Try to fill half your food plate with fruits and veggies. Bananas and yoghurt taken with Docusate Sodium may help protect your gut lining.
- I prefer more whole foods and grains instead of processed ones.
- Limiting starch may also help decrease inflammation.
- Avoid intake of processed foods, such as foods high in sugar and fat, as these may cause inflammation.
- Try to avoid alcohol as it can affect your stomach and intestine and limit the absorption of the important nutrients required by your body.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Constipation: When a person passes less than three bowel movements a week or has tough bowel movements.
Haemorrhoids: Also known as piles, are a medical condition which causes pain and swelling of veins present in the anus and rectum area (the last part of the large intestine that ends up in the anus), get swell and become painful. Piles can be either internal or external. Internal haemorrhoids occur within the rectum as the rectum area has fewer pain receptors and is less troublesome and painful. At the same time, external haemorrhoids occur at the outside of the anus and are most painful.
FAQs
Docusate Sodium is used to treat Constipation and Haemorrhoids.
Docusate Sodium works by boosting the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, producing the stool softer and easier to pass
If you miss a dose of Docusate Sodium, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the previous dose, but do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
