Colace
(docusate)
●●●●●
3.6/ 5 average rating with 125 reviewsforColace
Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
Softens your stools.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
Download Fact SheetDownload Fact Sheet
Our bottom line
Colace (docusate) softens the stool, but may not stimulate a bowel movement as quickly as a laxative.
Quick facts about Colace
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Over-the-counter
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (docusate)
Upsides
- Safer than laxatives.
- Available over-the-counter.
- Safe to use in children as young as 2 years old.
Get the newsletter!
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
Get our free fact sheet
What to expect from Colace, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
125Downsides
- May take up to 5 days for the full effects to kick in.
- Intended to be used only as a short-term solution for occasional constipation. Other options such as fiber supplements may be more useful for maintaining regular bowel movements.
Get the newsletter!
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
Get our free fact sheet
What to expect from Colace, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Colace (docusate) allows water to penetrate and soften the stool.
Quick facts about Colace
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Over-the-counter
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (docusate)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Enema
- Liquid
What to expect when you take Colace (docusate) for Constipation
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Changes in taste
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Cramping
Side effect rates for Colace (docusate)
Risks and Warnings for Colace (docusate)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Stop taking Colace (docusate) and call your doctor right away if you have nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain that doesn't go away. Also, if you have rectal bleeding or no bowel movement after taking Colace (docusate) for 7 days, stop using it and talk to your doctor.