Docusol (docusate sodium)

Docusate works in two ways to relieve constipation. Firstly, it has a stool softening action. It lowers the surface tension of hard, dry stools that have accumulated in the bowel, allowing water to penetrate them. This makes the stools softer and easier to pass, thus reducing straining. This can be particularly helpful for people with haemorrhoids (piles) or an anal fissure.

Docusate also has a stimulant effect on the gut. It acts on the nerve endings in the walls of the large intestine (colon) and rectum, causing the muscles in the intestinal wall to contract more often and with increased force. When these muscles contract (a process known as peristalsis), this moves the contents of the intestine through the colon to the rectum so that the bowel can be emptied.

The dual action is effective at relieving constipation without straining. The solution usually provides relief from constipation in one to two days.

Docusol solution can also be used to empty the bowel prior to abdominal radiological procedures (X-rays, eg with barium meals).

What is it used for?

- Preventing and treating chronic constipation.
- Softening stools in people with haemorrhoids or anal fissure, in order to reduce straining and make stools easier to pass.
- Emptying the bowel prior to abdominal radiological procedures (X-rays, eg with barium meals).

Warning!

- Prolonged use of this medicine should be avoided. If symptoms persist, you need to use a laxative every day, or if you have persistant abdominal pain, you should consult your doctor for advice.

Not to be used in

- People with nausea, vomiting or persistant abdominal pain.
- People with a blockage in the gut (intestinal obstruction).

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been fully established, though it has been in widespread use for many years with no reported harmful effects. As with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant.
- This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should be used with caution during breastfeeding. As with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Skin rash

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

If you are already taking any medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine as well, to make sure that the combination is safe.

You should not take this medicine with laxatives containing liquid paraffin (mineral oil).

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