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What is the most important information I should know about docusate?

Before using docusate, tell your doctor if you have an intestinal disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Do not take mineral oil or aspirin while using docusate, unless otherwise directed by your health care provider. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after using this medicine for 1 to 3 days.

What is docusate?

Docusate is a stool softener. It makes bowel movements softer and easier to pass.

Docusate is used to treat constipation, and to reduce pain or rectal damage caused by hard stools or by straining during bowel movements.

Docusate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using docusate?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to docusate.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using docusate, tell your doctor if you have:

• an intestinal disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis; or

• stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether docusate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use docusate?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, break, or open a docusate capsule. Swallow the pill whole.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Mix the liquid with 6 to 8 ounces of milk, fruit juice, or infant formula and drink the mixture right away.

Wash your hands before and after using docusate rectal enema.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema.

Use only the applicator provided with the medication to insert it into your rectum.

For best results from the enema, lie down on your left side for at least 30 minutes after using the enema to allow the liquid to distribute throughout your intestines. Avoid using the bathroom during this time.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after using this medicine for 1 to 3 days. Store docusate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.