Docusate Sodium is a medication used to treat constipation. It is also used to soften stool and make it easier to pass. Docusate Sodium works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, which makes it softer and easier to pass.
Docusate Sodium is available in several brand names, including Colace, Diocto, and Peri-Colace. It is also available as a generic medication. Docusate Sodium is a safe and effective medication for most people. However, it can cause side effects, such as stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Docusate Sodium should not be used by people who are allergic to it or who have certain medical conditions, such as intestinal obstruction.
In this article, we will discuss the different brand names of Docusate Sodium, its uses, side effects, and precautions. We will also provide information on how to take Docusate Sodium and how to store it properly.
Docusate Sodium Brand Names
Docusate sodium, also known as dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, is a medication used to treat constipation. It is available in several brand names, including:
- Colace
- Diocto
- Peri-Colace
- Surfak
- DOSS
Docusate sodium is a safe and effective medication for most people. However, it can cause side effects, such as stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. It should not be used by people who are allergic to it or who have certain medical conditions, such as intestinal obstruction.
Colace
Colace is one of the most popular brand names of docusate sodium. It is available in both liquid and capsule form. Colace is used to treat constipation and to soften stool. It works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, which makes it softer and easier to pass.
- Safe and effective: Colace is a safe and effective medication for most people. It is generally well-tolerated and has few side effects.
- Easy to use: Colace is easy to use. The liquid form can be mixed with water, juice, or milk. The capsule form can be taken with or without food.
- Available over-the-counter: Colace is available over-the-counter, which means you do not need a prescription to purchase it.
- Affordable: Colace is an affordable medication. It is available in both generic and brand-name forms.
Colace is a good option for people who are looking for a safe and effective way to treat constipation. It is also a good option for people who are looking for an over-the-counter medication that is affordable and easy to use.
Diocto
Diocto is another popular brand name of docusate sodium. It is available in both liquid and capsule form. Diocto is used to treat constipation and to soften stool. It works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, which makes it softer and easier to pass.
- Fast-acting: Diocto is a fast-acting medication. It usually works within 12 to 72 hours.
- Gentle: Diocto is a gentle medication that is unlikely to cause side effects. The most common side effects are stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Available over-the-counter: Diocto is available over-the-counter, which means you do not need a prescription to purchase it.
- Affordable: Diocto is an affordable medication. It is available in both generic and brand-name forms.
Diocto is a good option for people who are looking for a fast-acting and gentle medication to treat constipation. It is also a good option for people who are looking for an over-the-counter medication that is affordable and easy to use.
Peri-Colace
Peri-Colace is a brand name of docusate sodium that is specifically formulated for use during pregnancy. It is available in both liquid and capsule form. Peri-Colace is used to treat constipation and to soften stool. It works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, which makes it softer and easier to pass.
Peri-Colace is a safe and effective medication for use during pregnancy. It is generally well-tolerated and has few side effects. The most common side effects are stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Peri-Colace is also available in a combination product with a stool softener called senna. This combination product is called Peri-Colace Plus.
Peri-Colace is a good option for pregnant women who are looking for a safe and effective way to treat constipation. It is also a good option for pregnant women who are looking for an over-the-counter medication that is affordable and easy to use.
Here are some additional details about Peri-Colace:
- It is generally recommended to take Peri-Colace with a full glass of water.
- Peri-Colace can take up to 72 hours to work.
- Peri-Colace should not be used for more than 7 days without talking to a doctor.
- Peri-Colace is available in both generic and brand-name forms.
If you are pregnant and experiencing constipation, talk to your doctor about whether Peri-Colace is right for you.
Surfak
Surfak is a brand name of docusate sodium that is available in both liquid and capsule form. It is used to treat constipation and to soften stool. Surfak works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, which makes it softer and easier to pass.
- Fast-acting: Surfak is a fast-acting medication. It usually works within 12 to 72 hours.
- Gentle: Surfak is a gentle medication that is unlikely to cause side effects. The most common side effects are stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Available over-the-counter: Surfak is available over-the-counter, which means you do not need a prescription to purchase it.
- Affordable: Surfak is an affordable medication. It is available in both generic and brand-name forms.
Surfak is a good option for people who are looking for a fast-acting and gentle medication to treat constipation. It is also a good option for people who are looking for an over-the-counter medication that is affordable and easy to use.
DOSS
DOSS is a brand name of docusate sodium that is available in both liquid and capsule form. It is used to treat constipation and to soften stool. DOSS works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, which makes it softer and easier to pass.
- Fast-acting: DOSS is a fast-acting medication. It usually works within 12 to 72 hours.
- Gentle: DOSS is a gentle medication that is unlikely to cause side effects. The most common side effects are stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Available over-the-counter: DOSS is available over-the-counter, which means you do not need a prescription to purchase it.
- Affordable: DOSS is an affordable medication. It is available in both generic and brand-name forms.
DOSS is a good option for people who are looking for a fast-acting and gentle medication to treat constipation. It is also a good option for people who are looking for an over-the-counter medication that is affordable and easy to use.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about docusate sodium brand names:
Question 1: What is docusate sodium?
Answer 1: Docusate sodium is a medication used to treat constipation. It works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, which makes it softer and easier to pass.
Question 2: What are some brand names of docusate sodium?
Answer 2: Some common brand names of docusate sodium include Colace, Diocto, Peri-Colace, Surfak, and DOSS.
Question 3: How do I take docusate sodium?
Answer 3: Docusate sodium is usually taken orally, once or twice a day. It can be taken with or without food.
Question 4: How long does it take for docusate sodium to work?
Answer 4: Docusate sodium usually works within 12 to 72 hours.
Question 5: What are the side effects of docusate sodium?
Answer 5: The most common side effects of docusate sodium are stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Question 6: Who should not take docusate sodium?
Answer 6: People who are allergic to docusate sodium or who have certain medical conditions, such as intestinal obstruction, should not take docusate sodium.
Question 7: Can I take docusate sodium while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Answer 7: Yes, docusate sodium is generally safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is always best to talk to your doctor before taking any medication while pregnant or breastfeeding.
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If you have any other questions about docusate sodium, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
In addition to taking docusate sodium, there are a number of other things you can do to relieve constipation, such as drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.
Tips
Here are some tips for preventing and relieving constipation:
Tip 1: Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids help to soften stool and make it easier to pass. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
Tip 2: Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are high in fiber, which helps to keep stool soft and bulky.
Tip 3: Get regular exercise. Exercise helps to stimulate the bowels and promote regularity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Tip 4: Establish a regular bathroom routine. Try to use the bathroom at the same time each day, even if you don't feel the need to go. This can help to train your bowels to move regularly.
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If you are experiencing constipation, talk to your doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing the constipation. Your doctor can also recommend other treatments that may help to relieve your symptoms.
Constipation is a common problem, but it can be managed with proper treatment. By following these tips, you can help to prevent and relieve constipation.
Conclusion
Docusate sodium is a safe and effective medication for treating constipation. It works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, which makes it softer and easier to pass. Docusate sodium is available in several brand names, including Colace, Diocto, Peri-Colace, Surfak, and DOSS.
Docusate sodium is generally well-tolerated and has few side effects. The most common side effects are stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Docusate sodium should not be used by people who are allergic to it or who have certain medical conditions, such as intestinal obstruction.
If you are experiencing constipation, talk to your doctor about whether docusate sodium is right for you. Docusate sodium can be purchased over-the-counter or with a prescription.
Closing Message
Constipation is a common problem, but it can be managed with proper treatment. By following the tips in this article, you can help to prevent and relieve constipation.