Docusate calcium belongs to the family of medications knows as stool softeners. It is used to treat and prevent occasional constipation due to hard stools. Docusate calcium works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making stools softer and easier to pass. It usually starts to work within 1 to 3 days.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended adult dose of docusate calcium is 240 mg daily.

Take this medication with a full glass (240 mL) of water.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from heat and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"

Do not take docusate calcium if you:

• are allergic to docusate calcium or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• have abdominal pain, nausea, fever, or vomiting

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• diarrhea
• skin rash or itching
• stomach or intestinal cramping

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

General: If you experience a sudden change in your bowel movements that lasts for 2 weeks or more, do not take this medication without talking to your doctor. If you take this medication for 1 week and it does not seem to help with your constipation or if rectal bleeding occurs, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor.

Medical conditions: Docusate calcium is not recommended for people who have appendicitis, symptoms of appendicitis (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), bleeding from the rectum, undiagnosed bleeding, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, fecal impaction, or intestinal obstruction.

Overuse and prolonged use: Overusing or using this medication for long periods of time may cause your bowels to become dependent on the medication. Unless recommended by your doctor, do not use this medication for longer than 1 week.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if docusate calcium passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

There may be an interaction between docusate calcium and any of the following:

• mineral oil

In general, stool softeners should not be taken within two hours of other medications, since they may reduce the effectiveness of those medications. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to verify that this is the case with the medications that you are taking.

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.