Diocto oral / rectal

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

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

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

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.

Avoid using laxatives or other stool softeners unless your doctor has told you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using docusate and call your doctor at once if you have:

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• rectal bleeding or irritation;

• numbness or a rash around your rectum;

• vomiting, severe diarrhea or stomach cramps; or

• continued constipation, or no bowel movement.

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness, weakness;

• gas, bloating, mild diarrhea;

• rectal irritation; or

• sweating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Applies to docusate: oral capsule, oral liquid, oral syrup, oral tablet

Other dosage forms:

• rectal enema

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stomach cramps.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.