DOK 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.

You should not use docusate if you have a blockage in your intestines. Do not use docusate while you are sick with nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain. You should not take mineral oil while using docusate.

You should not use docusate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain;

• a blockage in your intestines; or

• chronic stomach pain that has not been checked by a doctor.

You should not take mineral oil while using docusate.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take docusate:

• if you are on a low-salt diet; or

• if you have recently had a sudden change in your bowel habits lasting for longer than 2 weeks.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether docusate will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether docusate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Other drugs may interact with docusate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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.