Surfak Stool Softener

Generic Name: docusate (DOK ue sate)Brand Names: Colace, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, Diocto, Doc-Q-Lace, Docu Soft, Docusoft S, DOK, DOS, DSS, Fleet Sof-Lax, Genasoft, Kasof, Sur-Q-Lax

What is Surfak Stool Softener (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 is the most important information I should know about Surfak Stool Softener (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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Surfak Stool Softener (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 Surfak Stool Softener (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 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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.

What should I avoid while using Surfak Stool Softener (docusate)?

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

Surfak Stool Softener (docusate) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using docusate and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• rectal bleeding;

• severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; or

• no bowel movement.

Less serious side effects may include:

• a bitter taste or throat irritation;

• skin rash;

• diarrhea; or

• mild nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Surfak Stool Softener (docusate)?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• aspirin or products that contain aspirin; or

• mineral oil.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with docusate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about docusate.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.03. Revision Date: 07/01/2009 7:13:56 AM.