Colace, a brand name, has one active ingredient which is docusate sodium. Docusate sodium, a stool softener, is the generic name for Colace. Docusate, used to treat constipation, is recommended for patients when straining is not advisable. Patients affected include post-operative bowel and rectal surgeries and patients with heart disease. Straining increases pressure within the veins, arteries and abdomen and consequently on the surgical site and heart, according to The Merck Manuals.
Active Ingredient
Docusate sodium is the only active ingredient in Colace. Docusate sodium's action is to draw water into the bowel and subsequently the fecal material or stool. The water absorbed by the stool acts as an emollient or softener and results in easier passage through the bowel. Taking docusate sodium with a full glass of water is recommended by Drugs.com to aid the process.
Forms
Docusate sodium is available in capsules, syrup and liquid. The Merck Manuals recommends not breaking open the capsules but to take the pills whole. Dosing is individualized based on response and only taken for the time prescribed or recommended by the physician. Reliance on stool softeners may result in dependence, according to Rxmed.com.
Side Effects
Docusate sodium is noted to have no serious side effects by Drugs.com. Patients have noted an undesirable after taste and nausea associated with taking the syrup and liquid forms. An occasional rash may occur, as noted by Drugs.com.
Warnings
Docusate sodium is not recommended for use if stomach pain, nausea and vomiting are already present without the advisement of a physician. The symptoms may indicate a serious underlying problem, according to The Merck Manuals.
Precautions
Using docusate sodium repeatedly may result in dependency and the inability to pass stool without a softener according to Drugs.com. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle of exercise, dietary fiber and adequate fluids can reduce the need for stool softeners. Patients need to separate the time between docusate sodium and other medications by at least two hours. Docusate sodium may interfere with absorption of other medications when taken together.
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