We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Docusate Calcium?

By Jacquelyn Gilchrist
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,607
Share

Docusate calcium is a generic medication that may be used by a patient who suffers from occasional constipation. It is a stool softener that works by increasing the water content of stools to allow the patient to pass them more easily. Docusate calcium may be especially helpful for patients who must avoid straining, such as those who have recently had surgery, a heart attack, or those who have hemorrhoids.

This medication is available as a syrup, tablet, or capsule, as well as a liquid. Since dosages can vary between different brands, patients should follow the directions on the label carefully, or follow the instructions of their doctors. Docusate calcium should not usually be used longer than one week unless the doctor instructs otherwise. Those who still experience difficulty after this time should see their doctors. Most people should gain relief within three days.

Patients taking the tablets or the capsules should swallow them with a full glass of water. The syrup should be carefully measured with a medicine cup, rather than household spoons. Patients using the liquid will draw it into a dropper, then mix into a small glass of fruit juice or milk. All forms of docusate calcium are typically taken at bedtime.

Some side effects may occur with the use of docusate calcium, which should be reported to the doctor if they are severe. Those taking the syrup or liquid form of the medicine may experience an irritated throat. These patients may wish to switch to the capsule or tablet. Other side effects can include stomach cramping, pain, or diarrhea, as well as nausea.

More serious side effects are rare, but can require immediate medical attention. Those who experience an allergic reaction may notice that their facial area becomes swollen, that they have problems breathing, or that they have severe dizziness. Other uncommon, serious side effects can include a fever, vomiting, and rectal bleeding.

Before using docusate calcium, patients should discuss their other medical conditions, medications, and supplements with their pharmacists or with a doctor, if the medicine was prescribed. As of 2011, it is unknown whether docusate calcium may pass into breast milk. Women who are pregnant should avoid using this drug whenever possible; however, those that must use it should discuss potential risks with a doctor. It is essential for patients to avoid using mineral oil along with docusate calcium. Other drug interactions may involve aspirin and any medicines that contain phenolphthalein.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-docusate-calcium.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.