Brand Name
ratio-Docusate Sodium
Common Name
docusate sodium
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00870196 | RATIO-DOCUSATE SOD 100MG CAPSU |
| 00870226 | RATIO-DOCUSATE SODIUM 20 MG/5 ML SYRUP |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Docusate sodium belongs to the family of medications known as stool softeners. It is used to treat and prevent occasional constipation due to hard stools. Docusate sodium works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making stools softer and easier to pass. It usually starts to work within 1 to 3 days, but may take up to 5 days to work.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
For adults and children older than 12 years, the recommended dose ranges from 100 mg to 200 mg daily.
For children 6 to 12 years old, the recommended dose is 40 mg to 120 mg daily. For children three to six years old, the recommended dose is 20 mg to 60 mg daily. For children under three years of age, the recommended dose is 10 mg to 40 mg daily. Children under six years of age should not be given this medication unless recommended by a doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole with water or fruit juice. The syrup or drops should be given in 120 mL (about half a cup) of milk or fruit juice, or in infant formula to mask the bitter taste of the medication. Use an oral syringe or dropper to measure each dose of the syrup or drops.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light, moisture and freezing , and keep it out of the reach of children.
This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Capsules
Each red, oval, soft gel capsule, imprinted with "TEC" with white ink, contains docusate sodium USP 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, glycerin, paraben, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, purified water, sorbitol, and white ink.
Syrup
5 mL of clear syrup, red with cherry, menthol odour, contains docusate sodium USP 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: alcohol, artificial flavouring, citric acid, D&C Red No. 33, FD&C Red No. 40, menthol, methylparaben, peppermint oil, poloxamer, polyethylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sodium citrate, and sucrose.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Docusate sodium should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to docusate or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has abdominal pain, nausea, fever, or vomiting
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