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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

DOCUSATE: 2,620 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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2,620
Total FAERS Reports
374 (14.3%)
Deaths Reported
1,178
Hospitalizations
2,620
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
237
Life-Threatening
177
Disabilities
Walgreens
Manufacturer

Active Ingredient: DOCUSATE SODIUM · Route: ORAL · Manufacturer: Walgreens · HUMAN OTC DRUG · FDA Label: Available

First Report: 1979 · Latest Report: 20250901

What Are the Most Common DOCUSATE Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Somnolence
514 reports (19.6%)
#2 Most Reported
Gastrooesophageal reflux disease
419 reports (16.0%)
#3 Most Reported
Pneumonia aspiration
341 reports (13.0%)

All DOCUSATE Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Somnolence 514 19.6% 105 428
Gastrooesophageal reflux disease 419 16.0% 12 325
Pneumonia aspiration 341 13.0% 5 325
Coma 337 12.9% 1 323
Constipation 329 12.6% 90 183
Drug ineffective 288 11.0% 47 95
Dyspnoea 277 10.6% 59 179
Off label use 236 9.0% 93 161
Vomiting 207 7.9% 92 165
Pain 195 7.4% 20 127
Nausea 190 7.3% 92 122
Diarrhoea 185 7.1% 12 87
Pulmonary embolism 170 6.5% 68 117
Toxicity to various agents 158 6.0% 72 83
Product use in unapproved indication 142 5.4% 50 91
Oedema peripheral 137 5.2% 40 84
Abdominal pain 121 4.6% 86 86
Asthma 120 4.6% 17 52
Wheezing 120 4.6% 4 51
Condition aggravated 118 4.5% 89 102

Who Reports DOCUSATE Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 54.9% female, 45.1% male. Average age: 51.5 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is DOCUSATE Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2000 1 0 1
2001 2 0 0
2002 1 0 0
2004 1 0 0
2005 8 1 6
2006 2 0 1
2007 2 0 1
2008 5 0 4
2009 7 0 2
2010 6 1 1
2011 9 2 1
2012 15 5 6
2013 33 4 12
2014 76 12 32
2015 137 7 58
2016 114 15 36
2017 66 7 25
2018 45 3 18
2019 48 4 23
2020 92 46 51
2021 33 4 9
2022 76 7 50
2023 37 5 9
2024 20 1 8
2025 17 0 1

View full timeline →

What Is DOCUSATE Used For?

IndicationReports
Product used for unknown indication 1,476
Constipation 470
Faeces hard 33
Pain 29
Foetal exposure during pregnancy 18
Maternal exposure timing unspecified 14
Gastrointestinal disorder 12
Laxative supportive care 11
Migraine 9
Psoriasis 9

DOCUSATE vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

DOCUSATE vs DOCUSATE\SENNOSIDES DOCUSATE vs DOCUSATE\SENNOSIDES A AND B DOCUSATE vs DOFETILIDE DOCUSATE vs DOLUTEGRAVIR DOCUSATE vs DOLUTEGRAVIR\LAMIVUDINE DOCUSATE vs DOLUTEGRAVIR\LAMIVUDINE\TENOFOVIR DISOPROXIL DOCUSATE vs DOLUTEGRAVIR\RILPIVIRINE DOCUSATE vs DOMPERIDONE DOCUSATE vs DOMPERIDONE\PANTOPRAZOLE DOCUSATE vs DONANEMAB-AZBT

Official FDA Label for DOCUSATE

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

Prolaxa™ PROLAXA™ Stool Softener DOCUSATE SODIUM, 250 mg STOOL SOFTENER LAXATIVE - SOFTGELS MAXIMUM STRENGTH Easy to swallow Relieves constipation Gentle Relieve Dependable Stimulant Free TAMPER EVIDENT: DO NOT USE IF PRINTED SAFETY SEAL UNDER CAP IS BROKEN OR MISSING.

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

Uses

  • For the relief of occasional constipation.
  • Helps to prevent dry, hard stools.
  • This product generally produces a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours.

Dosage & Administration

Directions: * Must be given in a 6 oz to 8 oz glass of milk or fruit juice to prevent throat irritation * Shake well before using * Do not exceed recommended dose * May be taken in one to four equally divided oral doses each day * Take maximum dose daily until first bowel movement, dosage should then be reduced according to individual response Adults and children 12 years of age and over 5 mL (1 teaspoon) to 40 mL (8 teaspoons) or as directed by a doctor Children 6 to 12 years of age 4 mL to 15 mL (3 teaspoons) or as directed by a doctor Children 3 to 6 years of age 2 mL to 6 mL or as directed by a doctor Children under 3 years of age 1 mL to 4 mL or as directed by a doctor 1 teaspoon = 5 mL Other information: Each teaspoon (5 mL) contains: sodium 5 mg. Store at room temperature 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F); excursions between 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F) are allowed. Protect from excessive heat. Protect from light. For more info call 1-800-447-1006. Inactive ingredients: FD&C red #40, flavor, methylparaben, poloxamer, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, and sucralose. NDC: 48433-220-10 Docusate Sodium Liquid 100 mg/10 mL Unit Dose Cup Mfd. in the U.S.A. Distributed by: Safecor Health, LLC 4060 Business Park Drive, Columbus, OH 43204 Rev: 11/2020 PN5473 3 4843322010 8

Warnings

Warnings Do not use

  • if you are presently taking mineral oil, unless told to do so by a doctor Ask a doctor before use if you have
  • stomach pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 2 weeks Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking any other drug. Take this product two or more hours before or after other drugs. Laxatives may affect how other drugs work. When using this product do not exceed the maximum recommended daily dosage in a 24-hour period Stop use and ask a doctor if
  • you have rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative. These could be signs of a serious condition.
  • you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)

Active Ingredient

Active ingredients Purpose (in each tablet)

Purpose

Docusate sodium 50 mg.......................................Stool softner Sennosides 8.6 mg................................................Laxative

Inactive Ingredients

Inactive ingredients croscarmellose sodium, dicalcium phosphate, FD&C Blue #1 Lake, FD&C Red #40 Lake, FD&C Yellow #6 Lake, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, mineral oil, polyethylene glycol, sodium benzoate, sodium lauryl sulfate, starch, stearic acid, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin. Dist. by: Atlantis Consumer Healthcare inc. Bridgewater, NJ 08801 USA Questions? 1-833-286-2684 ©2023 Atlantis Consumer Healthcare inc. Colace is a registered trademark of Atlantis Consumer Healthcare Inc. A1023 R52504