What is Docusate Sodium?

Docusate Sodium is a laxative that is used to ease constipation in children and adults over the age of 12 years. It is what is known as a stool softener rather than a stimulant laxative, working more gently inside the body by drawing fluid into the hard, dry stools to make them larger, softer and easier to pass.

Each pack of Docusate Sodium contains 100 soft capsules taken up to five times a day to offer relief within 48 hours.

What is Docusate Sodium used for?

Docusate Sodium capsules are a stool-softening laxative that draws water into the hard stool to make it easier and less painful to pass.

Docusate is primarily used to prevent and treat constipation, however, can also be used to help you go to the toilet if you have:

• Piles (haemorrhoids)
• Anal tears or fissures

If you are noticing that you are struggling with constipation long-term or you are having recurrent episodes, it is a good idea to discuss this with a doctor.

It is also recommended that anyone who suffers from constipation make the following lifestyle changes:

• Increase fibre in your diet
• Drink more water
• Try to increase your daily exercise
• Do not ignore the urge to go to the toilet

How does Docusate Sodium work?

Docusate Sodium is the active ingredient in each capsule. It works as a laxative by softening and increasing the volume of hard, dry stools through the process of drawing fluid from the body into the stool, making them easier to pass.

It is essential that when taking Docusate you increase your fluid intake to avoid becoming dehydrated. Drinking more water will also be beneficial in easing constipation.

Alternatives to Docusate Sodium

At The Independent Pharmacy, we recognise that constipation is a common complaint causing many people to feel abdominal discomfort that affects the quality of their daily life.

We, therefore, offer an extensive range of treatment options:

• Stool softening laxative - DulcoEase
• Stimulant laxatives - Senokot, Dulcolax, Dulcolax Pico
• Osmotic laxatives - Lactulose, Cosmo-col, Movicol, Laxido
• Bulk-forming laxatives - Fybogel, Normacol
• Suppositories or enemas - Micralax, Cleen, Dulcolax Suppositories

Some people may find that they have a preference for one type of laxative over another or that one laxative is more suitable for them due to their individual needs. If you are unsure which laxative is most appropriate for your needs you should discuss this with a pharmacist or doctor.

Sources

• Docusate Sodium Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6218/pil
• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/docusate/
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation/