Colace is a brand name for the generic drug docusate. It is a stool softener used to treat constipation, and is sometimes given along with other medications that have constipation as a side effect. It is commonly prescribed during times when straining to have a bowel movement would be bad for you, such as after surgery, after a heart attack, if you have high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, or a hernia, or if you have just had a baby.
Colace works by increasing the amount of water and fat that waste absorbs in the intestines, which makes the stool softer and easier to pass. Colace is given in tablets, capsules, syrup, liquid, or rectal enema and should be taken with a full glass of water. Relief of constipation usually happens within one to three days, and you should not take Colace longer than a week unless your doctor specifically indicates that you should.
Colace is a generally well-tolerated drug, but it can have some mild side effects such as stomach pain or cramps, mild nausea, or an irritated throat or bitter taste in the throat from swallowing the liquid or syrup. Some people develop diarrhea, and the solution in most of these cases is simply to reduce your dosage. Severe reactions to Colace are rare, but you should call your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, itching or swelling, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or worsening of your constipation. In very rare cases, Colace may cause rectal bleeding.
You should always let your doctor know if you have any allergies; the side effects above are for the most part due to allergic reactions to Colace. In addition, if you already are experiencing abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or you experience a sudden change in bowel habits before beginning Colace, you should also let your doctor know, because taking Colace can make those conditions worse. People with bowel disorders such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis should also exercise caution. Colace should be avoided unless it is clearly necessary if you are pregnant, and since it is not known whether Colace passes into breast milk, you should discuss it with your doctor if you are nursing a child. Colace is generally safe for infants and children, and can be given to them in the liquid or syrup forms, but the liquid form often tastes bitter. For that reason, it is suggested that you mix Colace liquid with milk or juice.
If you are taking Colace, it may have been prescribed for you with its interactions with other drugs in mind. Therefore, you should not stop taking it or change your dosage without first discussing it with your doctor. You should also make sure your doctor is aware of it if you use aspirin or drugs containing phenolphthalein. One very serious interaction that occurs is when the patient is also taking mineral oil supplements, so make very sure to tell your doctor if you take these, even though they may not be prescription medications.
Colace has the following structural formula:
• Molecular formula of colace is C20H37NaO7S
• Colace available : 100 mg capsules
Generic name: Docusate
Brand name(s): Aqualax, Calube, Dialose, Diocto, Dioctocal, Dioctosoftez, Dioctyn, Dionex, Docu Soft, Docucal, Doculax, Docusoft S, Genasoft, Kasof, Regulax SS, Sulfalax Calcium
Review published on: 21 January 2008
 Your Colace review
Other popular drugs: Lansoprazol ::
Mebeverine ::
Styplon
|
Home
E-Mail
Site Map
http://www.medical-look.com
FORUM 
Buy Colace
