What are the side effects of dok?

• dizziness, weakness;
• gas, bloating, mild diarrhea;
• rectal irritation; or.
• sweating.

Generic name: docusate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 12, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about docusate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name DOK.

Applies to docusate: oral capsule, oral liquid, oral syrup, oral tablet. Other dosage forms:

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Applies to docusate: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral liquid, oral solution, oral syrup, oral tablet, rectal enema.

Gastrointestinal side effects have included gastrointestinal cramping. Reports of bitter taste and throat irritation have been reported with administration of primarily the syrup and liquid formulations.[Ref]

Dermatologic side effects have included rash.[Ref]

Metabolic side effects have included at least one case report of hypomagnesemia.[Ref]

Metabolic abnormalities reported include hypomagnesemia in one woman who took docusate chronically throughout her pregnancy. Magnesium levels returned to normal following discontinuation of docusate.[Ref]

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Generic name: docusate [ DOK-ue-sate ] Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 18, 2022.

DOK is a stool softener. It makes bowel movements softer and easier to pass.

DOK is used to treat or prevent occasional constipation.

DOK is also used to reduce pain or rectal damage caused by hard stools or by straining during bowel movements.

You should not use DOK if you have a blockage in your intestines. Do not use docusate while you are sick with nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain.

You should not take mineral oil while using DOK.

You should not use DOK if you are allergic to docusate, or if you have:

You should not take mineral oil while using DOK.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine:

It is not known whether docusate will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether docusate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give DOK to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Use DOK exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking DOK.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open a DOK capsule or tablet. Swallow it whole.

After taking DOK capsules or tablets, you should have a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours.

Do not use docusate for longer than 7 days unless your doctor has told you to. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have not had a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days. Overuse of a stool softener can lead to serious medical problems.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Since DOK is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.

Avoid using laxatives or other stool softeners unless your doctor has told you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to DOK: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common DOK side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may interact with docusate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use DOK only for the indication prescribed.

DOCUSATE SODIUM; SENNA (doc CUE sayt SOE dee um; SEN na) prevents and treats occasional constipation. It works by softening the stool. It also helps the muscles in your intestines move stool. This makes it easier to have a bowel movement. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Colace, Dok Plus, Laxacin, Peri-Colace, Senexon-S, Senna Plus, Senna-S, Senna-Time-S, SennaLax-S, Senohot-S, Senokot-S, SenoSol-SS, Stool Softener with Laxative

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the product label. Take exactly as directed. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Do not use for more than 1 week unless otherwise directed by your care team.

Stop using this medication and contact your care team if you have rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after use. These could be signs of a more serious condition.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Capsules – swallow the capsule whole with plenty of water.

Liquid – this comes with a plastic cup or spoon to measure the dose. Do not use a kitchen spoon as it will not give the right amount. If you do not have a cup or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. When you've swallowed it, drink plenty of water or have another drink, such as milk or orange juice.

Enema – squeeze the tube of liquid gently into your anus. The information leaflet which comes with your docusate will explain how to do this.

Docusate does not usually upset your stomach. You can take the capsules or liquid with or without food. Try to take your medicine at regular intervals throughout the day. Mealtimes (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are useful reminders.

There is no specific time of day to use an enema but it works quickly (usually between 5 and 20 minutes), so use it when you know you'll be near a toilet.

Capsules – the normal dose is 1 capsule, taken 3 times a day. Do not take more than 5 capsules in a day.

Liquid – the normal dose is two or three 5ml spoonfuls. Take this dose 3 times a day.

Enema – normally 1 tube of liquid is all you need. If you need a second dose, you can use it later in the day or the next day.

You will usually feel more comfortable within 1 or 2 days of treatment. Reduce the dose as your condition gets better.

Drink plenty of fluids (6 to 8 glasses a day) while you are taking docusate or your constipation may get worse.

If you forget a dose of docusate, do not worry. Just take the next dose as normal.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.