Medically reviewed by Chris Schwerdt. Last updated on June 15, 2025
COLACE®
Roberts
Docusate Sodium
Stool Softener
Indications And Clinical Uses: The management of constipation due to hard stools, in painful anorectal conditions, in cardiac and other conditions in which maximum ease of passage is desirable to avoid difficult or painful defecation, and when peristaltic stimulants are contraindicated.
Contra-Indications: Presence of abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.
Precautions: Do not administer concomitantly with mineral oil: increased absorption of the oil may result. Do not use in the presence of abdominal pain, nausea, fever or vomiting. Frequent or prolonged use may result in dependence on laxatives. Do not administer docusate within 2 hours of another medicine, to avoid reduction of its effect.
Dosage: Adults and older children: 100 to 200 mg; 0 to 3 years: 10 to 40 mg; 3 to 6 years: 20 to 60 mg; 6 to 12 years: 40 to 120 mg. May be given in divided dosage with water. Retention enema: 5 mL of drops (50 mg) to 90 mL enema fluid. Flushing enema: 1 mL of drops (10 mg) to 100 mL enema fluid. To counteract barium constipation: add 10 to 20 mL (100 to 200 mg) to the barium mixture before administration. Or prescribe 100 to 200 mg as capsules after fluoroscopy. Give syrup or drops in 120 mL of milk or fruit juice or in infant formula, to mask bitter taste.
Availability And Storage:
Capsules: Each maroon capsule contains: docusate sodium USP 100 mg.
Drops: Each mL of solution contains: docusate sodium USP 10 mg (1%).
Syrup: Each 5 mL of syrup contains: docusate sodium USP 20 mg. Also contains ethyl alcohol 0.03 mL/5 mL. Energy: 50 kJ (12 kcal)/5 mL.
COLACE® Roberts Docusate Sodium Stool Softener
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