Colace Laxative: How It Works And What It Does

what is a colace laxative

Colace is a brand of docusate, a laxative that comes in capsule form and treats occasional constipation. It is a stool softener that works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Colace is also available in the form of tablets, soft gels, gummies, liquid, syrup, and drops.

Characteristics Values
Type of medication Laxative
Generic name Docusate
Brand names Colace, Diocto, Doc-Q-Lace, Docu Liquid, Fleet, Silace, BeneHealth Stool Softener, Colace Clear, Correctol, D.O.S., DC, Doc-Q-Lace, DocuLace, Docusoft S, DOK, DOK Extra Strength, Dulcolax, Genasoft, Kao-Tin, Kaopectate Liqui-Gels, Phillips Stool Softener, Plus PHARMA, Stool Softener, Stool Softner DC, Sulfolax, Sur-Q-Lax, Surfak, Uni-Ease
Purpose Treat or prevent occasional constipation, reduce pain or rectal damage caused by hard stools or by straining during bowel movements
How it works Softens stool by dissolving water and fats in it, making it easier to pass
Dosage 50 to 300 mg daily divided into 1 to 4 doses each day for adults; for children (2 to 12 years), 50 to 150 mg daily divided into 1 to 4 doses each day
Administration Take by mouth with a full glass of water or juice; for liquid form, mix the dose in 6 to 8 ounces of milk, fruit juice, or infant formula to prevent throat irritation
Use in children May be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions; precautions apply
Use during pregnancy Colace is not known to be harmful during pregnancy, but it is meant to be a temporary solution; consult a healthcare provider for long-term treatment
Side effects Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), stomach pain, diarrhea, irritated throat, rectal bleeding
Overdose Contact a poison control center or emergency room
Storage Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze liquid medicine; keep away from light, moisture, and heat

medshun

Colace is a brand of docusate, a laxative that comes in capsule form

Docusate, the active ingredient in Colace, works by increasing the amount of water absorbed by the stool in the gut. This makes the stool softer and easier to pass. It is often used when straining during bowel movements should be avoided, such as after surgery or a heart attack. It is important to note that Colace should not be used for more than one week without consulting a healthcare professional.

Colace is available in different forms, including regular-strength capsules, clear soft gels, 2-in-1 tablets, and stool-softening gummies. The 2-in-1 tablets combine the stool-softening properties of docusate with the gentle stimulant effects of senna, a natural vegetable laxative ingredient. This combination provides effective overnight constipation relief.

As with any medication, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and interactions. Colace may cause allergic reactions, including skin rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. It should not be used if you have a blockage in your intestines or if you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain. Before taking Colace, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional and inform them of any medications or supplements you are currently taking.

Colace is a well-known brand of docusate that provides gentle and effective relief from occasional constipation. It is important to follow the directions for use and consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.

Laxatives: A Bird's Worst Enemy

You may want to see also

medshun

Colace treats constipation by softening stools

Colace is a brand of docusate, a laxative that comes in capsule form. It is a gentle, dependable, and stimulant-free medication that treats occasional constipation. Colace is unique as it softens stools, making it easier to pass bowel movements without straining.

Docusate, the active ingredient in Colace, works by increasing the amount of water absorbed by the stool in the gut. This makes the stool softer and easier to pass. It typically takes between 12 and 72 hours for Colace to produce a bowel movement. This type of laxative does not stimulate bowel movements but can make passing stools easier.

Colace is generally well-tolerated and can be taken by mouth with a glass of water. It is important to follow the directions on the label and take the medication at regular intervals. Colace should not be used for more than a week without consulting a healthcare professional.

In addition to its stool-softening properties, Colace can also help reduce pain or rectal damage caused by hard stools or straining during bowel movements. It is often used when straining should be avoided, such as after surgery or a heart attack. Colace is a safe and effective option for treating occasional constipation, making it easier for individuals to have comfortable and predictable bowel movements.

Colace is available in various forms, including regular-strength capsules, clear soft gels, 2-in-1 tablets, and stool-softening gummies, making it convenient for individuals to choose the form that best suits their needs. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking Colace to ensure proper use and avoid potential side effects.

Laxatives: A Safe Constipation Solution?

You may want to see also

medshun

Colace is a stimulant-free laxative

As a laxative, Colace increases the amount of water absorbed by the stool in the gut, making the stool softer. This type of laxative does not stimulate bowel movements but can make passing stool easier. Colace is recommended for those who want to avoid harsh laxatives or straining. It is also safe to take during pregnancy, although it is meant to be a temporary solution, and constipation during pregnancy can be a recurring issue.

Colace is typically taken by mouth with a full glass of water or juice. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. It is important to carefully follow the directions on the label and not to take Colace for more than one week without consulting a healthcare professional. Colace may also cause some side effects, such as allergic reactions or rectal bleeding, so it is important to be aware of any changes in your body and consult a doctor if you have any concerns.

Colace is a gentle and dependable laxative that provides effective relief from occasional constipation. It is stimulant-free, making it a good option for those who want to avoid harsh laxatives. It is important to use Colace as directed and consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.

Gays and Laxatives: The Truth

You may want to see also

medshun

Colace is safe to take during pregnancy

Colace is a brand of docusate, a laxative that comes in capsule form. It is used to treat occasional constipation by softening the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement. It is generally considered safe to take Colace during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. However, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before taking any medication, especially during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, hormonal shifts and the added pressure of a growing uterus on the intestines can cause constipation. Constipation is characterised by having three or fewer bowel movements per week, along with straining during bowel movements, difficulty passing stools, and passing small stools. If you experience constipation during pregnancy, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes or over-the-counter (OTC) products like Colace to help relieve your symptoms.

Colace is generally regarded as safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. When taken at the recommended dosage, a significant amount of the drug does not pass into the breast milk, and no negative side effects have been observed in breastfed children. However, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before taking any medication, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Colace belongs to a class of laxatives called emollients or stool softeners. It works by dissolving water and fats in the stool, making it easier to pass without pushing or straining. It is important to follow the directions on the label when taking Colace and not to exceed the recommended dosage. If constipation persists or occurs for more than two weeks, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider.

In summary, Colace is considered a safe option for treating occasional constipation during pregnancy. However, it is always best to consult your doctor before taking any medication, as they may suggest lifestyle changes or alternative treatments that could provide relief without the need for medication.

medshun

Colace should not be used for more than a week without medical advice

Colace is a brand of docusate, a laxative that comes in capsule form. It is used to treat occasional constipation by softening the stool, making it easier to pass bowel movements. It is recommended to be taken with a full glass of water or juice.

Colace is not meant to be used for more than a week without medical advice. Overuse of a stool softener can lead to serious medical problems. If your constipation returns or persists beyond a week, consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend different treatments for persistent or chronic constipation.

Colace is intended as a temporary solution and should not be used for an extended period. Prolonged use of laxatives can lead to a dependency on them to maintain regular bowel movements. It is important to address the root cause of constipation through lifestyle changes, such as increasing dietary fibre, fluid intake, and physical activity.

Additionally, Colace may have side effects, and prolonged use may increase the risk of experiencing these side effects. Some of the possible side effects include allergic reactions, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and cramping. If you experience any rectal bleeding or difficulty passing a bowel movement, discontinue use and seek medical advice.

In summary, Colace is an effective short-term treatment for occasional constipation, but it should not be used for more than a week without consulting a healthcare professional. It is important to follow their advice and recommendations for treating constipation safely and effectively.

Fiber for Dogs: A Natural Laxative?

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

Colace is a brand of docusate, a laxative that comes in capsule form. It is used to treat occasional constipation by softening the stool, making it easier to pass.

Colace dissolves water and fats in the stool to soften it, making it easier to pass without pushing or straining. It also increases the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut.

Colace typically takes between 12 and 72 hours to produce a bowel movement. It takes this amount of time for the medication to travel through the digestive system and affect the stool in the colon.

Colace should not be used for more than one week without advice from a healthcare provider. It is meant to be a temporary solution for occasional constipation.

Some side effects of Colace include allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Rectal bleeding and failure to have a bowel movement after use may be signs of a more serious condition.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment