You will usually feel more comfortable within 1 or 2 days of treatment. Reduce the dose as your condition gets better. Docusate sodium oral solution is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine, in both paediatric and adult strengths.

Whatever the cause, constipation can be uncomfortable. It may make you feel bloated and heavy or generally ‘off colour’. Sometimes it causes headaches. The safety of docusate sodium for use during pregnancy has not been fully established, though it has been in widespread use for many years with no reported harmful effects. As with all medicines, you should get medical advice from your doctor before taking DulcoEase if you are pregnant. Drink plenty of fluids (6 to 8 glasses a day) while you are taking docusate or your constipation may get worse. What if I forget to take it?Normal and regular bowel movement is important for most people. However, what is ‘normal and regular’ varies from person to person. Some may have a bowel movement every day, others less often. Whatever it is like for you, it is best that your bowel movement has a regular pattern. Taking an extra dose of docusate as a one-off is unlikely to harm you, but it is a good idea to drink lots of water. You may get diarrhoea and stomach pain, but this will usually get better within 1 or 2 days. Docusate sodium may pass into breast milk so should be used with caution during breastfeeding. As with all medicines, you should get medical advice from your doctor before taking DulcoEase if you are breastfeeding. The dual action is effective at relieving constipation without straining. The capsules usually relieve constipation in one to two days. DulcoEase capsules contain the active ingredient docusate sodium, which is a type of medicine called a laxative.

But before we get into the detailed DulcoEase stool softener review the most obvious place to start with is what the manufacturer, retailer or brand have to say. Description from Waitrose/DulcoEase If you forget to take a dose don't worry, just leave out the missed dose and take the next dose as usual when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If diet and lifestyle changes do not work, your doctor or midwife may recommend a laxative, such as lactulose or Fybogel. These laxatives are quite often used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Docusate in pregnancy

Enema – squeeze the tube of liquid gently into your anus. The information leaflet which comes with your docusate will explain how to do this. You should not take DulcoEase with laxatives containing liquid paraffin (mineral oil). What other medicines contain docusate sodium? Docusate works in two ways. It lowers the surface tension of hard, dry stools that have accumulated in the bowel, allowing water and fats to penetrate them. This makes the stools softer and easier to pass. This can be particularly helpful for people with piles or an anal fissure. Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with DulcoEase. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. Prolonged, excessive use of laxatives can lead to diarrhoea, low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalaemia) and an imbalance in the amount of fluid and salts (electrolytes) in the body. Prolonged, excessive use may also make the constipation worse in the long-term, as the gut can become reliant on the laxative. Don't exceed the recommended dose of DulcoEase or use it for more than five days unless advised to by your doctor.