DOK

Generic name: Docusate
Drug class: Laxatives

Usage of DOK

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.

DOK side effects

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:

pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

rectal bleeding or irritation;

numbness or a rash around your rectum;

vomiting, severe diarrhea or stomach cramps; or

continued constipation, or no bowel movement.

Common DOK side effects may include:

dizziness, weakness;

gas, bloating, mild diarrhea;

rectal irritation; or

sweating.

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.

Before taking DOK

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

nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain;

a blockage in your intestines; or

chronic stomach pain that has not been checked by a doctor.

You should not take mineral oil while using DOK.

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

if you are on a low-salt diet; or

if you have recently had a sudden change in your bowel habits lasting for longer than 2 weeks.

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.

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How to use DOK

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.

Warnings

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.

What other drugs will affect DOK

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.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

DOK