From the Guidelines
Common side effects of Colace (docusate) include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and throat irritation, as well as anal or rectal burning and pain, and short-lasting diarrhea, as noted in the study published in the Annals of Oncology 1. These side effects are typically mild and temporary. Less commonly, patients may experience skin rash or rectal discomfort. Colace works as a stool softener by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the intestine, making bowel movements easier and less painful. It's generally well-tolerated because it works locally in the intestines rather than being significantly absorbed into the bloodstream. The standard adult dose is typically 50-300 mg daily, taken orally in divided doses. Patients should drink plenty of fluids while taking Colace to help with its effectiveness. If side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or no bowel movement after several days of use, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Colace is not habit-forming and can be used for short-term management of constipation, as supported by the guidelines for the management of constipation in advanced cancer patients 1. Some key points to consider when using Colace include:
- The use of docusate sodium in palliative care is based on inadequate experimental evidence, as noted in the study published in the Annals of Oncology 1.
- Docusate sodium enemas can cause common adverse effects such as anal or rectal burning and pain, and short-lasting diarrhea, as reported in the study published in the Annals of Oncology 1.
- The addition of a stool softener, such as docusate, to the laxative, sennosides, was less effective than administering the laxative alone, as found in a study cited in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1. Overall, Colace is a relatively safe and effective medication for the short-term management of constipation, but patients should be aware of the potential side effects and take steps to minimize them, as recommended in the guidelines for the management of constipation in advanced cancer patients 1.
From the Research
Common Side Effects of Colace (Docusate)
The common side effects of Colace (docusate) are not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the studies discuss the efficacy and use of docusate in managing constipation in various patient populations.
Efficacy of Docusate in Constipation Management
- The study by 2 found that the use of docusate for constipation in palliative care is based on inadequate experimental evidence.
- The study by 3 found that the use of senna with docusate decreases time to first bowel movement in patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery compared with placebo.
- The study by 4 found that docusate did not show any benefits for constipation in older people when compared with placebo or other laxatives.
- The study by 5 found that there was no significant benefit of docusate plus sennosides compared with placebo plus sennosides in managing constipation in hospice patients.
- The study by 6 found that oral docusate sodium did not reduce the requirement for rescue constipation medications in patients with constipation.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
- The studies suggest that docusate may not be effective in managing constipation in various patient populations, including older adults and hospice patients.
- The use of docusate may be considered on an individual basis, and its efficacy should be evaluated in the context of each patient's specific needs and medical history 5.
- The study by 6 suggests that docusate sodium may supply minimal benefit and could be identified as nonessential for deprescribing efforts in certain patient populations.