Compare to Colace® Soft Gels

Cabinet Stool Softener, a generic alternative to Colace® or Dok®, is a commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) medicine used for constipation. The active ingredient, docusate sodium, is a stool softener. Docusate works by lowering the surface tension of the feces, which allows for more water to get into the stool. This action helps to hydrate and soften the stool, making it easier to defecate.

Goot to know: Docusate alone does not really do much to stimulate bowel movement, so it is not considered a laxative.

Cabinet Stool Softener can be used to relieve occasional constipation. Docusate is generally intended for short-term use. While daily use of docusate is probably not harmful, there are other products and medicines that may be more effective for more long-term constipation.

Cabinet Stool Softener is often recommended in cases where straining during bowl movements should be avoided, such as in painful anorectal conditions (i.e. hemorrhoid, anal fissures), after a heart attack, or post-surgery. Docusate is also a common choice for constipation caused by opioid medication.

Adults and children 12 years of age and over may take one (1) to three (3) softgels a day as needed for constipation. It is generally recommended to avoid taking more than one (1) softgel at a time and to space next doses apart by six to eight hours. Do not take more than three (3) softgels in a 24 hour period. Children ages two to under 12 years of age may take one (1) softgel a day as needed for constipation. It is not recommended for children to take more than one (1) softgel in a 24 hour period.

Cabinet Stool Softener should be taken with a full glass of water and can be taken with or without food. Make sure to drink extra fluids throughout the day to help docusate relieve your constipation. This product is not recommended for children under the age of two, unless directed by a doctor. Cabinet Stool Softener should be stored away from young children.

In the case of an overdose, contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or seek medical attention immediately.

You should stop using Cabinet Stool Softener and seek medical advice from a health care professional if you:

• Have rectal bleeding

• Fail to produce a bowel movement after using a laxative

• Need to use a stool softener laxative for more than a week

These presentations could be signs of a more serious condition.

It takes time for Cabinet Stool Softener to effectively soften fecal material in the body. A bowel movement generally occurs within one to three days. If you have not produced a bowel movement after one day of taking docusate, continue taking it daily. Stop using Cabinet Stool Softener and speak to your doctor if you have been taking it for a week or longer.

While Cabinet Stool Softener is a safe medication, it isn’t for everyone. Speak to your doctor prior to taking docusate if you have any stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or notice a sudden change in bowel movements over a two-week period. These symptoms may be an indication of a more serious medical condition.

Do not use Cabinet Stool Softener with mineral oil, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Docusate can increase the amount of mineral oil that is absorbed into the body. Mineral oil is a lubricating laxative that, if present in excess, can cause symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, dehydration from severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

In addition to its desired effects, Cabinet Stool Softener may cause some less desirable side effects. Everyone is different, so some people may experience no side effects at all, others may experience mild side effects, and a small number of people may experience rare or more serious adverse effects.

Some side effects of docusate include: stomach pain, diarrhea, or cramping. Some patients may experience side effects that are not on this list. Check in with your health care provider if you have questions or experience concerning side effects.

Always check with your doctor or pharmacist prior to taking Cabinet Stool Softener if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients this product contains.

Cabinet Stool Softener is generally considered to be low risk in pregnancy because it likely does not cross into the placenta. There have not been any published reports linking docusate to congenital defects. Similarly, docusate is considered okay to use while breastfeeding. Regardless, it is still always recommended to seek medical advice from your doctor or local pharmacist before using Cabinet Stool Softener.