Always take docusate as advised by a doctor or pharmacist.
Dosage
Docusate comes as capsules, liquid and an enema.
The usual dose of docusate for adults is 1 capsule, taken 3 times a day. Do not take more than 5 capsules in a day.
If you're taking docusate as a liquid, the usual dose is two or three 5ml spoonfuls. Take this dose 3 times a day.
To use docusate as an enema, 1 tube of liquid is usually all you need. If you need a 2nd dose, you can use it later in the day or the next day.
You should start to feel more comfortable within 1 to 3 days of treatment. You can reduce the dose as you start to feel better. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise on how to do this if you're not sure.
How to take or use it
If you take capsules, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you have docusate as a liquid, it comes with a plastic cup or spoon to measure the dose. If you do not have a cup or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen spoon as it will not measure the right amount.
When you've swallowed it, drink plenty of water or have another drink, such as milk or orange juice.
If a doctor has prescribed docusate liquid (or a pharmacist recommended it) for your child, you can give it to them by adding the dose to a glass of fruit juice or milk. Make sure they drink it within 30 minutes.
If you use a docusate enema, squeeze the tube of liquid gently into your anus. The information leaflet that comes with the enema will explain how to do this.
Docusate does not usually upset your stomach. You can take the capsules or liquid with or without food.
Try to take your medicine at regular times during the day, for example, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There's no specific time of day to use an enema but it works quickly (usually between 5 and 20 minutes), so use it when you know you'll be near a toilet.
Drink plenty of fluids such as water (6 to 8 glasses a day) to stop your constipation getting worse.
How long to take it for
You can take docusate for up to 5 days. If you take it for longer, your bowel can start to rely on it, rather than working on its own.
If you're taking docusate as an enema, do not use it for more than a few days at a time.
If you're still constipated after taking docusate for 5 days, talk to your doctor.
If your constipation is caused by an illness or a medicine you're taking, your doctor will advise you about when it's best to stop taking docusate.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose of docusate, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you take too much
Taking an extra dose of docusate as a one-off is unlikely to harm you.
If you have taken a lot more than the recommended dose it's a good idea to drink lots of water after. You may get diarrhoea and stomach pain, but this will usually get better within 1 or 2 days.
If you're worried, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.