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DulcoEase Soft Gel 100mg capsules contain docusate sodium, a stool softener that helps hard, dry stools take up water so they are easier and more comfortable to pass. For constipation in adults and children aged 12 years and over. Sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).
Key facts
| Active ingredient | Docusate sodium 100mg per capsule |
|---|---|
| Format | Soft gel capsules, swallowed whole with water |
| Use | Constipation, including when passing stools is painful because of piles or an anal fissure |
| Age | Adults and children 12 years and over. Not for children under 12. |
| Dose | Start with one capsule three times a day, then take more or less as needed |
| Maximum | One capsule five times a day (500mg docusate sodium) |
| Onset | You should feel more comfortable within 1 to 2 days |
| Other ingredients | Macrogol 400, propylene glycol, gelatin, glycerol, sorbitol (E420), titanium dioxide, purified water, Sunset Yellow (E110), Quinoline Yellow (E104) |
| Pack | 30 capsules |
Who it is for
- Adults and over-12s with constipation who want a stool softener rather than a stimulant laxative.
- People whose stools are hard and dry and uncomfortable to pass, including with piles or an anal fissure.
Not suitable for: Anyone with stomach pain, or who has felt sick or been sick in the last 24 hours; anyone with a blocked bowel (intestinal obstruction); anyone allergic to docusate sodium or to any of the other ingredients; anyone intolerant to fructose or sorbitol; anyone taking a mineral oil laxative such as liquid paraffin; and children under 12 years. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to use
- Read the label and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before use.
- Swallow each capsule whole with water. Do not chew them.
- Adults and children 12 years and over: start with one capsule three times a day.
- Then take more or less as you need, up to a maximum of one capsule five times a day.
- You should feel more comfortable within 1 to 2 days. Do not give to children under 12 years.
- Do not take DulcoEase every day over a long period. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you need a laxative every day, or if you have stomach pain that does not go away.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to work?
You should feel more comfortable within 1 to 2 days.
How many capsules can I take in a day?
Start with one capsule three times a day and adjust as needed, up to a maximum of one capsule five times a day, which is 500mg of docusate sodium.
Can children take it?
Only children aged 12 years and over. Do not give it to children under 12.
Can I take it every day?
It is not intended for long-term daily use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you find you need a laxative every day, or if you have stomach pain that does not go away.
Can I take it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice before taking it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I store it?
Do not store above 25°C. Keep the capsules in the original package to protect them from moisture.
Safety and storage
- Rarely, docusate sodium can cause nausea, diarrhoea or stomach cramps. Skin rash and itching have also been reported.
- Do not take it with mineral oil laxatives such as liquid paraffin.
- Contains Sunset Yellow (E110), Quinoline Yellow (E104) and sorbitol.
- Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Read the PIL. Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
This is a medicine. Always read the label and the Patient Information Leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
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