How long before colace works

Colace acts as a surfactant and lowers the surface tension of oil and water in the stool. This allows lipids and moisture to penetrate the stool, producing a softer stool that can move more easily through the gastrointestinal tract. Colace is classified as a stool softener but is not considered a laxative because it does not directly stimulate motility. It may take one to three days for stool softening to occur therefore Colace will not typically provide quick relief of constipation symptoms.

Colace What is Colace? There are also glycerin suppositories and stool softener and laxative combinations available under the Colace trade name. Sign up for Colace price alerts and find out when the price changes! Get price alerts. Dulcolax bisacodyl EC is an over-the-counter medication used to treat and relieve the symptoms of constipation. Dulcolax is a laxative and works by directly stimulating peristaltic movement by irritating the mucosa of the intestine.

This stimulation physically moves the stool through the tract. Dulcolax produces its desired effect more quickly than Colace, typically within hours with oral administration. Dulcolax What is Dulcolax? There are stool softeners and other products available under the Dulcolax trade name. Colace is indicated in both the treatment of constipation and its prevention. Occasional constipation should resolve within one week.

Colace is generally safe to be taken long term with the guidance of a healthcare provider and may be prescribed to prevent constipation associated with other medications or conditions known to cause constipation.

Dulcolax is indicated only in the treatment of occasional constipation. Its mechanism of stimulating motility may cause some discomfort. It should only be used for up to one week unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional. The active ingredients in Colace and Dulcolax have not been compared in a direct comparison clinical trial for efficacy in treating constipation. There are several factors about each drug to keep in mind when selecting what is right for you.

One factor would be how quickly you expect relief. Dulcolax suppositories typically work within a few hours but may cause some discomfort. Dulcolax tablets typically provide relief overnight, within 8 to 12 hours. Colace may take one to three days to produce a bowel movement. Skip to main content. Myth of the Month: Does Colace work? By Douglas S. Paauw, MD. Myth: Docusate is a stool softener and helps with constipation.

Docusate and polyethylene glycol. Polyethylene glycol. Does it work? Douglas S. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device not a kitchen spoon.

To use the enema, lie on your left side with your left leg extended and your right leg slightly bent. Remove the cap from the applicator tip and gently insert the tip into your rectum. Slowly squeeze the bottle to empty the contents into the rectum. After using the enema, lie down on your left side for at least 30 minutes to allow the liquid to distribute throughout your intestines.

Avoid using the bathroom, and hold in the enema at least 1 hour, or all night if possible. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. When taken at usual doses, a significant amount of the drug does not pass into breast milk. Children who are breastfed do not experience any negative side effects if their mothers take Colace. The active ingredient in Colace is docusate. It belongs to a class of laxatives called emollients, more commonly known as stool softeners.

These drugs soften your stool to let it pass through your digestive system more smoothly. In turn, you have a bowel movement without as much straining or pain. After you take Colace, you should have a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. The typical dosage for Colace for adults and children 12 years or older is mg per day. You take it in one dose per day or divided doses.

Like most drugs, Colace may cause some unwanted side effects. Most side effects are mild and go away as your body gets used to the medication. Some common side effects include:. In rare cases, severe side effects can occur. If you have any of these side effects, call your doctor right away:.

Taking Colace at doses that are higher than recommended may cause other side effects.