What is the reason behind Colace recommending taking it at night? Find out the answers to this and other frequently asked questions about Colace.

The Reason Colace Recommends Taking It at Night

Colace (docusate sodium) is a stool softener that is recommended to be taken at bedtime for a reason. Colace generally produces a bowel movement within 12-72 hours. Taking it at bedtime allows the medication to work gently overnight, providing relief in the morning. This timed approach helps facilitate a more comfortable and natural bowel movement, rather than suddenly and unexpectedly.

How Long Should Colace Be Taken?

Colace should not be used for longer than one week without consulting a doctor. It is intended for occasional constipation relief, not long-term use. If constipation persists beyond a week, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Is Colace Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your healthcare provider before using Colace. They can provide guidance on the safety and appropriateness of taking Colace during these special circumstances.

How Long Has Colace Been Available?

Colace products have been trusted by physicians, pharmacists, and consumers for over 65 years. This long history of use and acceptance in the medical community speaks to the safety and efficacy of Colace as a gentle solution for occasional constipation.

Can Colace Be Taken With or Without Food?

Colace can be taken with or without food. However, as with most medications, it’s recommended to take Colace with a sufficient amount of water to ensure it is swallowed properly.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including an inadequate diet, certain medications, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, and a sedentary lifestyle. Certain groups, such as new mothers, travelers, and post-surgical patients, are also more prone to experiencing constipation.

Medications Associated with Constipation

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can disrupt the digestive system and lead to constipation. This can be a short-term issue as the body adjusts to a new medication, or a persistent side effect. If constipation occurs, it’s important to discuss this with a healthcare provider.

Precautions for Using Colace

There are a few important precautions to be aware of when using Colace:
– Do not use for longer than one week without checking with your doctor.
– Do not use if you have abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a physician.
– Do not use Colace products if you are currently taking mineral oil, unless instructed to do so by your doctor.
– If you notice a sudden, persistent change in bowel movements, consult your healthcare provider.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a decrease in stool frequency, often characterized by the difficult passage of hard, dry stools. This can sometimes be accompanied by a feeling of incomplete evacuation or bloating.

Who Gets Constipated?

Constipation can affect anyone, at any age. It’s estimated that around 63 million people in North America experience issues with constipation. Certain groups, such as new mothers, travelers, and sedentary individuals, are more prone to constipation.

The Importance of Exercise in Preventing Constipation

In addition to dietary changes, exercise can play a significant role in preventing and managing constipation. Physical activity helps stimulate the digestive system and can be an effective way to avoid or alleviate constipation. Consulting with a healthcare provider to develop an appropriate fitness routine is recommended.

Addressing Constipation After Surgery

Patients recovering from surgery are at an increased risk of experiencing constipation due to new medications and potentially reduced physical activity. In these cases, a healthcare provider may recommend the use of a laxative, such as Colace, to help address the issue and promote regular bowel function during the recovery process.

Seeking Medical Advice for Persistent Constipation

If constipation persists for more than a week or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include the use of Colace or other interventions.

Frequently Asked Questions – Colace® (docusate sodium)

WHY SHOULD I TAKE COLACE® PRODUCTS?

Colace^® provides gentle, reliable relief from occasional constipation (irregularity).

HOW LONG SHOULD I TAKE COLACE®?

Do not use Colace^® for longer than one week without checking with your doctor.

CAN I TAKE COLACE® IF I’M PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING?

If pregnant or breast feeding, ask your healthcare professional before use.

HOW LONG HAVE COLACE® PRODUCTS BEEN AVAILABLE?

For over 65 years, physicians and pharmacists have trusted and consumers have relied on the Colace^® family of products.

DO I NEED TO TAKE COLACE® WITH FOOD?

Colace^® can be taken with or without food.

DO I NEED TO TAKE COLACE® WITH WATER?

As with most medications, you should take Colace^® with a sufficient amount of water to adequately swallow the capsule or tablet.

HOW QUICKLY WILL I EXPERIENCE A BOWEL MOVEMENT AFTER TAKING COLACE®?

Colace^®® Regular Strength Capsules and Colace^® Clear Soft Gels generally produce a bowel movement in 12-72 hours. Colace^® 2-IN-1 Tablets generally produce a bowel movement in 6-12 hours. Taking it at bedtime is recommended for gentle, overnight relief.

WHAT IS CONSTIPATION?

Constipation is a decrease in stool frequency, often characterized by the difficult passage of hard, dry stools. Occasionally, this can be accompanied by a feeling of incomplete evacuation or bloating.

WHAT CAUSES CONSTIPATION?

Inadequate Diet
Often constipation is simply the result of “not enough”: not drinking enough fluids, not including enough fiber in our diet. Other times, constipation is the result of just “too much”: too much intake of unhealthy or processed foods.

Medication
Many people are unaware that constipation is also associated with many prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.

Ignoring Bowel Movements
If you ignore the urge to have a bowel movement over time, you may stop feeling the need to have one. You may delay having a bowel movement because you do not want to use toilets outside of your home, do not have access to a toilet, or may feel you are too busy. This habit can lead to constipation.

WHO GETS CONSTIPATED?

Constipation can affect anyone, at any age. About 63 million people in North America say they have issues with constipation. Constipation affects almost everyone at some point in their lives.¹

So, if you’re an occasional sufferer, you’re certainly not alone. And the good news is, no matter what your age or situation, you can do something to help ease your constipation.

New Mothers
Following childbirth, many women experience constipation due to a slowdown of the digestive system and a temporary reduction of muscle tone in the abdomen. In addition, discomfort from surgical incisions may require pain medicines, some of which can cause constipation.

Travelers
No matter what your age or physical condition, business or vacation travel can disrupt your regular eating, sleeping, and normal bowel routines. The search for a toilet in an unfamiliar place can cause you to postpone the urge to go to the bathroom. When packing for a trip, be sure to take along a laxative just in case you develop a temporary problem with constipation.

Sedentary Lifestyle
Along with all the other benefits of exercise, add one more: it can help you avoid constipation. Sedentary people are simply more prone to problems with constipation than the physically active. Since exercise is so important, ask your doctor to recommend a fitness routine that suits your needs.

Patients Taking Certain Medications
Constipation may be associated with many prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

Patients Recovering from Surgery
New medications or inadequate physical activity are both factors that contribute to constipation after surgery. Your physician may recommend a laxative if you are recovering from surgery and having problems with constipation.

1. Higgins PD, Johanson JF. Epidemiology of constipation in North America: a systematic review. Am J Gastroenterol.
2004;99(4):750-9.

ARE THERE MEDICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTIPATION?

Many prescriptions and commonly used, over-the-counter medications can disrupt your digestive system.

Sometimes constipation is just a short-term problem that occurs as your body adjusts to a new medication. In other instances, constipation is a side effect that may not lessen over time.

Do not use laxative products for longer than one week unless directed by a doctor.

ARE THERE ANY PRECAUTIONS I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

• Do not use for longer than one week without checking with your doctor.
• Do not use laxative products when abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting is present unless directed by a physician.
• Do not use Colace products if you are presently taking mineral oil unless told to do so by a doctor.
• If you have noticed a sudden change in bowel movements that persists over a period of two weeks, consult a physician before using a laxative. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a serious condition; discontinue use and consult your physician.
• If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, seek the advice of a healthcare professional before using these products. In case of overdose, seek professional assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
• Keep out of children’s reach.

Colace 2-in-1 Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

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Generic name: docusate and senna [ DOK-yoo-sate-and-SEN-a ]
Brand names: Colace 2-in-1, Dok Plus, Peri-Colace, Senexon-S, Senna Plus,
… show all 10 brands
Senna S, Senna-Time S, Senokot S, SenoSol-SS, Stool Softener with Laxative

Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 7, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Colace 2-in-1?

Docusate is a stool softener. Senna is a laxative.

Colace 2-in-1 is a combination medicine used to treat occasional constipation.

Colace 2-in-1 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Colace 2-in-1 if you are allergic to docusate or senna, or if you are also taking mineral oil.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

How should I use Colace 2-in-1?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take Colace 2-in-1 with a full glass of water.

It may be best to take this medicine at night or at bedtime. Colace 2-in-1 should cause you to have a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours.

Do not take Colace 2-in-1 for longer than 7 days in a row, unless your doctor tells you to.

Call your doctor if your constipation does not improve or if it gets worse after taking Colace 2-in-1.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Colace 2-in-1 is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea.

What should I avoid while using Colace 2-in-1?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other laxative or other stool softener that may contain ingredients similar to docusate or senna.

Colace 2-in-1 side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Colace 2-in-1 may cause serious side effects. Stop using Colace 2-in-1 and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Colace 2-in-1 may include:

• gas, bloating;

• diarrhea; or

• mild nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Colace 2-in-1?

Other drugs may affect Colace 2-in-1, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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