Patient leaflet - Docusate Sodium 100 mg oral solution in sachets
1. What Docusate sodium oral solution is and what it is used for
Docusate sodium 100mg oral solution belongs to a group of medicines called ‘laxatives’.They are usually used to prevent and treat constipation.They may also be used before a stomach X-ray.
2. What you need to know before you take Docusate sodium oral solution
Do not take Docusate sodium oral solution
- if you are allergic to docusate sodium or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). ■ if you are suffering from stomach pains or an obstruction in the gut.
- if you are feeling sick or have been sick in the last 24 hours.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking Docusate sodium oral solution.
This medicine is not suitable for children aged 6 months to 12 years but a suitable alternative, Docusate sodium
12.5mg/5ml oral solution in sachets is available.
- Prolonged use can cause the gut to become lazy and not work properly.
- If you need to take a laxative everyday.
- If you have regular or constant stomach pain.
Other health conditions should be excluded before taking this medicine.
The treatment of constipation with Docusate sodium is only additional to a healthy lifestyle and diet (such as increased intake of fluids, dietary fibre and exercise).
Other medicines and Docusate sodium oral solution
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Docusate sodium oral solution should not be taken if you are already taking mineral oil. If you are taking an anthraquinone laxative such as senna, you will need to reduce the dose as Docusate sodium oral solution increases their effects.
Docusate sodium oral solution with food and drink
Docusate sodium oral solution can be taken with food and drink.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Docusate sodium 100 mg oral solution contain methyl parahydroxybenzoate and propyl parahydroxybenzoate.
This medicine contains 5.0 mg of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate and 2.5 mg of propyl p-hydroxybenzoate in each sachet (5 ml). May cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
Docusate sodium 100 mg oral solution contain sodium benzoate.
Docusate sodium 100 mg oral solution contain 5.0 mg sodium benzoate in each sachet (5 ml).
Docusate sodium 100 mg oral solution contain sorbitol.
Docusate sodium 100 mg oral solution contain 840 mg of sorbitol in each sachet (5 ml). Sorbitol is a source of fructose. If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to some sugars or if you have been diagnosed with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a rare genetic disorder in which a person cannot break down fructose, talk to your doctor before you take or receive this medicine. Sorbitol may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and mild laxative effect.
Docusate sodium 100 mg oral solution contain sodium.
Docusate sodium 100 mg oral solution contains 54.4 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) per 25 ml dose (maximum daily dose).This is equivalent to 2.7% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult.
3. How to take Docusate sodium oral solution
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor, nurse or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Each sachet contains a single dose and must not be divided.
Constipation:
The recommended dose is 1 sachet (5 ml/100 mg) three times a day (a maximum single dose of 150 mg may also be administered using other suitable available strengths).Take as a single dose followed by plenty of water or flavoured drink e.g. milk or orange juice.
Treatment should be commenced with large doses, which should be decreased as the condition of the patient improves.
Maximum daily dose 5 sachets (500 mg).
Use before stomach X-ray (barium meal):
Take 4 sachets (400 mg), as a single dose before the meal.
Docusate sodium may cause an unpleasant aftertaste or burning sensation.This may be minimised by drinking plenty of water after taking the solution.
Use in children
For administration to children and infants over 6 months use Docusate sodium 12.5mg oral solution in sachets.
If you take more Docusate sodium oral solution than you should
If you accidentally take more Docusate sodium oral solution than you should, drink lots of water and contact your nearest hospital casualty department, or tell your doctor immediately.
If you forget to take Docusate sodium oral solution
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. As soon as you remember, take a dose and then continue the normal course of treatment. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask the doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If any of the following happen, stop taking Docusate sodium and tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
- Diarrhoea
- Feel sick
Stomach cramps
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- Skin rash
- Pruritus (Itching)
If you need to take a laxative every day, or if you have a persistent stomach ache, see your doctor.
Docusate sodium may cause an unpleasant aftertaste or burning sensation.This may be minimised by drinking plenty of water after taking the solution. If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.You can also report side effects directly via theYellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRAYellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Docusate sodium oral solution
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and sachet after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use.These measures will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Docusate sodium oral solution in sachets contains
- The active substance is docusate sodium
- The other ingredients are methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), sodium benzoate (E212), sodium dihydrogen phosphate dehydrate (E339i), disodium hydrogen phosphate dehydrate (E339ii), glycerol (E422), povidone (E1201), sorbitol 70% (E420), sucralose (E955), citric acid (E330), strawberry flavor and purified water.
What Docusate sodium oral solution in sachets looks like and contents of the pack
Docusate sodium oral solution is supplied in:
Single dose sachets made of laminated polyester/ aluminium/ low density polyethylene foil. Each sachet contains
5 ml oral solution. Each pack contains 30 single-dose sachets (strength: 100 mg per sachet).
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorisation Holder
Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd.,
Rosemont House,
Yorkdale Industrial Park, Braithwaite Street,
Leeds, LS11 9XE,
United Kingdom
Manufacturer
LABOMED PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY S.A.
84 Ioannou Metaxa str.,
19441, Koropi,
Athens,
Greece
This leaflet was last revised in July 2026
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