What is Docusol paediatric solution used for?
- Preventing and treating chronic constipation in babies and children from six months to 12 years of age.
- Your doctor may ask you to use this medicine to help empty your child's bowel before they have an abdominal X-ray.
How does Docusol work?
Docusol paediatric solution contains the active ingredient docusate sodium, which is a type of medicine called a laxative.
Docusate works in two ways. It lowers the surface tension of hard, dry stools that have accumulated in the bowel, allowing water and fats to penetrate them. This makes the stools softer and easier to pass.
Docusate also stimulates the nerve endings in the walls of the large bowel (colon) and rectum. This makes the muscles in the bowel wall contract more often and with increased force, which moves the stools through the colon to the rectum so that the bowel can be emptied.
The dual action is effective at relieving constipation without straining. The solution usually relieves constipation in one to two days.
How do I use Docusol paediatric solution?
- You should always get medical advice from your doctor, pharmacist or health visitor before giving your child any laxatives to treat constipation.
- If you are advised to use Docusol, the dose for babies aged six months to one year is one 5ml spoonful given three times a day.
- The dose for children aged 2 to 12 years is one to two 5ml spoonfuls given three times a day.
- The required dose of Docusol should be diluted in a glass of flavoured drink, such as fruit juice or milk. The child should drink the diluted medicine within 30 minutes.
- If you forget to give a dose don't worry, just leave out the missed dose and give the next dose as usual when it is due. Do not give a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
- Prolonged use of Docusol should be avoided. If your child is still constipated after five days of treatment, if you need to give them a laxative every day, or if they have persistent abdominal pain, you should consult your doctor for advice.
Before a stomach X-ray:
- Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or hospital clinic.
- The usual dose is six 5ml spoonfuls given as a single dose. Your child should drink plenty of water after taking the medicine because it can leave an unpleasant aftertaste or burning sensation in the mouth.
Who shouldn't take Docusol paediatric solution?
- Children who feel sick or have vomited in the last 24 hours or who have persistent stomach pain.
- Children who have a blockage in their gut (intestinal obstruction).
- Children who are allergic to any of the ingredients. Check the ingredients listed in the leaflet that comes with the medicine if you know your child has specific allergies or intolerances.
- Babies under six months of age.
- Docusol paediatric is not strong enough to treat children over 12 years and adults. Other docusate sodium products are available for this age group - see end of page.
What are the possible side effects of Docusol paediatric solution?
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with Docusol. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all children taking this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Abdominal cramps.
- Burning sensation in mouth and throat. Your child should drink plenty of water if they experience this.
- Prolonged, excessive use of laxatives can lead to diarrhoea, low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalaemia) and an imbalance in the amount of fluid and salts (electrolytes) in the body. Prolonged, excessive use may also make the constipation worse in the long-term, as the gut can become reliant on the laxative. Don't exceed the recommended dose of Docusol or use it for more than five days unless advised to by your doctor.
If you want any more information about the possible side effects of Docusol paediatric solution you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or read the leaflet that comes with the medicine. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?
Can I use Docusol paediatric solution with other medicines?
If your child is already taking any medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving them this medicine as well, to make sure that the combination is safe.
You should not give your child Docusol in combination with laxatives that contain liquid paraffin (mineral oil).
What other medicines contain docusate sodium?
Docusate sodium oral solution is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine, in both paediatric and adult strengths.
Last updated 28.06.2017