Docusato sódico

About docusate sodium

Constipation can be caused by a poor diet, not drinking enough water and not going to the toilet as soon as you feel you need to. Pregnancy, a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines, including some painkillers, can also cause constipation.

Sin embargo, muchas personas toman laxantes cuando no los necesitan porque creen que están estreñidas si no van al baño todos los días. Esto no es cierto. Una definición útil de estreñimiento es ir al baño con menos frecuencia de lo normal y expulsar heces duras cuando se va.

Docusate sodium is thought to work by encouraging the muscles in your bowel to move waste products through your body. It also draws water into your bowel, which softens the stools, making them easier to pass. Docusate sodium can be bought without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets.

Preparations containing docusate sodium are sometimes used to clear the bowel before some medical examinations. When it is used like this, you will be provided with a supply and full instructions for use from your hospital or clinic.

The rest of the information in this leaflet is about docusate sodium when it is used for constipation.

Before taking docusate sodium

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, ask for advice from a doctor or pharmacist before you start taking docusate sodium if any of the following apply to you:

• Si está embarazada, esperando un bebé o en período de lactancia. Esto se debe a que, mientras esté esperando un bebé o dando el pecho, sólo debe tomar medicamentos por recomendación de un médico.

• Si es para un niño. Esto se debe a que los laxantes sólo deben administrarse a niños por indicación de un médico o profesional sanitario.

• If you have severe pain in your tummy (abdomen) or feel sick.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

How to take docusate sodium

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about docusate sodium and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• The instructions for taking docusate sodium will be on the label of the pack. You can take up to five 100 mg-strength capsules over the course of a day, although you may not need this many. Take the capsules one at a time, at regular intervals throughout the day. Take them with a drink of water to help you swallow.

• If docusate sodium liquid medicine has been prescribed for your child, carefully follow the instructions you are given by your doctor, as the dose will be adjusted according to their age and needs. Do not give docusate sodium to a child unless a doctor has prescribed it.

• Your child's dose of oral liquid medicine can be diluted in a beaker/glass of fruit squash or milk before taking. The mixture must then be swallowed within 30 minutes.

• Docusate sodium should only be used for a short time. This is because your bowel can start to rely on this type of laxative to make it work rather than working on its own. Although it may take a day or so for the capsules/liquid to start working, if you are still constipated after five days, you should make an appointment to speak with your doctor.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Una dieta sana que contenga fibra (panes y cereales integrales, salvado, fruta y verduras de hoja verde) con seis a ocho vasos llenos de agua al día y ejercicio diario son importantes para mantener una función intestinal saludable.

• You can read more about how to prevent or treat constipation in adults and children in the separate leaflets called Constipation (for adults) and Constipation in Children.

Can docusate sodium cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below lists some of the most common ones associated with docusate sodium. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve over the first few days of taking a new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que considere que puede deberse a este medicamento, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

How to store docusate sodium

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos