Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Docusol Constipation Relief
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Docusate sodium may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
FOR What Docusol Solution is Docusol Solution contains the active substance docusate sodium. This medicine is a laxative. It belongs to a group of medicines called 'stool softeners'. Docusol Solution is used to prevent and treat constipation in adults and children aged over 12 years. How Docusol Solution works Docusol Solution softens the stools (faeces). It does this by increasing the amount of water within the stools (faeces). This makes your bowel movements easier and reduces the strain required to pass stools. It helps you when:
- You are constipated
- You have piles
- You have a tear in the lining of your anus (anal fissure) What is constipation? Normal and regular bowel movement is important for most people. However, what is 'normal and regular' varies from person to person. Some may have a bowel movement every day, others less often. Whatever it is like for you, it is best that your bowel movement has a regular pattern. Constipation is an occasional problem for some people – for others, it may happen more often. Constipation happens when the normal muscle actions in the bowel slow down. The cause of constipation is often not known. It can be linked with:
- Pregnancy
- Lack of exercise
- Sudden change of diet
- A diet with not enough fibre
- Having to stay in bed for a long time
- Medicines such as morphine or codeine
- Loss of 'tone' of the bowel muscles in older people Whatever the cause, constipation can be uncomfortable. It may make you feel bloated and heavy or generally 'off-colour'. Sometimes it causes headaches. Try these healthy tips to help prevent constipation happening:
- Eat a balanced diet including fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Drink enough water so that you do not become dehydrated.
- Keep up your exercise and stay fit.
- Make time to empty your bowels when your body tells you.
What you need to know before you take it
E DOCUSOL SOLUTION
Docusol Solution contains sodium. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 5 mL dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
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 to protect the environment.
3. HOW TO TAKE DOCUSOL SOLUTION
How to take it
Swallow each dose followed by plenty of water or flavoured drink e.g. milk or orange juice. If you take more Docusol Solution than you should If you accidentally take more Docusol 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 Docusol Solution As soon as you remember, take a dose and then continue the normal course of treatment. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
What Docusol Solution contains
- The active substance is docusate sodium. Each 5 mL of the solution contains 50 mg of docusate sodium.
- The other ingredients are sorbitol (E420), glycerol (E422), povidone, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl p-hydroxybenzoate (E216), sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate, sodium benzoate, citric acid anhydrous, aspartame, strawberry flavour and purified water. What Docusol Solution looks like and contents of the pack Docusol Solution is a clear liquid available in amber glass bottles of 125 ml and 300 ml with a plastic screw cap. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder Typharm Ltd, Unit 1, 39 Mahoney Green, Rackheath, Norwich, NR13 6JY. Manufacturer Laboratórios Basi – Industria Farmacêutica, S.A., Parque Industrial Manuel Lourenco Ferreira, Lotes 8, 15 e 16 3450-232 Mortágua, Portugal This leaflet was last revised in October 2023.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask the pharmacist or doctor.
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 Docusol Solution and talk to your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible: Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people
- Diarrhoea
- Feel sick
- Stomach cramps Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data
- Skin rash
- Pruritus (itching) 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, talk to your pharmacist or doctor. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor pharmacist or doctor. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow 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.
How to store it
DOCUSOL 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 that is stated on the bottle label and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 4/DA(IC)/05/2310/822.v4
Contents of the pack and other information
Do not take Docusol Solution if:
- You have stomach pains
- You feel sick or have been sick in the last 24 hours
- You have a blockage in your intestine (intestinal obstruction)
- You are allergic to docusate sodium or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
- You are intolerant to any sugars such as sorbitol. Docusol Solution contains sorbitol.
- You are taking a mineral oil laxative such as liquid paraffin.
Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your pharmacist or doctor has told you. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure.
Do not take this medicine if any of the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking this medicine.
Do not give Docusol Solution to children aged 12 years and under. You should feel more comfortable within 1 to 2 days of treatment. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you end up taking Docusol Solution every day.
Warnings and precautions As with all laxatives, do not take Docusol Solution every day for a long time. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if:
- You end up taking Docusol Solution every day.
- You get stomach pain which does not go away. If any of the above applies to you (or you are not sure), talk to your pharmacist or doctor. This medicine is not suitable for children aged 6 months to 12 years but a suitable alternative, Docusol Paediatric Solution is available. Other medicines and Docusol Solution Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Docusol Solution should not be taken if you are already taking a mineral oil laxative such as liquid paraffin. If you are taking an anthraquinone laxative such as senna, you will need to reduce the dose as Docusol Solution increases their effects. Taking Docusol Solution with food and drink Docusol 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 pharmacist or doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Important information about some of the ingredients of Docusol Solution Docusol Solution contains methyl p-hydroxybenzoate and propyl p-hydroxybenzoate This medicine contains 5 mg of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate and 2.5 mg of propyl p-hydroxybenzoate in each dose (5 ml). May cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed). Docusol Solution contains sorbitol. This medicine contains 1290 mg of sorbitol in each dose (5 ml). Sorbitol is a source of fructose. If your doctor has told you that you (or your child) has 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 (or your child) take or receive this medicine. Sorbitol may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and mild laxative effect. Docusol Solution contains aspartame. This medicine contains 15 mg of aspartame per dose (5 ml). Aspartame is a source of phenylalanine. It may be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder in which phenylalanine builds up because the body cannot remove it properly. Docusol Solution contains sodium benzoate. This medicine contains 5 mg sodium benzoate in each dose (5 ml).
How much to take Adults and children aged over 12 years
- The recommended dose is two 5ml spoonfuls three times a day.
- The maximum daily dose is six 5ml spoonfuls (30ml).
- Reduce the dose as the condition improves.
Frequently asked questions about Docusol Constipation Relief
What is the active substance in Docusol Constipation Relief?
The active substance in Docusol Constipation Relief is docusate sodium.
Are there equivalent medicines to Docusol Constipation Relief?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Norgalax. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Docusol Constipation Relief, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Docusol Constipation Relief without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: docusate sodium
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Prevention and treatment of chronic constipation. Prevention of hard dry stools and reduction of straining at stools in the presence of conditions like haemorrhoids and anal fissures.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Adults: 10 mL three times a day. Take as a single dose followed by plenty of water or flavoured drink e.g. milk or orange juice. Maximum daily dose 30 mL.
Treatment should be commenced with large doses which should be decreased as the condition of the patient improves.
Elderly: There is no evidence to suggest that an adjustment of the dosage is necessary in the elderly.
Paediatric population
Children aged 6 months to 12 years use Docusol Paediatric 12.5 mg/ 5 ml Solution.
Duration of treatment
The patient should be advised to consult a physician when constipation persists or worsens during treatment or when laxatives are needed for a long period of time.
Method of administration
Oral use.
4.3. Contraindications
Docusol Constipation Relief 50 mg/5 ml Solution should not be taken:
• by patients with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
• in the presence of abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, nausea or if vomiting occurs.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Paediatric population
Docusol Constipation Relief 50 mg/5 ml Solution is not recommended for children aged 12 years and under.
Docusol Constipation Relief 50 mg/5 ml Solution contains sorbitol.
This medicine contains 1290 mg sorbitol in each 5 mL dose. Sorbitol is a source of fructose so should not be given to patients who have an intolerance to some sugars or have been diagnosed with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a rare genetic disorder in which a person cannot break down fructose. Sorbitol may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and mild laxative effect.
Docusol Constipation Relief 50 mg/5 ml Solution contains 5 mg of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate in each 5 mL dose and 2.5 mg of propyl p-hydroxybenzoate in each 5 mL dose. May cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
Docusol Constipation Relief 50 mg/5 ml Solution contains aspartame.
This medicine contains 15 mg aspartame in each dose (5 mL) . Aspartame is a source of phenylalanine. It may be harmful if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder in which phenylalanine builds up because the body cannot remove it properly.
Docusol Constipation Relief 50 mg/5 ml Solution contains sodium benzoate.
This medicine contains 5 mg sodium benzoate in each dose (5 mL).
Docusol Constipation Relief 50 mg/5 ml Solution contains sodium.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 5 mL dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Docusol Constipation Relief 50 mg/5 ml Solution should not be taken concurrently with mineral oil. Anthraquinone derivatives should be taken in reduced doses, if administered with Docusol Constipation Relief 50 mg/5 ml Solution as their absorption is increased.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There is inadequate evidence of safety of the drug in human pregnancy, nor is there evidence from animal work that it is free from hazard, but it has been in wide use for many years without apparent ill consequence. Use in pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Breastfeeding
Docusate sodium is excreted in breast milk and should therefore be used with caution in lactating mothers.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None known.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Frequencies are defined as follows: Very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to ≤ 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to ≤ 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to ≤ 1/1,00); very rare (≤ 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Gastrointestinal disorders:
Rare: diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramps.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:
Not known: skin rash and pruritus.
There have been spontaneous reports of burning sensation in mouth and throat following the use of docusate sodium. Patients are advised to drink plenty of water or flavoured drink after taking the solution.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
In rare cases of overdose, excessive loss of water and electrolytes should be treated by encouraging the patient to drink plenty of fluid.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Docusol Constipation Relief. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.