Colace is Taken Orally in both Drop and Liquid Forms
As of November 2010, Colace has only been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the relief of constipation. The drug may be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a physician. The FDA has also approved the use of Colace during pregnancy for the temporary relief of constipation. However, the FDA has identified a number of possible side-effects including stomach pains, cramping, allergic reactions (rash and itching), rectal bleeding, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.
FDA Recommended Use of Colace
Use an Eye Dropper for Accurate Measurement when Taking Colace Drops
Take Colace, in either liquid or drop form, at bed time. Follow package instructions carefully and do not take more than the recommended dosage. When taking Colace, it is advised that you drink at least a full eight ounce glass of water. Colace works by increasing the amount of water absorbed by the stool and consequently softening the stool for easier passage, so it makes sense that more water is better. If taking either of the drop or liquid form, use the measuring device that comes with the product. Household spoons are never a proper measuring unit for medicine. The drop form of Colace allows you to mix the drops with fruit juice for easy swallowing.
According to WebMD, Colace is not recommended for prolonged use by the FDA. When suffering from constipation for an extended period of time (more than seven days), consult your physician to determine if a more severe condition exists such as a blockage, obstruction, or kinked intestine.
Precautions for Colace
Ask Your Doctor or Pharmicist About the Side Effects of Colace
The FDA has not found any evidence to confirm that Colace is or is not absorbed with a woman's breast milk. New mothers should only take Colace in extreme cases of constipation. According to WebMD and Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, never take Colace if you are currently taking mineral oil as this could produce serious interactions. Current brands of Colace may contain additives or inactive ingredients that may cause certain allergic reactions including rashes, itching, and irritation. Cramping is a common side effect of Colace. However, if cramping becomes severe or you suffer from nausea, dizziness of rectal bleeding, contact your physician immediately.
Colace and Pregnancy
Gastroenterologists and obstetricians regularly recommend Colace for pregnant women
Colace is commonly prescribed for pregnant women. The FDA rates all approved drugs for the purpose of easily identifying safe usage. An "A" rating by the FDA designates a drug that can always be taken safely with no side effects. The FDA drug safety scale goes on to include B, C, D and X. An FDA rating of "X" designates a drug for which the risks or side effects or significant harm to the patient (or fetus) outweigh the benefits of taking the drug. The FDA has given Colace a "C" rating that places the drug squarely in the middle of the FDA rating system. Consequently, pregnant women should consult their gynecologists before beginning a regimen of Colace. The FDA has approved over the counter varieties of Colace such as Dulcolax, Docusate (generic brand name), Phillips' Liqui-Gels, Surfak Liqui-Gels, Kaopectate Stool Softener for temporary relief of constipation.
Tags: pregnant women, relief constipation, According WebMD, allergic reactions, designates drug
