Why is this medication prescribed?

Correctol Soft Gels are typically prescribed to relieve occasional constipation. They contain a laxative called docusate sodium, which works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making it easier to pass.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how Correctol Soft Gels should be used:

• Dosage: Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as directed on the product label. Do not exceed the recommended dose unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Administration: Swallow the soft gel whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the soft gel before swallowing, as this can alter its effectiveness.
• Timing: Correctol Soft Gels are usually taken at bedtime to produce a bowel movement the next morning. However, your doctor may recommend a different dosing schedule based on your individual needs.
• Duration: Use Correctol Soft Gels for the shortest duration needed to relieve your constipation. Prolonged use or overuse can lead to dependence on laxatives and should be avoided unless advised by your doctor.
• Consultation: If your symptoms persist or worsen despite using Correctol Soft Gels, consult your healthcare provider. They can help determine if further evaluation or a different treatment approach is necessary.

Always read the package insert and follow the specific instructions provided. If you have any questions or concerns about using Correctol Soft Gels, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Other uses for this medicine

• Stool Softener: Correctol Soft Gels can be used to soften stool in patients who should avoid straining during bowel movements, such as those recovering from surgery or childbirth.
• Prevention of Constipation: They may be used to prevent constipation in individuals at risk, such as those on certain medications (e.g., opioids) or with certain medical conditions (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome).
• Management of Fecal Impaction: Correctol Soft Gels, when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, can help manage fecal impaction, a severe form of constipation.

What special precautions should I follow?

When using Correctol Soft Gels, it’s important to consider the following precautions:

• Medical Conditions: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions, especially gastrointestinal disorders such as bowel obstruction or severe abdominal pain, as these may be worsened by the use of laxatives.
• Allergies: If you are allergic to docusate sodium or any other ingredients in Correctol Soft Gels, do not use them.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before using Correctol Soft Gels if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. While they are generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s important to use them under medical supervision.
• Age Considerations: Correctol Soft Gels should be used cautiously in elderly patients and children under the age of 2 years, as they may be more sensitive to the effects of laxatives.
• Duration of Use: Avoid prolonged use of Correctol Soft Gels without medical supervision. Chronic use of laxatives can lead to dependence and may indicate an underlying medical problem that needs attention.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, as Correctol Soft Gels can interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their absorption or effectiveness.
• Dehydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake when using Correctol Soft Gels to prevent dehydration, especially in elderly patients or those with kidney problems.

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or as indicated on the product label. If you experience severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or no bowel movement after using Correctol Soft Gels, seek medical attention promptly. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition that requires medical evaluation.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Correctol Soft Gels. However, maintaining a healthy diet with an adequate intake of fiber and fluids can help prevent constipation and support the effectiveness of the soft gels. Drinking plenty of water (6-8 glasses per day) is particularly important when using laxatives to prevent dehydration and facilitate bowel movements.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Correctol Soft Gels, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Correctol Soft Gels, which contain docusate sodium as the active ingredient, can cause certain side effects. While not everyone experiences these side effects, some common ones include:

• Abdominal discomfort: This may include cramping, bloating, or mild abdominal pain.
• Diarrhea: Occasionally, Correctol Soft Gels can cause loose stools or diarrhea, especially with higher doses.
• Nausea: Some individuals may feel nauseous after taking Correctol Soft Gels.
• Allergic reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Electrolyte imbalance: Prolonged or excessive use of Correctol Soft Gels may lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly low levels of potassium (hypokalemia).
• Rectal irritation: In some cases, Correctol Soft Gels may cause mild irritation or discomfort in the rectal area.
• Dependency: Long-term or frequent use of laxatives like Correctol Soft Gels can lead to dependency, where the bowel becomes reliant on the laxative to produce a bowel movement.

It’s important to use Correctol Soft Gels as directed and not exceed the recommended dosage to minimize the risk of side effects. If you experience persistent or severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or no bowel movement after using Correctol Soft Gels, consult your healthcare provider promptly, as these symptoms could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical evaluation.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal:

• Storage: Store Correctol Soft Gels at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Avoid storing them in the bathroom, where humidity can affect the medication. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of Correctol Soft Gels properly after expiration or when no longer needed. Follow any specific disposal instructions provided by your pharmacist or local waste disposal facility. Do not flush medications down the toilet unless instructed to do so.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Emergency: If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat), seek immediate medical attention or call your local emergency services.
• Overdose: Overdose symptoms may include diarrhea, excessive bowel movements, and dehydration due to fluid loss. It’s important to use Correctol Soft Gels as directed to avoid overdose. If you have taken more than the recommended dose, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (in the United States) or your local poison control center for guidance.

What other information should I know?

• Effectiveness: Correctol Soft Gels are intended for short-term use to relieve occasional constipation. Long-term or frequent use should be avoided without medical supervision.
• Consultation: Always consult your healthcare provider before using Correctol Soft Gels, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking other medications.
• Lifestyle: To promote regular bowel movements and reduce the need for laxatives, maintain a healthy diet with adequate fiber intake, drink plenty of fluids, and engage in regular physical activity.
• Monitoring: Monitor your response to Correctol Soft Gels and report any persistent or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions with Correctol Soft Gels.

By following these guidelines, you can safely use Correctol Soft Gels to manage occasional constipation while minimizing risks and ensuring proper handling in case of emergencies or disposal.