What is Docusol Paediatric Solution?
Docusol Paediatric Solution is a laxative containing the active ingredient docusate sodium, for use in children aged 6 months to 12 years old. Laxatives are a type of medicine used to soften stools in order to prevent or treat constipation, a common problem that causes difficulty or pain when passing stools.
What is the recommended dosage?
The recommended dosage when using Docusol Paediatric Solution to treat constipation depends on the age of your child. If your child is aged between 6 months and 2 years, one 5ml spoonful should be given three times a day. If your child is aged between 2 and 12 years, two 5ml spoonfuls should be given three times a day.
You should dilute Docusol Paediatric Solution in a glass of a flavoured drink, like fruit juice or milk - this will make it easier for your child to take the medicine. Make sure your child drinks the mixture within 30 minutes of preparation.
Sometimes, Docusol Paediatric Solution can be taken before a stomach X-ray. In this case, the recommended dose is six 5ml spoonfuls as a single dose, but you should always ask your doctor or healthcare provider whether this is necessary.
How does docusate sodium treat constipation?
Docusol Paediatric Solution contains the active ingredient docusate sodium. Docusate sodium works by softening the stools in the bowel, making them easier to pass. It can also cause the muscles in the intestinal wall to contract more often, and with increased force, helping to move the contents of the intestine through the colon towards the rectum so that the bowel can be emptied.
What causes constipation in children?
Constipation in children and infants is common, and usually it’s nothing to worry about. Some possible causes could include:
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Not eating enough high-fibre foods (like fruit & vegetables)
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Not drinking enough fluids
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Feeling pressured, or being regularly interrupted, while potty training
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Feeling worried or anxious about something
Small lifestyle changes, like eating more fibre or drinking more fluids, can relieve constipation effectively. If these lifestyle changes aren’t enough to ease your child’s constipation, laxatives like Docusol Paediatric Solution can be helpful.
When should Docusol Paediatric Solution not be used?
Docusol Paediatric Solution is suitable for most children aged 6 months to 12 years. Do not give this medicine to infants under 6 months. You should also avoid giving this medicine to children who are:
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Allergic to docusate sodium or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
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Suffering from stomach pains of an obstruction in the gut
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Feeling sick or has been sick in the last 24 hours
You should speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before giving Docusol Paediatric Solution to your child if they are intolerant to any sugars, or if they a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria.
Docusol Paediatric Solution is recommended for short term relief against constipation - long-term use can cause the gut to stop working properly.
Are there any side effects?
As with all medicines, there’s a chance that your child may experience some side effects when taking Docusol Paediatric Solution, but they won’t affect everyone. Docusate sodium can cause:
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Abdominal cramps
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An unpleasant aftertaste or burning sensation
If your child experiences an aftertaste or burning sensation, this can be minimised by drinking plenty of water after taking Docusol Paediatric Solution.
Signs of an allergic reaction may include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, fainting, or skin rashes. If your child displays any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical help.
If your child experiences any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Storage information
Keep Docusol Paediatric Solution out of sight and reach of children and do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the packaging. This refers to the last day of the stated month.
Important information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
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Ingredients
The active substance is docusate sodium (12.5mg/5ml). The other ingredients are sorbitol (E420), glycerol (E422), povidone, monosodium phosphate dihydrate, disodium phosphate dodecahydrate, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl p-hydroxybenzoate (E216), strawberry flavour, aspartame (E951) and purified water.
What Can I do if My Baby or Child is Constipated?
Have you gone to change your baby and found that the little present they usually leave for you in their nappy just isn’t there?
Or maybe your child is finding it difficult to go to the toilet and tries to avoid pooping like the plague?
Your child could be suffering with constipation, and today we’re going to find out what that is, why it’s happening, and what you can do to help.
Docusol Paediatric Solution, how long should it be, before I see some moment for my daughter. She really struggled and holds her poo. 6 days at a time. Have given to lots today, and still nothing. Can’t find anywhere how long it takes, to take effect?
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.
Docusate capsules and liquid take 1 or 2 days to work.
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| Method | Handling Time | Transit Time | Timescale | Approx Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Shipping (3-5 Working Days) | 1 | 2 | 3 | £2.95 |
| Royal Mail Tracked 24 | 0 | 1 | 1 | £4.95 |
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