Colace®, which is the brand name of a drug containing the chemical dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, is commonly used in medical treatments for bowel disorders and stool softening. When used properly, this drug can be very effective in alleviating unwanted symptoms. A physician or health professional should assess each patient to determine the appropriate Colace® dosage and if this drug is right for the person and situation. There are a number of factors that affect the prescribed dose, including age, weight, medical history, and nature of the condition at hand.
Generally, medical professionals prescribe Colace® for constipation or other ailments that require stool to be softened. When a stool is softer, it is easier to pass. One factor that may influence the Colace® dosage prescribed by a provider is age. A general rule is that, the younger a person, the less the Colace® dosage. Children under the age of three will be examined on a case-by-case basis, those between the ages of three and six should be given 20 to 60 mg daily, kids ages six to 12 typically receive a Colace® dosage of 40 to 120 mg daily, and for people over the age of 12, a standard dose of this stool softener may be 100 to 200 mg daily.
Again, these dosages may vary based on other factors or the prescribing provider and are meant to give more of a baseline of dosages rather than exact measures. These dosages also are not necessarily consumed at once but may be distributed regularly throughout the course of the day in regular increments. For example, a 200-mg Colace® dosage could divide into four 50-mg pills, eight 25-mg pills, or two 100-mg pills. There may be advantages and disadvantages of these different increments that should be considered by the health care provider.
Weight can also play a role in determining appropriate Colace® dosage. The heavier a person, the more dilute a drug becomes due to greater mass and tissue volume. This is one reason why children can only tolerate lower doses as their overall body sizes are smaller than the typical human.
Depending on other medications a person may be on, he or she may need to increase or decrease the Colace® dosage. Some medications enhance effects, while others may diminish them. These interactions also can cause changes in the appropriate amount of stool softener needed to treat a person's condition.