What is a Patient Information Leaflet and why is it useful?

The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from this version because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged.

PDF icon Download Leaflet View the patient leaflet in PDF format

Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet. The original can be viewed in PDF format using the link above.

The text only version may be available from RNIB in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call RNIB Medicine Leaflet Line on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL00039/0737.

Dioctyl 100 mg Capsules

Patient Information Leaflet

Dioctyl 100 mg capsules

Docusate Sodium

Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.

This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to take Dioctyl carefully to get the best results from it.

  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again
  • Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice
  • You must contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.

In this leaflet:

1. What Dioctyl is for
2. Before you take Dioctyl
3. How to take Dioctyl
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Dioctyl
6. Further information.

1. What Dioctyl is for

Dioctyl is one of a group of medicines called ‘laxatives’. They are usually taken to prevent and treat constipation that has lasted for a long time.

Dioctyl may also be taken during certain types of stomach X-rays, or to help you go to the toilet if you have piles (haemorrhoids).

2. Before you take Dioctyl

Do not take Dioctyl if:

  • You are allergic to docusate sodium, or to any of the other ingredients in Dioctyl (see section 6)
  • You are suffering from stomach pains
  • You are feeling sick, or have been sick in the last 24 hours
  • You have a blocked bowel (intestinal obstruction)
  • You have been told you are unable to take a sugar called fructose. Dioctyl contains sorbitol and is therefore unsuitable for you
  • You are a child under 12 years old.

If any of the above applies to you talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Check with your doctor before taking Dioctyl if:

  • You need to take a laxative every day
  • You have regular or constant stomach pain.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

  • Mineral oil
  • Any other medicine, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Taking Dioctyl with food and drink

Dioctyl can be taken with or without food.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breast-feeding ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking Dioctyl.

Warnings about the ingredients in Dioctyl

  • Dioctyl contains sorbitol and is unsuitable for people who are unable to take a sugar called fructose. This rare condition will have been passed down from previous generations of your family.
  • Dioctyl contains the colouring Sunset Yellow E110. This may cause an allergic reaction.

Tell your pharmacist before taking this medicine if either of the above statements applies to you.

3. How to take Dioctyl

Read the instructions on the label about how to take your medicine. If you are unsure about anything, ask your pharmacist.

Adults and the elderly

  • Swallow Dioctyl capsules whole with a drink of water
  • Take your capsules one at a time at regular intervals throughout the day
  • The maximum dose is 5 capsules although you may need less
  • Reduce the dose as your condition gets better
  • If you have been told to take Dioctyl during a stomach X-ray, you should take four capsules. Your doctor will tell you exactly when to take the capsules.

Dioctyl is not suitable for children under 12 years old.

If you take more Dioctyl than you should

If you take more Dioctyl than you should, drink lots of water and immediately go to your doctor or the nearest hospital casualty department.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Dioctyl can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

If any of the following happen, stop taking Dioctyl and tell your doctor as soon as possible:

  • Diarrhoea
  • Feel sick
  • Stomach cramps
  • Skin rash

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 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. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Dioctyl

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Do not use after the expiry date shown on the label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Store below 25°C. Store in the original package to protect it from moisture. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist.

6. Further Information

What Dioctyl contains:

The active ingredient is docusate sodium (100 mg).

The other ingredients are: macrogol 400, propylene glycol, gelatin 175 bloom, glycerol, sorbitol, titanium dioxide (E171), quinoline yellow (E104), sunset yellow (E110), lecithin, isopropyl alcohol and medium-chain triglycerides.

What Dioctyl looks like

Dioctyl are yellow and white soft, oval capsules. They come in blister packs containing 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 capsules and in plastic containers with 30, 100 or 250 capsules. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

UCB Pharma Limited
208 Bath Road
Slough
Berkshire
SL1 3WE
UK

This leaflet was last updated June 2016.

If this leaflet is difficult to read and you would like it in a different format, please contact

UCB Pharma Limited
208 Bath Road
Slough
Berkshire
SL1 3WE
UK