Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is docusate. You may also hear it called by a brand name like 'Colace'. It is important to take it as directed. You should take this medicine by mouth and drink a full glass of water with the dose. If you are taking the liquid form, you should mix the dose in a glass of milk or fruit juice, and drink it right after mixing. 

Docusate is a stool softener. It softens stools inside the body so they are easier to pass during a bowel movement. Docusate is commonly used to relieve occasional constipation. It generally produces a bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours. 

Most people tolerate this medicine very well. It can cause mild side effects like stomach cramps or diarrhea. These are normal if they are mild and should go away. If these or other side effects worry you, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

You should store this medicine in the original container and keep it tightly closed. Also, keep it out of the reach of children. 

Docusate is available without a prescription. You should talk to a doctor before using it if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 2 weeks. You should stop using it and talk to a doctor if you have rectal bleeding, if you need it for more than 1 week, or if you do not have a bowel movement. 

For best results with docusate, follow your doctor's advice about eating fiber, drinking fluids and exercising to help you stay regular.