Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Apo Docusate Calcium (Docusate-calcium).
General: If you experience a sudden change in your bowel movements that lasts for 2 weeks or more, do not take Apo Docusate Calcium (Docusate-calcium) without talking to your doctor. If you take Apo Docusate Calcium (Docusate-calcium) for 1 week and it does not seem to help with your constipation or if rectal bleeding occurs, stop taking Apo Docusate Calcium (Docusate-calcium) and contact your doctor.
Medical conditions: Docusate calcium is not recommended for people who have Appendicitis, symptoms of appendicitis (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), bleeding from the rectum, undiagnosed bleeding, Congestive Heart Failure, high blood pressure, fecal impaction, or intestinal obstruction.
Overuse and prolonged use: Overusing or using Apo Docusate Calcium (Docusate-calcium) for long periods of time may cause your bowels to become dependent on the medication. Unless recommended by your doctor, do not use Apo Docusate Calcium (Docusate-calcium) for longer than 1 week.
Pregnancy: Apo Docusate Calcium (Docusate-calcium) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Docusate Calcium (Docusate-calcium), contact your doctor.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if docusate calcium passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Apo Docusate Calcium (Docusate-calcium), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.