What are common side effects of Colace?

Common side effects of Colace include nausea and stomach or intestinal cramps, states MedlinePlus. Liquid Colace may cause throat irritation. Serious side effects that warrant an immediate call to a doctor including hives, difficulty breathing, fever, vomiting and severe stomach pain.

Colace is a stool softener used short-term to relieve constipation in individuals who should avoid straining during bowel movements, including people with heart problems, hemorrhoids or other medical conditions. It usually starts working in one to three days, states MedlinePlus. Taking Colace or other stool softeners for more than one week is not advised, unless otherwise directed by a doctor.