Drug & supplement interaction

Hedge Mustard + Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein

Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein brand names: Correctol, Modane Plus.

Moderate Interaction
The bottom line Moderate

Hedge Mustard has a moderate interaction with Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein. Theoretically, taking hedge mustard with stimulant laxatives might increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.

Read the full interaction report
SeverityModerate
LikelihoodPossible
EvidenceD
What do Severity, Likelihood & Evidence mean?
Know someone taking this? Share
Interaction report

Hedge Mustard and Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein

Here is the interaction we found between these two, with the evidence behind it.

Moderate

STIMULANT LAXATIVES

Why this applies to Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein

Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein falls under STIMULANT LAXATIVES — the group Hedge Mustard interacts with.

Theoretically, taking hedge mustard with stimulant laxatives might increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity.

The flowering above ground parts of hedge mustard contain cardioactive glycosides. Theoretically, overuse or misuse of stimulant laxatives may increase the risk of cardiac glycoside toxicity due to potassium depletion.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the gist with this combo. Hedge mustard naturally contains small amounts of heart-active compounds called cardiac glycosides (the same family as digoxin). On its own that's usually not a big deal. But stimulant laxatives like this product can flush potassium out of your body if you use them too often or for too long. Low potassium makes your heart more sensitive to those glycosides, which is the theoretical worry here.

To be clear, this is based on pharmacology, not real-world reports, so it's a low-likelihood concern. Still, occasional loose stools, belly cramping, and ongoing laxative use can quietly deplete potassium. If you notice palpitations, muscle weakness, or feeling lightheaded, check in with your pharmacist or doctor. Use the laxative only short-term as directed, and ask before adding hedge mustard.

References
  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

What These Ratings Mean

Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.

Severity how clinically significant the interaction is
Major

Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.

Moderate

Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.

Minor

Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.

Likelihood how strong the evidence is that the interaction actually happens in people
  • LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
  • ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
  • UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Evidence the quality of the studies behind the rating (graded A–D)
  • AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
  • BCase-control study.
  • CConsensus.
  • DAnecdotal evidence.

These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.

Keep it in perspective

Hedge Mustard Also Interacts With Other Medications

Hedge Mustard has 132 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein one above is one of them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Hedge Mustard

Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Hedge Mustard. Pick one to open its full report.

From our Q&A

Questions About Hedge Mustard or Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein

These are real questions from readers, answered by the pharmacists at HelloPharmacist — written by a person, not generated from a database. Each one covers Hedge Mustard or Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein, not necessarily both, but if one is close to what you were about to ask it will usually go further than a database entry can:

Not quite your question? Ask our pharmacists directly — it is free, there is no account required, and answers usually come back within 24 hours.

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein

This page covers Hedge Mustard only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein page lists 46 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.

The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), Jalap (major), Oleander (major), Alder Buckthorn (moderate) and Aloe (moderate).

By severity: 3 major · 34 moderate · 9 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein page

“Correctol and Modane Plus pair docusate, a stool softener, with phenolphthalein, a stimulant laxative, and the pairings below deserve real caution. Of the 46 supplements and herbs on this list, 29 are plant laxatives that work the same way phenolphthalein does, so doubling up can drain fluid and potassium fast.”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein interaction page

How much people look this up

Where Hedge Mustard and Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein Sit Against Everything Else

Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.

Supplement Hedge Mustard
Steady interest

#996 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today
Medication Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein
Top 5%

#88 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today

Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.

Supplement

About Hedge Mustard

What is Hedge Mustard?

  • Hoarseness and voice loss
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Mild laryngitis
  • Throat irritation

Hedge mustard is a traditional European herb long nicknamed the 'singer's plant' because it was used to soothe hoarseness and sore throats. Solid scientific evidence for these uses is very limited, so it is best seen as a folk remedy rather than a proven treatment. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Read the full Hedge Mustard monograph & all interactions
Medication

About Bisacodyl

What Is Bisacodyl Used For?

Brand names: Correctol, Modane Plus

Bisacodyl is used for the temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. Oral tablets (including Dulcolax Stimulant Laxative and Fleet tablets) generally produce a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours.

Rectal suppositories (such as Dulcolax Laxative, Conlax, Avedana Gentle Laxative, and others) typically work within 15 minutes to 1 hour. The Fleet Enema (rectal) is also used for relief of fecal impaction (a severe blockage of stool) and for removal of residue after barium administration (a procedure used in certain imaging tests), and usually works within 5 to 20 minutes.

See full Bisacodyl drug information
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Hedge Mustard

Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Hedge Mustard — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.

0Major
132Moderate
0Minor
2,697No known interaction
Moderate

132 interactions

Showing 60 of 132 moderate interactions — see all 132 on the Hedge Mustard page.

No interaction 2,697 drugs checked — show the list
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taking Hedge Mustard and Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein Together: Common Questions

Can you take Hedge Mustard with Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein?
There is a moderate interaction, so it may be acceptable with monitoring or timing changes — but check with your pharmacist first. Read the full details on this page and confirm with your pharmacist before combining them.
How serious is the Hedge Mustard and Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein interaction?
We rate it Moderate. This combination may require monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one. Consult your pharmacist before using them together.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Still Have a Question About Docusate Sodium, Phenolphthalein and Hedge Mustard?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.