docusate sodium/senna

Docusate: Promotes incorporation of water into stool, resulting in softer fecal mass. Senna: Active components of senna (sennosides) alter water and electrolyte transport in the large intestine, resulting in accumulation of water and increased peristalsis.

Therapeutic effects:

Softening and passage of stool.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Docusate

Absorption: Small amounts may be absorbed from the small intestine after oral administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Eliminated in bile.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Senna

Absorption: Minimally absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(softening of stool)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	6–12 hr	unknown	unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity;
Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, especially when associated with fever or other signs of an acute abdomen;

Use Cautiously in:

Excessive or prolonged use may lead to dependence, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Pedi: Children <2 yr (safety and effectiveness not established).

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: rash

F and E: dehydration, electrolyte imbalances

GI: abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

GU: urine discoloration

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

None reported.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults and Children >12 yr): 2 tablets once daily at bedtime (max = 4 tablets twice daily).
PO (Children 6–12 yr): 1 tablet once daily at bedtime (max = 2 tablets twice daily).
PO (Children 2–6 yr): 1/2 tablet once daily at bedtime (max = 1 tablet twice daily).

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Tablets: Docusate sodium 50 mg/sennosides 8.6 mg^OTC

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess for abdominal distention, presence of bowel sounds, and usual pattern of bowel function.
Assess color, consistency, and amount of stool.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

PO: Administer with a full glass of water or juice preferably in the evening.
- Do not administer within 2 hr of other laxatives, especially mineral oil. May cause ↑ absorption.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain purpose and side effects of medication. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy.
Advise patient that laxatives should be used only for short-term therapy. Long-term therapy may cause electrolyte imbalance and dependence.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult health care professional before taking other medications.
Encourage patient to use other forms of bowel regulation, such as ↑ dietary fiber, ↑ fluid intake , and ↑ mobility. Normal bowel habits are variable.
Instruct patients with cardiac disease to avoid straining during bowel movements .
Advise patient not to use laxatives when abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever is present.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

A soft, formed bowel movement, usually within 6–24 hr.

US Brand Names ⬆

Senna Plus, Senokot-S

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Pronunciation ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Indications ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇