docusate

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;
Should not be used if prompt results are desired.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: rash

EENT: throat irritation

GI: diarrhea, mild cramps

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

None significant.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Docusate Calcium

Capsules: 240 mg^OTC

Docusate Sodium

(Generic available)

Tablets: 100 mg^OTC
Capsules: 100 mg^OTC; 250 mg^OTC
Syrup: 60 mg/15 mL^OTC
Liquid: 50 mg/5 mL^OTC; 100 mg/10 mL^OTC
Enema: 283 mg/5 mL^OTC
In combination with: stimulant laxativesOTC. See Appendix [not included in this PDA edition].

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Docusate Calcium

PO (Adults ): 240 mg once daily.

Docusate Sodium

PO (Adults and Children >12 yr): 50–400 mg in 1–4 divided doses.
PO (Children 6–12 yr): 40–150 mg in 1–4 divided doses.
PO (Children 3–6 yr): 20–60 mg in 1–4 divided doses.
PO (Children <3 yr): 10–40 mg in 1–4 divided doses.
PO (Infants ): 5 mg/kg/day in 1–4 divided doses.
Rect (Adults ): 50–100 mg or 1 unit containing 283 mg docusate sodium, soft soap, and glycerin.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

docusate sodium: Colace, DOK, Dulcolax Stool Softener, Enemeez Mini, Silace

Action ⬆ ⬇

Promotes incorporation of water into stool, resulting in softer fecal mass.
May also promote electrolyte and water secretion into the colon.

Therapeutic effects:

Softening and passage of stool.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: laxatives

Pharmacologic Classification: stool softeners

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Small amounts may be absorbed from the small intestine after oral administration. Absorption from the rectum is not known.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Amounts absorbed after oral administration are eliminated in bile.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Canadian Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

docusate sodium: Selax, Soflax

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(softening of stool)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	12–72 hr	unknown	unknown
Rectal	2–15 min	unknown	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain the purpose and side effects of docusate. Instruct them to take medication as directed. Advise patient that results may take as long as 3–5 days. Patient should report if no bowel movement occurs after use. Do not share medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms; may be harmful. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
Tell patient not to take docusate or any other laxative if experiencing acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or a sudden change of bowel habits of over 2 wk.
Advise patients that laxatives should be used only for short-term therapy. Long-term therapy may cause electrolyte imbalance and dependence.
Encourage patients to use other forms of bowel regulation, such as ↑ bulk in the diet, fluid intake (6–8 full glasses/day), and mobility. Normal bowel habits are variable and may vary from 3 times/day to 3 times/wk.
Instruct patients with cardiac disease to avoid straining during bowel movements (Valsalva maneuver).
Advise patient not to take docusate within 2 hr of other laxatives.
Advise patient to notify health care provider of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care provider before taking other medications.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding. Docusate is excreted in breast milk and may cause ↑ bowel activity in nursing infants.

section name header

Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇