Docusate sodium

Oral
Rectal
Class
Laxatives
Subclass
Stool softeners
Substance name
Docusate sodium, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, DOSS
Brand names
Colace®
Common formulations
Capsule
Dosage and administration
Adults patients
Symptomatic relief of constipation
•
100-300 mg PO daily, in 1-3 divided doses
Indications for use
Labeled indications
Adults
•
Symptomatic relief of constipation
Children
•
Symptomatic relief of constipation
•
Symptomatic relief of constipation (in patients 2-12 years) (occasional)
•
Symptomatic relief of constipation (in patients ≥ 12 years) (occasional)
Off-label indications
Children
•
Symptomatic relief of constipation (chronic)
Safety risks
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to docusate or its components
Acute abdominal pain
Bowel obstruction
Concomitant use of mineral oil
•
Do not use docusate with mineral oil, as it may increase the absorption of mineral oil, leading to adverse gastrointestinal side effects.
Warnings and precautions
Chronic diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance
•
Use caution when using docusate for > 7 days. Discontinue docusate if no bowel movement occurs after its use, it's needed for > 7 days, or rectal bleeding occurs.
Specific populations
Renal impairment
eGFR 0-90 mL/min/1.73 m²
•
No guidance available. Docusate is likely safe for use in patients with renal impairment, based on its widespread usage in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.
Renal replacement therapy
Any modality
•
No guidance available. Most likely safe to use.
Hepatic impairment
Any severity
•
No guidance available. Most likely safe to use.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
All trimesters • Australia Category: A
•
Generally acceptable for use.
Breastfeeding
Acceptable for short-term therapy.
•
Docusate has minimal absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and is unlikely to appear in maternal serum or breastmilk. Laxatives that are completely unabsorbed may be preferred.
Unknown amount excreted in breastmilk.
Unknown drug levels in breastfed infants.
May potentially cause adverse effects in breastfed infants.
Adverse reactions
Very common > 10%
•
Diarrhea
Common 1-10%
•
Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting
Uncommon < 1%
•
Rectal bleeding
Unknown frequency
•
↓ serum potassium, abdominal discomfort, change in taste, flatulence, skin rash, urine discoloration, wheezing
Interactions
Drug(s)
Check Interactions
Reset

What did you think about this content?

Create free account

Sign up for free to access the full drug resource