Classes
DEA Class; OTC
Common Brand Names; Colace, DSS, Albert Docusate, Docusate Calcium, docusate sodium, DulcoEase, Phillips Liqui Gels, Silace, Soflax
- Laxatives, Stool Softener
Description
Anionic surfactant used to treat constipation
Available as calcium salt or as the sodium salt; no apparent clinical difference between the two salts
At recommended doses, exhibits little stimulatory actions and thus not considered a laxative; stool softening effects apparent after 1—3 days of therapy
Indications
Indicated for the prevention or treatment of constipation.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Intestinal obstruction, symptoms of appendicitis or acute abdominal pain, fecal impaction
Concomitant use of mineral oil
Nausea or vomiting
Use for longer than 7 days when self-medicating
Adverse Effects
Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Excessive bowel activity
Intestinal obstruction
Throat irritation
Warnings
Electrolyte imbalance may occur with excessive use
Excessive use may result in dependence
Enema is for rectal use only; lubricate prior to insertion; discontinue use and notify health care professional if irritation occurs around the anus/rectal or if resistance is encountered with insertion; injury or damage to the rectum can occur if tube forced
Prior to OTC use, patient should contact healthcare professional if stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting are present, or if a sudden change in bowel habits occurs and persists over 14 days
Patient should discontinue use and notify healthcare professional if bleeding occurs, if bowel movement fails to occur after use, or need to continue use after using for 7 days
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Unknown whether drug is excreted in milk; compatible with nursing
Maximum Dosage
NOTE: Do not exceed recommended dosage limits for the specific product; specific OTC products, for example, may specify slightly different recommendations from other products on the product label.
240 mg/day PO for docusate calcium; 360 mg/day PO for docusate sodium; 849 mg/day (three 283 mg enemas) PR docusate sodium.
240 mg/day PO for docusate calcium; 360 mg/day PO for docusate sodium; 849 mg/day (three 283 mg enemas) PR docusate sodium.
240 mg/day PO for docusate calcium; 360 mg/day PO for docusate sodium; 849 mg/day (three 283 mg enemas) PR docusate sodium.
>= 12 years: 240 mg/day PO for docusate calcium; 360 mg/day PO for docusate sodium; 849 mg/day (three 283 mg enemas) PR docusate sodium.
2 to 11 years: 150 mg/day PO for docusate sodium; 283 mg/day PR for docusate sodium.
< 2 years of age: Safety and efficacy have not been established; however, 40 mg/day PO of docusate sodium has been used.
Safety and efficacy have not been established; however, 40 mg/day PO of docusate sodium has been used.
How supplied
Docusate
capsule as sodium
- 50mg
- 100mg
- 250mg
capsule as calcium
- 240mg
tablet
- 100mg
oral liquid
- 10mg/mL
- 50mg/15mL
syrup
- 60mg/15mL
Enema, Rectal (Sodium)
- 283 mg (5 mL)
