II. Indications
III. Mechanism
-
Emollient Laxative theoretically softens stool
- Allow water and fat to penetrate the fecal mass
- Effect probably due to induced Secretory Diarrhea
- Slow onset of action (24 to 48 hours)
IV. Precautions
- Do not use longterm
- Docusate liquid formulations were recalled in 2016 due to Bacterial contamination
V. Efficacy
- Some studies suggest Docusate has no greater effect than Placebo
- Other, more effective medications are recommended instead for Constipation
VI. Dosing: Docusate Sodium or Dioctyl sulfosuccinate (Colace)
- Onset of action within 24-72 hours
- Oral liquid is bitter
- Mix with milk or fruit juice to mask taste
- Adult (or age >12 years)
- Twice daily: 100 mg orally twice daily
- Once daily: 200 mg orally at bedtime
- Maximum: 400 mg/day
- Pediatric
- Age <3 years: 10-40 mg/day divided up to four times daily
- Age 3 to 6 years: 20-60 mg/day divided up to four times daily
- Age 6 to 12 years: 40 to 150 mg/day divided up to four times daily
VII. Dosing: Docusate Calcium (Surfak)
- Adult: 240 mg orally daily
- Child: 50-150 mg orally daily
VIII. Adverse Effects
- Risk of hepatotoxicity
IX. Safety
- Pregnancy Category A
- Safe in Lactation
X. Drug Interactions
- May also increase absorption of other medications
-
Mineral Oil
- Docusate enhances intestinal Mineral Oil absorption
- Do not use Docusate with Mineral Oil preparations
XI. Resources
XII. References
- Olson (2020) Clinical Pharmacology, Medmaster Miami, p. 94
- (2023) Management of Constipation, Presc Lett, #390108
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Related Studies
| docusate (on 12/21/2022 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing) | ||
| DOCUSATE CAL 240 MG SOFTGEL | Generic OTC | $0.06 each |
| DOCUSATE SODIUM 100 MG SOFTGEL | Generic OTC | $0.02 each |
| DOCUSATE SODIUM 100 MG TABLET | Generic OTC | $0.03 each |
| DOCUSATE SODIUM 250 MG SOFTGEL | Generic OTC | $0.05 each |
| DOCUSATE SODIUM 50 MG/5 ML LIQ | Generic OTC | $0.01 per ml |
| colace (on 10/1/2022 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing) | ||
| COLACE 100 MG CAPSULE | Generic OTC | $0.02 each |
| COLACE 2-IN-1 TABLET | Generic OTC | $0.03 each |
| COLACE-T 100 MG CAPSULE | Generic OTC | $0.02 each |