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Docusate

    Brands

    DEA Class; OTC

    Common Brand Names; Colace, DSS, Albert Docusate, Docusate Calcium, docusate sodium, DulcoEase, Phillips Liqui Gels, Silace, Soflax

    • Laxatives, Stool Softener

    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

    Indicated for the prevention or treatment of constipation.

    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

    Abdominal cramping

    Diarrhea

    Excessive bowel activity

    Intestinal obstruction

    Throat irritation

    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 category: C

    Lactation: Unknown whether drug is excreted in milk; compatible with nursing

    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.

    Adults

    240 mg/day PO for docusate calcium; 360 mg/day PO for docusate sodium; 849 mg/day (three 283 mg enemas) PR docusate sodium.

    Geriatric

    240 mg/day PO for docusate calcium; 360 mg/day PO for docusate sodium; 849 mg/day (three 283 mg enemas) PR docusate sodium.

    Adolescents

    240 mg/day PO for docusate calcium; 360 mg/day PO for docusate sodium; 849 mg/day (three 283 mg enemas) PR docusate sodium.

    Children

    >= 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.

    Infants

    Safety and efficacy have not been established; however, 40 mg/day PO of docusate sodium has been used.

    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)