Docusates


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Oral
Constipation
Adult: As docusate Ca: 240 mg once daily.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose.
Contraindications
Intestinal obstruction or undiagnosed abdominal symptoms; presence of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting. Concomitant use with liquid paraffin.
Special Precautions
Avoid prolonged use. Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Rectal bleeding.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Rarely, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramps.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rarely, rash.
Drug Interactions
Potentially Fatal: May enhance gastrointestinal uptake of liquid paraffin.
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Docusate Ca is an anionic surfactant that has emulsifying and wetting properties. It reduces the surface tension of the oil-water interface of the stool leading to enhanced incorporation of water and fat, allowing for softening of the stool.
Onset: 12-72 hours.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Excretion: Via bile.
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Docusates

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 31407, Docusate calcium. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Docusate-calcium. Accessed Nov. 24, 2020.

Storage
Store between 15-30°C.
MIMS Class
Laxatives, Purgatives
References
Anon. Docusate Salts. AHFS Clinical Drug Information [online]. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. https://www.ahfscdi.com. Accessed 06/10/2020.

Anon. Docusate. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 06/10/2020.

Buckingham R (ed). Docusates. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 06/10/2020.

Kao Tin Capsule, Liquid Filled (Major Pharmaceuticals). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 06/10/2020.

Stool Softener Capsule, Liquid Filled (Geri-Care Pharmaceutical Corp). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/. Accessed 10/11/2020.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Docusates from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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