Stool Softener (docusate sodium)
Laxatives Oral Capsule
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
The calcium and sodium salts of docusate are anionic, surface-active agents (surfactants) that have emulsifying and wetting properties and are used as stool softeners.
USES: This medication is used to treat occasional constipation. Some medications and conditions can make constipation more likely. Stool softeners such as docusate are often the first method used for preventing and treating this type of constipation.
Docusate is often used when straining to have a bowel movement should be avoided (such as after a heart attack or surgery). Docusate is a stool softener. It works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
Relief is usually seen in 1 to 3 days with this medication. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients.
Also, products with similar names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.
Generic name: docusate sodium
Pronunciation: (DOCK-you-sate)
Drug class: Laxatives
Therapeutic class: Gastrointestinal Therapy Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Stool Softener
Indications
The following indications are listed for Stool Softener:
- Constipation
Dosing
Docusate salts should be administered in doses only large enough to produce softening of the stools. The oral dosage of the docusate salts varies widely according to the severity of the condition and the response of the patient and should be adjusted to individual response.
The usual oral dosage of docusate salts in adults and children older than 12 years of age is 50-360 mg daily. The usual oral dosage is 50-150 mg daily in children 2-12 years of age and 25 mg daily in children younger than 2 years of age. Alternatively, children 3-6 years of age may receive oral docusate sodium dosages of 20-60 mg daily and children younger than 3 years of age may receive 10-40 mg daily. Doses at the higher end of these dosage ranges may be required initially. The drugs may be administered in divided doses but usually one bedtime dose is sufficient. One manufacturer suggests adding 50-100 mg of docusate sodium as an oral liquid (not syrup) to saline or oil retention enemas for rectal use.
Docusate salts are administered orally. The sodium salt of docusate may be administered rectally. Oral liquids (not syrups) of docusate sodium should be diluted with 120 mL of milk, fruit juice, or infant formula to mask their bitter taste.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Stool Softener 100 Mg Softgel | Maintenance | Take 1 capsule (100 mg) by oral route once daily at bedtime as needed. |
| Stool Softener 100 Mg Capsule | Maintenance | Take 1 capsule (100 mg) by oral route once daily at bedtime as needed. |
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Docusate Sodium 100 Mg Softgel | Maintenance | Take 1 capsule (100 mg) by oral route once daily at bedtime as needed. |
| Pub Docusate Sodium 100 Mg Cap | Maintenance | Take 1 capsule (100 mg) by oral route once daily at bedtime as needed. |
| Docusate Sodium 100 Mg Capsule | Maintenance | Take 1 capsule (100 mg) by oral route once daily at bedtime as needed. |
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
Laxatives/Trofinetide
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Trofinetide commonly causes diarrhea of mild to moderate severity. Laxatives may increase the incidence or severity of diarrhea.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of laxatives with trofinetide may increase the risk of severe diarrhea.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients should stop laxatives before starting trofinetide. If diarrhea occurs, consider anti-diarrheal treatment and monitor hydration status. If severe diarrhea or dehydration occurs, interrupt, reduce dose, or discontinue trofinetide.(1)
DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, 85% of patients on trofinetide developed diarrhea. Concurrent use of laxatives may increase this risk.(1)
Laxatives; Stool Softeners/Tenapanor
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Tenapanor commonly causes diarrhea of mild to moderate severity. Laxatives and stool softeners may increase the incidence or severity of diarrhea.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of laxatives or stool softeners with tenapanor may increase the risk of severe diarrhea.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tenapanor states that patients should be instructed to avoid stool softeners and laxatives with tenapanor. If severe diarrhea occurs, tenapanor should be discontinued.(1)
DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, 43-53% of CKD patients on dialysis treated with tenapanor developed diarrhea. Diarrhea usually occurred soon after treatment initiation and was severe in 5% of patients.(1)
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- Appendicitis
- Fecal incontinence
Adverse reactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
Rare or Very Rare
- Skin rash
Rare or Very Rare
- Abdominal pain with cramps
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Constipation | ||
| K59.0 | ICD10CM | Constipation |
| K59.00 | ICD10CM | Constipation, unspecified |
| K59.01 | ICD10CM | Slow transit constipation |
| K59.03 | ICD10CM | Drug induced constipation |
| K59.04 | ICD10CM | Chronic idiopathic constipation |
| K59.09 | ICD10CM | Other constipation |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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