Docusate Sodium, Oral/Rectal

Laxative · Stimulant laxative

Indications

Constipation. Adjunct in radiological procedure.

Dosage

Oral preparation act within 1-2 days. Rectal administration act within 20 min. ORAL: Chronic constipation: Adults & Children: Above 12 yr, Up to 500 mg daily in divided doses. Adjunct in abdominal radiological procedure: Adults & Children: Above 12 yr, 400 mg with barium meal. Children: Under 12 yr, not recommended. ENEMA: Rectally. Adults & Children: Above 12 yr, One enema as single dose. Children: Under 12 yr, not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramps, skin rash. Rectal preps: Local irritation.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Not rated. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Inflammatory bowel disease, abdominal pain, GI obstruction, nausea, vomiting. Rectal preps: Haemorrhoids, anal fissure, anal bleeding.

Interactions

Liquid paraffin, anthraquinones.

Advice to Patient

Take with a full glass of water, milk or fruit juice. Contact prescriber if there is rectal bleeding, symptoms of electrolyte imbalances (such as dizziness, light-headedness, muscle cramping and weakness) or unrelieved constipation. Do not use if abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting are present. Increase fiber intake, exercise regularly and drink 6-8 glasses (240 mL/glass) of water daily to prevent constipation.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: Oral: 6-72 hrs. Rectal: 2-15 mins. Duration: About 72 hrs. Absorption: Minimally absorbed. Excretion: If docusate is systemically absorbed, it undergoes biliary excretion.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.