Docusate Sodium
Indications
Docusate Sodium is used for:
Constipation
Adult Dose
Oral
Constipation
Adult: 1 tablet daily at bed time
Child Dose
Oral
Constipation
Child: 6-12 yr: 40-120 mg/day;
3-6 yr: 20-60 mg/day.
To be given in divided doses.
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Intestinal obstruction or undiagnosed abdominal symptoms. Prolonged use. Concurrent use with liqd paraffin.
Precautions
Pregnancy, lactation.
Lactation: Unknown whether drug is excreted in milk; compatible with nursing
Pregnancy-Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Unknown whether drug is excreted in milk; compatible with nursing
Interactions
Enhances GI uptake of other drugs. Increases effect of anthraquinone laxatives. Increases incidence of adverse effects when given concurrently with aspirin.
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Docusate Sodium :
Abdominal cramping, Diarrhea, Excessive bowel activity, Intestinal obstruction, Throat irritation
Mechanism of Action
Docusate sodium is an anionic surfactant which is considered to act primarily by increasing the penetration of fluid into the faeces. It may also have other effects on intestinal fluid secretion, and may act both as stimulant and as faecal softening agent.