'''Docusate''' ({{pronEng|ˈdɒkjuːseɪt}}) is the generic name of a [[surfactant]] used as a [[laxative]] and [[stool softener]], which is sold in the U.S. under multiple brand names: Aqualax, Calube, Colace, Colace Micro-Enema, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, DC-240, Dialose, Diocto, Dioctocal, Dioctosoftez, Dioctyn, Dionex, Doc-Q-Lace, Docu Soft, Docucal, Doculax, Docusoft S, DOK, DOS, Doss-Relief, DSS, Dulcolax, Ex-Lax Stool Softener, Fleet Sof-Lax, Genasoft, Kasof, Laxa-basic, Modane Soft, Octycine-100, Regulax SS, Sulfalax Calcium, Sur-Q-Lax, Surfak Stool Softener and Therevac-SB.
Docusate is also any of a group of anionic surfactants widely used as emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing agents.
* Content
==Clinical use==
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Docusate is given to make stools softer and easier to pass. It is used to treat [[constipation]] due to hard stools, in painful anorectal conditions such as [[hemorrhoids]], and for people who should avoid straining during bowel movements. Of note is that the effect of docusate may not necessarily be all due to its surfactant properties. [[Perfusion]] studies suggest that docusates inhibit fluid absorption or stimulate secretion in jejunum.
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While the use of docusate is widespread, the data to support its efficacy in treating chronic constipation is actually lacking. Also, although more research is needed, long term use of docusate seems to decrease levels of magnesium and potassium in the blood.
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Docusate should not be used in addition to mineral oil as the emulsifier will result in mineral oil being absorbed rather than functioning as a lubricant for the bowel walls.
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*Docusate is available in tablet, [[capsule]], liquid, and rectal [[enema]].
*Docusate calcium [USP] and docusate potassium [USP] are anionic surfactants used as stool softeners and are administered orally.
*Docusate sodium [USP] is anionic surfactant used as a stool softener and is administered orally or rectally; as a tablet disintegrant or as an emulsifier and dispersant in topical preparations. When sold as Colace, it is docusate sodium, or sodium salt of [[dioctyl]] [[sodium sulfosuccinate]] (DSS). Some metabolism studies show that DSS is absorbed by the body from the gastrointestinal tract, undergoing extensive metabolism. In humans, the main way DSS metabolites are excreted is via the feces.
Docusate sodium may be used in a daily regimine in persons who are undergoing narcotic pain medication therapy to reduce the effects of chronic constipation or hardened stools which can cause severe straining, impaction, and torn rectal tissues.
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==Effect==
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*The effect on stools is seen 1 to 3 days after the first dose.
{{Laxatives}}
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[[Category:Laxatives]]
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|useInPregnancyFDA=* '''Pregnancy Category'''
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|useInRenalImpair=There is no FDA guidance on the use of {{PAGENAME}} in patients with renal impairment.
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|useInReproPotential=There is no FDA guidance on the use of {{PAGENAME}} in women of reproductive potentials and males.
|useInImmunocomp=There is no FDA guidance one the use of {{PAGENAME}} in patients who are immunocompromised.
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|administration=* Oral
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|monitoring=There is limited information regarding <i>Monitoring</i> of {{PAGENAME}} in the drug label.
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|alcohol=* Alcohol-{{PAGENAME}} interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.
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Black Box Warning
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See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
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Content
Overview
Docusate is a {{{drugClass}}} that is FDA approved for the treatment of {{{indication}}}. There is a Black Box Warning for this drug as shown here. Common adverse reactions include .
Adult Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
Condition1
Dosing Information
Dosage
Condition2
Dosing Information
Dosage
Condition3
Dosing Information
Dosage
Condition4
Dosing Information
Dosage
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)
Guideline-Supported Use
Condition1
Developed by:
Class of Recommendation:
Strength of Evidence:
Dosing Information
Dosage
Condition2
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Docusate in adult patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
Condition1
Dosing Information
Dosage
Condition2
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Docusate in adult patients.
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)
Condition1
Dosing Information
Dosage
Condition2
There is limited information regarding FDA-Labeled Use of Docusate in pediatric patients.
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)
Guideline-Supported Use
Condition1
Developed by:
Class of Recommendation:
Strength of Evidence:
Dosing Information
Dosage
Condition2
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Docusate in pediatric patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
Condition1
Dosing Information
Dosage
Condition2
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Docusate in pediatric patients.
Contraindications
Condition1
Warnings
ConditionName:
See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning.
ConditionName:
Content
Description
Precautions
Description
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Trials Experience
There is limited information regarding Clinical Trial Experience of Docusate in the drug label.
Body as a Whole
Cardiovascular
Digestive
Endocrine
Hematologic and Lymphatic
Metabolic and Nutritional
Musculoskeletal
Neurologic
Respiratory
Skin and Hypersensitivy Reactions
Special Senses
Urogenital
Miscellaneous
Postmarketing Experience
There is limited information regarding Postmarketing Experience of Docusate in the drug label.