Yes

Stool Softener

Stool softener in patients who should avoid straining during defecation and constipation associated with hard, dry stools; prophylaxis for straining (Valsalva) following myocardial infarction. A safe agent to be used in elderly; some evidence that doses <200 mg are ineffective; stool softeners are unnecessary if stool is well hydrated or "mushy" and soft; shown to be ineffective used long-term.

C

Concomitant use of mineral oil; intestinal obstruction, acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting; hypersensitivity to docusate or any component

Prolonged, frequent or excessive use may result in dependence or electrolyte imbalance

1% to 10%:

Miscellaneous: Throat irritation

Symptoms of overdose include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fluid loss, hypokalemia

Treatment is symptomatic

Increased toxicity with mineral oil, phenolphthalein

Reduces surface tension of the oil-water interface of the stool resulting in enhanced incorporation of water and fat allowing for stool softening

Onset of action: 12-72 hours

Docusate salts are interchangeable; the amount of sodium, calcium, or potassium per dosage unit is clinically insignificant

Children: Oral:

3-6 years: 20-60 mg/day in 1-4 divided doses

6-12 years: 40-150 mg/day in 1-4 divided doses

Adolescents and Adults: Oral: 50-500 mg/day in 1-4 divided doses

Older Children and Adults: Rectal: Add 50-100 mg of docusate liquid to enema fluid (saline or water); administer as retention or flushing enema

Should be administered with a full glass of water, milk, or fruit juice

potassium (S), chloride (S)

None reported

None reported

No information available to require special precautions

No effects or complications reported

Docusate should be taken with a full glass of water, milk, or fruit juice. Do not use if abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting are present. Laxative use should be used for a short period of time (<1 week). Prolonged use may result in abuse, dependence, as well as fluid and electrolyte loss. Report bleeding or if constipation occurs. Pregnancy precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to be pregnant.

Docusate liquid should be given with milk, fruit juice, or infant formula to mask the bitter taste

Capsule, as calcium:

DC 240® Softgels®, Pro-Cal-Sof®, Sulfalax®: 240 mg

Surfak®: 50 mg, 240 mg

Capsule, as potassium:

Diocto-K®: 100 mg

Kasof®: 240 mg

Capsule, as sodium:

Colace®: 50 mg, 100 mg

Dioeze®: 250 mg

Disonate®: 100 mg, 240 mg

DOK®: 100 mg, 250 mg

DOS® Softgel®: 100 mg, 250 mg

D-S-S®: 100 mg

Modane® Soft: 100 mg

Regulax SS®: 100 mg, 250 mg

Liquid, as sodium (Diocto®, Colace®, Disonate®, DOK®): 150 mg/15 mL (30 mL, 60 mL, 480 mL)

Solution, oral, as sodium (Doxinate®): 50 mg/mL with alcohol 5% (60 mL, 3780 mL)

Syrup, as sodium:

50 mg/15 mL (15 mL, 30 mL)

Colace®, Diocto®, Disonate®, DOK®: 60 mg/15 mL (240 mL, 480 mL, 3780 mL)

Tablet, as sodium (Dialose®): 100 mg

Chen DA and Caparosa RJ, "A Nonprescription Cerumenolytic," Am J Otol, 1991, 12(6):475-6.

Pietrusko RG, "Use and Abuse of Laxatives," Am J Hosp Pharm, 1977, 34:291-300.

Schindler AM, "Isolated Neonatal Hypomagnesaemia Associated With Maternal Overuse of Stool Softener," Lancet, 1984, 2(8406):822.