Dok (docusate Sodium) 100mg Tb
It is used to treat constipation.
Drug Class
Stool Softener, Laxative
Pharmacologic Class
Anionic Surfactant
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Docusate sodium is a type of laxative called a stool softener. It works by helping water and fats get into your stool, making it softer and easier to pass. It's used to prevent and treat constipation, especially when straining during bowel movements should be avoided (e.g., after surgery, heart attack, or in people with hemorrhoids).
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, with or without food, and swallow it with a full glass of water.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, away from freezing temperatures. Keep it in a dry place, avoiding bathrooms and areas where it may get wet. Ensure that all medications are kept out of the reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Instead, check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method or participate in a local drug take-back program if available.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, follow your doctor's instructions and do not take it more frequently than recommended.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, with or without food, and swallow it with a full glass of water.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, away from freezing temperatures. Keep it in a dry place, avoiding bathrooms and areas where it may get wet. Ensure that all medications are kept out of the reach of children and pets. When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Instead, check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method or participate in a local drug take-back program if available.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, follow your doctor's instructions and do not take it more frequently than recommended.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Increase fluid intake (at least 6-8 glasses of water daily) unless medically restricted.
- Increase dietary fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Do not use for more than 7 days unless directed by a doctor.
- Do not use if you have abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
50-300 mg orally once daily or in divided doses
Dose Range:
50 - 300 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
constipation:
100 mg orally once daily or 50 mg orally twice daily, up to 300 mg/day if needed.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (use with caution, consult pediatrician)
Infant:
Not established (use with caution, consult pediatrician)
Child:
2-12 years: 50-150 mg orally once daily or in divided doses
Adolescent:
12-17 years: 50-300 mg orally once daily or in divided doses
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Dialysis:
No specific considerations; minimal systemic absorption.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed
Moderate:
No adjustment needed
Severe:
No adjustment needed
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Docusate sodium is an anionic surfactant that lowers the surface tension of the oil-water interface of the stool, allowing water and fats to penetrate and mix with the fecal mass. This results in a softer stool, making it easier to pass.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Minimal systemic absorption (primarily acts locally in the GI tract)
Tmax:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
FoodEffect:
Not significant
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
CnssPenetration:
No
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Clearance:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
ExcretionRoute:
Biliary/Fecal
Unchanged:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
12-72 hours (usually within 1-3 days)
PeakEffect:
Not applicable (gradual effect)
DurationOfAction:
Not applicable (effect persists as long as therapy continues)
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor for medical advice.
Reporting Side Effects
To report side effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or visit their website at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is also a valuable resource for guidance on managing side effects.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor for medical advice.
Reporting Side Effects
To report side effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or visit their website at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is also a valuable resource for guidance on managing side effects.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Rectal bleeding
- No bowel movement after 3 days of use
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Bowel blockage
+ Abdominal pain
+ Upset stomach
+ Rectal bleeding
+ Vomiting
+ Changes in bowel habits that last longer than 2 weeks
* If you are currently taking mineral oil
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Bowel blockage
+ Abdominal pain
+ Upset stomach
+ Rectal bleeding
+ Vomiting
+ Changes in bowel habits that last longer than 2 weeks
* If you are currently taking mineral oil
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
Do not use this medication for a period exceeding 1 week unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to do so.
If you experience rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after using this medication, it is crucial that you consult with your doctor.
Unless advised by your doctor, refrain from using other laxatives or stool softeners in conjunction with this medication. Additionally, if you are following a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, be sure to discuss this with your doctor, as some of these products contain sodium.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are currently breast-feeding, it is vital to consult with your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with this medication for both you and your baby.
Do not use this medication for a period exceeding 1 week unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to do so.
If you experience rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after using this medication, it is crucial that you consult with your doctor.
Unless advised by your doctor, refrain from using other laxatives or stool softeners in conjunction with this medication. Additionally, if you are following a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, be sure to discuss this with your doctor, as some of these products contain sodium.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are currently breast-feeding, it is vital to consult with your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with this medication for both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Electrolyte imbalance (rare with oral use)
What to Do:
Discontinue use. Provide supportive care and rehydration. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) or seek immediate medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Mineral oil (increased absorption of mineral oil, potentially leading to lipid pneumonia if aspirated)
Monitoring
Routine Monitoring
Bowel movements
Frequency: Daily
Target: Regular, soft stools
Action Threshold: Lack of bowel movement after 3 days, worsening constipation, or abdominal pain
Symptom Monitoring
- Abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Nausea
- Bloating
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, as systemic absorption is minimal. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk
Second Trimester:
Low risk
Third Trimester:
Low risk
Lactation
Considered compatible with breastfeeding (L1 risk category) due to minimal systemic absorption and low excretion into breast milk.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Generally safe for children, but dosing should be age-appropriate and under medical supervision, especially for infants and young children. Not recommended for children under 2 years without physician consultation.
Geriatric Use
Generally safe for elderly patients. No specific dose adjustments are typically needed. Encourage adequate hydration and fiber intake. Monitor for potential electrolyte imbalances if diarrhea occurs, though rare.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Docusate is a stool softener, not a stimulant laxative. It helps prevent constipation and makes stools easier to pass, but it does not directly stimulate bowel movements.
- It is often used in situations where straining should be avoided, such as post-surgery, myocardial infarction, or in patients with hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
- Onset of action is slow (1-3 days), so it's not suitable for immediate relief of acute constipation.
- Adequate fluid intake is crucial for docusate to work effectively.
- Avoid concomitant use with mineral oil due to increased absorption of mineral oil and potential for adverse effects.
Alternative Therapies
- Bulk-forming laxatives (e.g., psyllium, methylcellulose)
- Osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol, lactulose, magnesium hydroxide)
- Stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl, senna) - generally for short-term use
- Lubricant laxatives (e.g., mineral oil - avoid with docusate)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 30 tablets (100mg)
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Tier 1 (Generic)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more details. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.