Details About Generic Salt ::  Docusate

Main Medicine Class:: Laxative,Fecal softener   

(DOCK-you-sate)

Docusate Sodium (Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate; DSS)

Colace, Diocto, Docu, D.O.S, D-S-S, ex-lax Stool Softener, Genasoft, Modane Soft, Non-Habit Forming Stool Softener, Phillips’ Liqui-Gels, Regulax SS, Silace, Stool Softener, PMS-Docusate Sodium, Regulex, Selax, Soflax

Docusate Calcium (Dioctyl Calcium Sulfosuccinate)

DC Softgels, Stool Softener, Stool Softener DC, Surfak Liquigels, Albert Docusate, PMS-Docusate Calcium, Surfak

Docusate Potassium (Dioctyle Potassium Sulfosuccinate)

Dialose, Diocto-K, Kasof, Perestan

Class: Laxative/Fecal softener

Drugs Class ::

 Action Facilitates stool softening by detergent activity.

Indications for Drugs ::

 Indications Short-term treatment of constipation; prophylaxis in patients who should not strain during defecation (eg, after anorectal surgery, myocardial infarction); evaquate the colon for rectal and bowel examinations; prevention of dry hard stools.

Drug Dose ::

 Route/Dosage

DOCUSATE SODIUM

ADULTS & CHILDREN > 12 YR: PO 50 to 500 mg. CHILDREN 6 to 12 YR: PO 40 to 120 mg. CHILDREN 3 to 6 YR: PO 20 to 60 mg. CHILDREN < 3 YR: PO 10 to 40 mg.

DOCUSATE CALCIUM

ADULTS: PO 240 mg. CHILDREN ³ 6 YR & Adults With MINIMAL NEEDS: PO 50 to 150 mg.

DOCUSATE POTASSIUM

ADULTS: PO 100 to 300 mg. CHILDREN ³ 6 YR: PO 100 mg at bedtime.

Contraindication ::

 Contraindications Nausea, vomiting or other symptoms of appendicitis; acute surgical abdomen; fecal impaction; intestinal obstruction; undiagnosed abdominal pain; co-administration with mineral oil.

Drug Precautions ::

 Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C. Lactation: Undetermined. Abuse/dependence: Long-term use may lead to laxative dependence, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, steatorrhea, osteomalacia and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance: Excessive laxative use may lead to significant fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Rectal bleeding or failure to respond: May indicate serious condition that may require further medical attention. Concomitant laxative use: Do not use other laxatives, especially during the initial phase of therapy for portal-systemic encephalopathy; the resulting loose stools may falsely suggest adequate lactulose dosage.

Drug Side Effects ::

 Adverse Reactions

CV: Palpitations. CNS: Dizziness; fainting. GI: Excessive bowel activity (griping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting); perianal irritation; bloating; flatulence; abdominal cramping. OTHER: Sweating; weakness.

Drug Mode of Action ::  

 Action Facilitates stool softening by detergent activity.

Drug Interactions ::

 Interactions

Mineral oil: Docusate may increase absorption of mineral oil from GI tract, leading to toxicity.

Drug Assesment ::

 Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies.
• Assess patient’s bowel regimen to determine nonpharmacologic interventions for bowel evacuation.
• Review patient’s diet history for medical restriction of sodium. If sodium restriction is present, docusate sodium should not be used.
• Document daily I&O.
• Evaluate and document patient’s response to stool softener, noting and reporting any adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping or diarrhea.
• Monitor patient frequently for signs and symptoms of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance such as weakness, dizziness, confusion, palpitations, thirst or decreased urine output.

Drug Storage/Management ::

 Administration/Storage

• Administer each dose with full glass of water.
• Do not open or otherwise alter capsules.
• Do not give within 1 hr of other drugs or antacids, milk or histamine H₂ blockers.
• Do not administer for > 1 wk without follow-up evaluation.
• Store capsules at room temperature. Protect liquid preparations from light.

Drug Notes ::

 Patient/Family Education

• Tell patient to drink full glass of water with each dose.
• Instruct patient to swallow tablets whole and not to chew them.
• Instruct patient not to use mineral oil while taking this drug.
• Teach patient other methods of stimulating regular bowel evacuation: attempt to evacuate bowels at same time each day; drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water; eat high-fiber diet; exercise daily; respond to urge for bowel movement as soon as possible.
• Explain that liquid forms, excluding syrup, may be mixed with fruit juice or milk to mask unpleasant taste.

Disclaimer ::

The Information available on this site is for only Informational Purpose , before any use of this information please consult your Doctor .Price of the drugs indicated above may not match to real price due to many possible reasons may , including local taxes etc.. These are only approximate indicative prices of the drug.