Docusate at a glance
Medicine class
Stool-softening laxative.
Available forms
Oral capsules, oral liquids and a rectal micro-enema.
Food
Oral docusate may be taken with or without food.
Practical point
Drink water or another suitable drink after oral liquid. Remain near a toilet after using the micro-enema because it acts quickly.
What is Docusate used for?
Licensed uses vary between UK products.
Prevention and treatment of chronic constipation with selected oral products.
Softening hard, dry stools and reducing straining, including when haemorrhoids or an anal fissure are present, with selected oral products.
Use alongside some abdominal radiological procedures with selected oral products.
Symptomatic treatment of constipation with Norgalax rectal micro-enema.
Preparation of the colon and rectum for endoscopic examination with Norgalax.
How does Docusate work?
Docusate sodium is a surfactant. It lowers surface tension so water and fats can enter the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. The micro-enema acts mainly in the rectum, although minimal absorption cannot be excluded.
Docusate preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 12.5 mg/5 mL, 50 mg/5 mL
How to take Docusate
Follow the product leaflet or instructions from a pharmacist or prescriber because administration differs between formulations.
Swallow capsules whole with water.
Measure oral liquid with the supplied device rather than a kitchen spoon, then drink water or another suitable drink.
Paediatric oral liquid can be diluted in fruit juice or milk and should be drunk within 30 minutes of preparation.
For the micro-enema, remove the cap, lubricate the applicator with a drop of gel if needed, insert it rectally and gently squeeze the tube empty.
Oral forms may be taken with or without food.
Docusate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea.
- Diarrhoea.
- Abdominal cramps.
- Burning or discomfort around the anus after the micro-enema; rectal bleeding can occur.
- Burning in the mouth or throat after oral liquid.
- Rash or itching.
Get urgent medical advice
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty, collapse or unresponsiveness.
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea, particularly with dehydration symptoms.
- Persistent rectal pain or bleeding after an enema.
Docusate in pregnancy
Docusate is occasionally used during pregnancy. Available evidence has not identified harm to the baby, although laxatives with more pregnancy information are usually considered first. Discuss its use with a pharmacist, midwife or doctor. The Norgalax product information advises use only when the expected benefit outweighs potential risk.
Docusate while breastfeeding
NHS guidance considers docusate compatible with breastfeeding because only a very small amount is expected in milk. Selected oral-product information advises caution. Seek advice if the baby feeds less well than usual or there are other concerns.
Docusate interactions
Check other medicines with a pharmacist or prescriber, particularly other laxatives and medicines affected by absorption.
Mineral oil laxatives, including liquid paraffin
Do not combine with oral docusate because docusate can increase mineral-oil absorption.
Anthraquinone stimulant laxatives, such as senna
Docusate may increase their absorption and effects, so the combination should be reviewed by a clinician or pharmacist.
Common questions about Docusate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How quickly does docusate sodium work?
Oral capsules and liquids generally take one to three days. The Norgalax micro-enema usually acts within minutes, so remain near a toilet.
Can children take docusate sodium?
A child-specific oral liquid is licensed for infants over six months and children. Adult products and Norgalax have different age restrictions, so use only the formulation recommended by a prescriber or pharmacist.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.