Docuset

Indications

Docusate Sodium is a stool softener. Taken by mouth, it is used to relieve occasional constipation and to prevent straining, for example after surgery, after a heart attack, in people with piles (haemorrhoids) or anal fissures, and when other medicines cause hard stools. As ear drops, it is used to soften and loosen hard earwax.

How It Works

Docusate is a surfactant, a wetting agent like a mild detergent. It lowers the surface tension of the stool so water and fats can mix into it, making it softer and easier to pass. It also has a mild effect on the bowel to draw in water. In the ear it helps water soak into hard wax so it breaks up.

Dosage and Administration

By mouth, adults: usually 100 to 200 mg a day, as a single dose or divided doses, up to a maximum of 500 mg a day, with a full glass of water. It usually works in 1 to 3 days. Do not use for more than one week without medical advice. Children: as directed by a doctor or on the label. Ear drops: as directed on the label, usually the ear is filled with the drops for one or two nights, then the ear is gently rinsed if needed.

Interactions

• Mineral oil (liquid paraffin): do not take together, as Docusate may increase its absorption.
• Other laxatives: avoid combining without medical advice.
• It may increase absorption of some other medicines taken at the same time; space other medicines by about 2 hours if advised.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Docusate.
• Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting of unknown cause, or suspected bowel blockage or appendicitis.
• Ear drops: a perforated (torn) eardrum or ear infection.

Side Effects

Usually mild: stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, bitter taste and throat irritation (with liquids). Ear drops can cause mild ear irritation or temporary dullness of hearing.

Get urgent medical help for rectal bleeding, no bowel movement after using a laxative, severe stomach pain or vomiting, ear pain with discharge, or signs of allergy such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Docusate is poorly absorbed and is generally considered suitable for short-term use in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but ask your doctor first. Diet changes with fibre and fluids should be tried first.

Precautions and Warnings

• Drink plenty of fluids and eat fibre-rich food.
• A sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks should be checked by a doctor.
• Do not use ear drops if you have ear pain, discharge or a known hole in the eardrum.

Overdose

Too much can cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps and loss of fluid and salts. Stop the medicine, drink fluids and seek medical advice if severe.

Therapeutic Class

Laxative, stool softener (surfactant); ceruminolytic (earwax softener) when used in the ear.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.