Docusate sodium

Docusate sodium
Clinical data

Trade names	Colace, Ex-Lax, Senokot S
AHFS/Drugs.com	Monograph
MedlinePlus	a601113
Pregnancy category	US: C (Risk not ruled out)
Routes of administration	By mouth or rectally
ATC code	A06AA02 (WHO)
Pharmacokinetic data
Onset of action	12 hrs to 5 days
Duration of action	3 days
Identifiers
IUPAC name Sodium 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexoxy)-1,4-dioxobutane-2-sulfonate
CAS Number	577-11-7
PubChem CID	23673837
ChemSpider	10861
UNII	F05Q2T2JA0
E number	E480 (thickeners, ...)
ECHA InfoCard	100.008.553
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C₂₀H₃₇NaO₇S
Molar mass	444.56 g/mol
3D model (Jmol)	Interactive image
Density	1.1 g/cm³
Melting point	153 to 157 °C (307 to 315 °F)
Solubility in water	1 in 70 parts mg/mL (20 °C)
SMILES [Na+].[O-]S(=O)(=O)C(C(=O)OCC(CC)CCCC)CC(=O)OCC(CC)CCCC
InChI InChI=1S/C20H38O7S.Na/c1-5-9-11-16(7-3)14-26-19(21)13-18(28(23,24)25)20(22)27-15-17(8-4)12-10-6-2;/h16-18H,5-15H2,1-4H3,(H,23,24,25);/q;+1/p-1 Key:APSBXTVYXVQYAB-UHFFFAOYSA-M

Docusate, also known as docusate salts or dioctyl sulfosuccinate, is a laxative used to treat constipation. It is considered a good choice in children who have hard feces. For constipation due to the use of opiates it may be used with a stimulant laxative. It may be taken by mouth or rectally. Usually it works in one to three days.

Side effects are uncommon. Rarely, there may be abdominal cramps or diarrhea. Long-term use may cause poor bowel function. Docusate is acceptable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is a laxative of the stool softener type and works by allowing more water to be absorbed by the feces. It typically comes in the form of a sodium, calcium, or potassium salts.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. It is available as a generic medication and is not very expensive. In the United States one hundred doses are about 14 USD. Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate also is used as a food additive, emulsifier, dispersant, and wetting agent, among other uses.

Docusate is used to treat constipation, and in painful anorectal conditions such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures, to help avoid straining during bowel movements.

...
Wikipedia