Co-danthrusate
Brand names: Normax
Co-danthrusate is a combination stimulant laxative containing dantron with docusate sodium, used to treat constipation in palliative care, including opioid-induced constipation.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
Dantron stimulates colonic peristalsis via the myenteric plexus while docusate sodium acts as a softening and wetting agent that allows water to penetrate the stool.
Prescribing in practice
- Restrict use to palliative care patients because dantron is potentially carcinogenic (based on rodent data) and colours the urine red.
- Avoid in intestinal obstruction or faecal impaction, and avoid prolonged skin contact as dantron may cause perianal contact dermatitis, particularly in incontinent patients.
- Counsel that prolonged contact with skin should be avoided, especially in patients who are incontinent or who wear napkins, to limit excoriation.
Monitoring
Monitor bowel frequency and stool consistency and review for skin irritation and fluid or electrolyte disturbance during prolonged use.
Counselling the patient
- Expect harmless reddish discolouration of the urine.
- Clean the skin promptly if any liquid is spilled to prevent soreness.
- Keep well hydrated.
Evidence & guidelines
Its use is supported by clinical experience in palliative care and current prescribing references rather than by large randomised trials.
Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.