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Stool softener (anionic surfactant)

Docusate sodium

Brand names: Dioctyl, Docusol, Docusate (Norgalax mini-enema), Docusate-Senna (Manevac alternative)

Docusate sodium is a stool softener with weak stimulant laxative activity, used to treat constipation and, given rectally, as part of bowel preparation or to relieve impaction.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

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

As a surface-active (wetting) agent it reduces surface tension and allows water and fats to penetrate and soften the stool, and it has a mild stimulant action on the bowel.

Prescribing in practice

  • Avoid in intestinal obstruction and do not give concurrently with liquid paraffin, as docusate may enhance its absorption.
  • Onset of the oral preparation may take a day or two, so it is not suitable when rapid evacuation is needed.
  • It is available in oral and rectal forms; the rectal route acts more quickly.

Monitoring

Monitor bowel frequency and stool consistency; routine laboratory monitoring is not required.

Counselling the patient

  • The oral form may take a day or two to work.
  • Drink plenty of fluids while taking it.
  • Do not take it at the same time as liquid paraffin.

Evidence & guidelines

Its faecal-softening action is well established through long clinical use and described in current prescribing references and the SPC.

Reference: SmPC Docusol / Norgalax; NICE CKS Constipation; Cochrane Review on stool softeners; 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.

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