Docusate calcium

Pharmacology Pharmacokinetics Onset

12 to 72 h (oral), 2 to 15 min (enema).

Indications and Usage

Short-term treatment of constipation, prophylaxis in patients who should not strain during defecation (eg, after anorectal surgery, MI), to evacuate the colon for rectal and bowel examinations, prevention of dry, hard stools.

Contraindications

Nausea, vomiting or other symptoms of appendicitis, acute surgical abdomen, fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, undiagnosed abdominal pain, coadministration with mineral oil, use longer than 1 wk unless directed by health care provider (enema).

Dosage and Administration Storage/Stability Children

Rectal

Consult a health care provider before use in children younger than 6 y.

Abuse/dependence

Long-term use may lead to laxative dependence, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, steatorrhea, osteomalacia, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Concomitant laxative use

Source