DOCUSATE SODIUM, DOCUSATE CALCIUM, DOCUSATE POTASSIUM

Chemistry - Docusate is available in sodium, potassium, and calcium salts. They are anionic, surface-active agents and possess wetting and emulsifying properties.
Docusate sodium (also known as dioctyl sodium succinate, DSS, or DOSS) occurs as a white, wax-like plastic solid with a characteristic odor. One gram is soluble in approximately 70 ml of water and it is freely soluble in alcohol and glycerin. Solutions are clear and have a bitter taste.
Docusate calcium (also known as dioctyl calcium succinate) occurs as a white, amorphous solid with a characteristic odor (octyl alcohol). It is very slightly soluble in water, but freely soluble in alcohol.
Docusate potassium (also known as dioctyl potassium succinate) occurs as a white, amorphous solid with a characteristic odor (octyl alcohol). It is sparingly soluble in water and soluble in alcohol.

Storage, Stability, Compatibility

Capsules of salts of docusate should be stored in tight containers at room temperature. Temperatures above 86°F can soften or melt soft gelatin capsules.
Docusate sodium solutions should be stored in tight containers and the syrup should be stored in tight, light-resistant containers.

Pharmacology - DOCUSATE SODIUM, DOCUSATE CALCIUM, DOCUSATE POTASSIUM

Docusate salts reduce surface tension and allow water and fat to penetrate theingesta and formed feces, thereby softening the stool. Recent in vivo studies have also demonstratedthat docusate also increases cAMP concentrations in colonic mucosal cells which may increase bothion secretion and fluid permeability from these cells into the colon lumen.
Uses, Indications - Docusate is used in small animals when feces are hard or dry, or in anorectalconditions when passing firm feces would be painful or detrimental. Docusate is used alone and incombination with mineral oil in treating fecal impactions in horses.

Pharmacokinetics - DOCUSATE SODIUM, DOCUSATE CALCIUM, DOCUSATE POTASSIUM

It is unknown how much docusate is absorbed after oral administration, but itis believed that some is absorbed from the small intestine and is then excreted into the bile.
Contraindications/Precautions - Use with caution in patients with pre-existing fluid or electrolyte abnormalities; monitor.

Adverse Effects, Warnings

At usual doses, clinically significant adverse effects should be veryrare. Cramping, diarrhea and intestinal mucosal damage are possible. The liquid preparations maycause throat irritation if administered by mouth.
Overdosage - In horses, single doses of 0.65 - 1 gm/kg have caused dehydration, intestinal mucosal damage, and death. Because of the secretory effects that high dose docusate can produce, hydration and electrolyte status should be monitored and treated if necessary.

Drug Interactions

Theoretically, mineral oil should not be given with docusate (DSS) as enhanced absorption of the mineral oil could occur. However, this interaction does not appear to be of significant clinical concern with large animals. It is less clear whether there is a significant problem in using this combination in small animals and the concurrent use of these agents together in dogs or cats cannot be recommended. If it is deemed necessary to use both docusate and mineral oil in small animals, separate doses by at least two hours.