Doses - DOCUSATE SODIUM, DOCUSATE CALCIUM, DOCUSATE POTASSIUM

Dogs:

Docusate Sodium:
a) 2 mg/kg PO (Davis 1985a)
b) One to four 50 mg capsules PO once daily (Burrows 1986)
c) 50 - 300 mg PO q12h (Kirk 1989)
d) Small Dog: 25 mg PO once to twice daily
Medium/large Dog: 50 mg PO once to twice daily (Morgan 1988)
e) 250 mg/12 ml glycerin disposable enema syringe (Disposaject®; P-M): Insert rectaly and express contents; may repeat in one hour (Package Insert)
Docusate Calcium:
a) Two to three 50 mg capsules or one 240 mg capsule PO once daily (Burrows 1986)
b) One or two 50 mg capsules q12-24h PO (Kirk 1989)

Cats:

Docusate Sodium:
a) 50 mg PO per day; 5 - 10 ml of Colace® (strength not specified) as an enema (Sherding 1989)
b) 2 mg/kg PO (Davis 1985a)
c) 50 mg capsule once daily PO (Burrows 1986)
d) 50 - 100 mg q 12-24h PO (Kirk 1989)
e) 25 mg PO once to twice daily (Morgan 1988)
f) 250 mg/12 ml glycerin disposable enema syringe (Disposaject®; P-M): Insert rectaly and express contents; may repeat in one hour (Package Insert)
Docusate Calcium:
a) 50 - 100 mg PO per day (Sherding 1989)
b) One to two 50 mg capsules PO once daily (Burrows 1986)
c) 50 mg q12-24h PO (Kirk 1989)

Horses:

a) 10 - 20 mg/kg diluted in 2 L of warm water PO; may repeat in 48 hours. (Clark and Becht 1987)
b) 7.5 - 30 grams (150 - 600 mls of a 5% solution) PO; or 3 - 5 grams (60 - 100 mls of 5% solution) if used with mineral oil. (Sellers and Lowe 1987)
Monitoring Parameters -1 ) Clinical efficacy; hydration and electrolyte status if indicated
Client Information - Unless otherwise directed, give this medication on an empty stomach. Do not give with other laxative agents without the approval of the veterinarian.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - There are several docusate products marketed for veterinary use; their approval status is unknown. Docusate products are available without prescription (OTC).
Docusate Sodium 100 mg Tablets & Docusate Sodium Capsules 50 mg, 100 mg, 240 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg; Softgel 100 mg
Docusate Sodium Syrup 20 mg/4 ml in 473 ml; 50 mg/15 ml in UD 15 & 30 ml, 60 mg/15 ml in 240 ml, pt and gal.; 150 mg/15 ml in pt and gal.
Docusate Sodium Liquid/Solution 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml in 60 ml and gal.; Veterinaryproducts for use in large animals are generally available in gallons in concentrations of either5% (50 mg/ml) or 10% (100 mg/ml). There are many trade names for docusate sodium, perhaps the best known is Colace® (Bristol-Meyers Squibb). It is also available generically.
Docusate Calcium 50 mg and 240 mg capsules (human-labeled); There are many trade namesfor docusate calcium, perhaps the best known is Surfak® (Hoechst). It is also availablegenerically.
Docusate Potassium Tablets 100 mg & Docusate Potassium Capsules 240 mg; Kasof® (Stuart), Dialose® (Stuart), Generic