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Bookshelf ID: NBK501331PMID: 30000390
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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.
CASRN: 10041-19-7
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
Docusate is minimally absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and therefore the drug is unlikely to be found in the maternal serum or breastmilk.[1] Laxatives that are completely unabsorbed may be preferred.[2]
Drug Levels
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
In a randomized, blinded trial, 35 postpartum breastfeeding patients received a laxative containing docusate in a dose of 120 mg daily in addition to danthron 100 mg daily. One patient stated that diarrhea occurred in her breastfed infant.[3] The diarrhea was most likely caused by the danthron.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternate Drugs to Consider
References
- 1.
- Mahadevan U, Kane S. American Gastroenterological Association Institute Technical Review on the Use of Gastrointestinal Medications in Pregnancy. Gastroenterology 2006;131:283-311. [PubMed: 16831611]
- 2.
- Lewis JH, Weingold AB and the Committee of FDA-Related Matters American College of Gastroenterology. The use of gastrointestinal drugs during pregnancy and lactation. Am J Gastroenterol 1985;80:912-23. [PubMed: 2864852]
- 3.
- Greenhalf JO, Leonard HS. Laxatives in the treatment of constipation in pregnant and breast-feeding mothers. Practitioner 1973;210:259-63. [PubMed: 4570522]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Docusate
CAS Registry Number
10041-19-7
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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- Successful de-implementation of an ineffective practice: The fall of docusate.[Am J Surg. 2024]Successful de-implementation of an ineffective practice: The fall of docusate.Lucy AT, Massey GB, Cobbs P, Miltner RS, Cox MG, Russ K, Dasinger E, Parmar A. Am J Surg. 2024 Feb; 228:126-132. Epub 2023 Aug 26.
- Missed Opportunity to Deprescribe: Docusate for Constipation in Medical Inpatients.[Am J Med. 2016]Missed Opportunity to Deprescribe: Docusate for Constipation in Medical Inpatients.MacMillan TE, Kamali R, Cavalcanti RB. Am J Med. 2016 Sep; 129(9):1001.e1-7. Epub 2016 May 3.
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral docusate in the management of constipation in hospice patients.[J Pain Symptom Manage. 2013]Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral docusate in the management of constipation in hospice patients.Tarumi Y, Wilson MP, Szafran O, Spooner GR. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2013 Jan; 45(1):2-13. Epub 2012 Aug 11.
- How useful is docusate in patients at risk for constipation? A systematic review of the evidence in the chronically ill.[J Pain Symptom Manage. 2000]How useful is docusate in patients at risk for constipation? A systematic review of the evidence in the chronically ill.Hurdon V, Viola R, Schroder C. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2000 Feb; 19(2):130-6.
- Review Rethinking Docusate's Role in Opioid-Induced Constipation: A Critical Analysis of the Evidence.[J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacoth...]Review Rethinking Docusate's Role in Opioid-Induced Constipation: A Critical Analysis of the Evidence.Engle AL, Winans ARM. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. 2021 Mar; 35(1):63-72. Epub 2021 Feb 17.
- Docusate - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)Docusate - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)
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