Docusate use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Docusate: Colace, Senna S, Doc-Q-Lace, Senna Plus, Senokot S, Dulcolax Stool Softener, Surfak, Doculase, Peri-Colace, DSS, Show all 97 »Laxacin, Surfak Stool Softener, Docuprene, Dialose, DOK, Diocto, Silace, Doculax, Phillips Stool Softener, Docusil, Ex-Lax Stool Softener, Sennalax-S, DOS, Ferro-Sequels, Fe-Stool, Enemeez Mini, Sulfolax, DocuSol, Docu Soft, Dionex, Sulfalax Calcium, Calcium Stool Softener, Dok Plus, Doxidan, Doc-Q-Lax, Ferro-DSS, Phillips Gel, Ferocyl, Ferrous DS, Ferro-Caps, Femintrol, Therevac-SB, Octycine-250, Kaopectate Stool Softener, Kao-Tin, Ferro Basic, Octycine-100, Ex-Lax Extra Gentle, Gentlax S, Docucal-P, Ex-Lax Gentle Strength, SenoSol-SS, Senexon-S, Unilax, Doxidan Softgel Laxative Plus Stool Softener, Feminine Lax, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, Dialose Plus, Modane Plus, Femilax, Dioctocal, Perestan, Genasoft Plus, DSS Plus, Peri-DOS, Peri-DS, Pedia-Lax Liquid Stool Softener, Doculax Plus, Strong Caps, DSMC Compound Plain, Aqualax Forte, Diocto-C, Vacuant Plus, Enemeez Plus, Dioctolose, Diocto-K Plus, Octycine, Docu Soft Plus, DC-240, Kasof, D-S Caps, Calube, Docusoft S, Genasoft, Sur-Q-Lax, Fleet Sof-Lax Stool Softener, Doss-Relief, Docucal, Docu, Dioeze, Regulax SS, Modane Soft, Aqualax, Therevac Plus, Dioctyn, Dioctosoftez, Colace Micro-Enema

Docusate Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

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. 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.[1] The diarrhea was most likely caused by the danthron.

Possible Effects on Lactation

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Bisacodyl, Magnesium Hydroxide, Psyllium, Senna

References

1. Greenhalf JO, Leonard HS. Laxatives in the treatment of constipation in pregnant and breast-feeding mothers. Practitioner. 1973;210:259-63. PMID: 4570522

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. PMID: 2864852

Docusate Identification

Substance Name

Docusate

CAS Registry Number

10041-19-7

Drug Class

• Gastrointestinal Agents
• Laxatives
• Surface-Active Agents

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

456

Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.

Last Revision Date

2012-10-02

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.

See Also...

• Docusate use during Pregnancy
• Docusate Consumer Information
• Breastfeeding Support Group
• Safe Medications during Breastfeeding
• Medicine use while Breastfeeding
• Medicine use during Pregnancy

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use and Online Privacy Policy.