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Docusate use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 18, 2022.

Drugs containing Docusate: Colace, DOK, Dulcolax Stool Softener, Senna Plus, Senna S, Senokot S, Surfak, Senexon-S, Docu, Peri-Colace, Show all 106 »DSS, Silace, Colace 2-in-1, Doc-Q-Lace, Phillips Stool Softener, Doculax, Dok Plus, Perestan, Regulax SS, Dionex, Docuprene, Genasoft, Colace Micro-Enema, Doculase, DocuSol, Promolaxin, Docusil, Ferrous DS, Senna-Time S, Sennalax-S, Laxacin, Docusol Plus, Vacuant Plus, Therevac Plus, Enemeez Plus, Doxidan, Diocto-C, Dioctolose, Diocto-K Plus, Docu Soft Plus, Octycine, Aqualax Forte, DSMC Compound Plain, DSS Plus, Genasoft Plus, Peri-DOS, Peri-DS, Strong Caps, Doculax Plus, Dialose, Surfak Stool Softener, DC-240, Kasof, Sulfalax Calcium, DOS, Modane Soft, Dioeze, Aqualax, Dioctocal, Dioctosoftez, Dioctyn, Docu Soft, Docucal, Docusoft S, Calcium Stool Softener, Calube, D-S Caps, Ex-Lax Stool Softener, Sur-Q-Lax, Doss-Relief, Fleet Sof-Lax Stool Softener, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, Therevac-SB, Octycine-100, Octycine-250, Enemeez Mini, Sulfolax, Kaopectate Stool Softener, Kao-Tin, Pedia-Lax Stool Softener, Pedia-Lax Liquid Stool Softener, Vacuant, DocuSol Kids, Diocto, Ferocyl, Ferro-Caps, Ferro Basic, Fe-Stool, Ferro-Sequels (old formulation), Ferro-DSS, Ex-Lax Extra Gentle, Dialose Plus, Docucal-P, Doxidan Softgel Laxative Plus Stool Softener, Femilax, Feminine Lax, Femintrol, Modane Plus, Phillips Gel, Unilax, Docuzen, Medi-Laxx, Gentlax S, Ex-Lax Gentle Strength, SenoSol-SS, Doc-Q-Lax

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.[1]

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.[2] 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

Bisacodyl, Magnesium Hydroxide, Psyllium, Senna

References

1.
Lewis JH, Weingold AB., 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]
2.
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

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Gastrointestinal Agents

Laxatives

Surface-Active Agents

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Further information

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