Docusate use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Docusate: Colace, Senna S, Doc-Q-Lace, Dulcolax Stool Softener, Senna Plus, Senokot S, DOK, Doculase, Peri-Colace, Sennalax-S, Show all 102 »Surfak, Doculax, Senexon-S, DSS, Promolaxin, Surfak Stool Softener, Doc-Q-Lax, Phillips Stool Softener, Colace Micro-Enema, Silace, Dok Plus, Diocto, Docusil, Docu, Enemeez Mini, Dionex, DocuSol, Ferro-Sequels (old formulation), Ferrous DS, Doxidan, Kao-Tin, Unilax, Genasoft, DOS, Docusoft S, Ferro-Caps, Dioctyn, Calcium Stool Softener, Laxacin, Dialose, Dioeze, Dioctosoftez, Ex-Lax Stool Softener, Docuprene, Docu Soft, Docucal, Ferro-DSS, Fe-Stool, Vacuant, DocuSol Kids, Ferocyl, Ferro Basic, Ex-Lax Extra Gentle, Docusol Plus, Dialose Plus, Docucal-P, Doxidan Softgel Laxative Plus Stool Softener, Femilax, Pedia-Lax Stool Softener, Feminine Lax, Femintrol, Modane Plus, Phillips Gel, Gentlax S, Ex-Lax Gentle Strength, Pedia-Lax Liquid Stool Softener, Kasof, Kaopectate Stool Softener, Aqualax Forte, Peri-DS, Peri-DOS, Perestan, Genasoft Plus, DSS Plus, DSMC Compound Plain, Octycine, Doculax Plus, Docu Soft Plus, Diocto-K Plus, Dioctolose, Diocto-C, Enemeez Plus, Therevac Plus, Strong Caps, DC-240, Sulfolax, Sur-Q-Lax, Octycine-250, Octycine-100, Therevac-SB, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, Fleet Sof-Lax Stool Softener, Doss-Relief, D-S Caps, Vacuant Plus, Calube, Dioctocal, Aqualax, Regulax SS, Modane Soft, Sulfalax Calcium, SenoSol-SS

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.

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. 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

Last Revision Date

20130907

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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.

Further information

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