Docusate use 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.[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

Bisacodyl, Magnesium Hydroxide, Psyllium, Senna

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 Name

Docusate

CAS Registry Number

10041-19-7

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Milk, Human

Gastrointestinal Agents

Laxatives

Surface-Active Agents