Docusate
(Dioctyl®, Docusate sodium)
Available as tablets or capsules.
Capsules
Available as soluble tablets?
No
Available as a liquid?
Yes
Available as something for placing under your tongue?
No
Available as something for placing on your gum?
No
Available as granules?
No
Available as a patch for putting on your skin?
No
Available as an injection?
No
Available as nasal/oral spray?
No
Safe or appropriate to crush
Licensed alternative formulations available and therefore crushing is not recommended.
Additional information for Healthcare Professionals+
Generic name
Docusate sodium
Usual formulation brand names
Dioctyl®
Is tablet/capsule specially coated?
No
Modified release
No
Film coated
No
Enteric coated
No
Sugar coated
No
Soluble tablet strength
-
Sublingual/buccal formulation strength
-
Granule strength
-
Transdermal patch strength
-
Injection strength
-
Nasal/oral spray Strength
-
Available as a licensed liquid or special?
Licensed
Are specials or imports available?
N/Aa licensed alternative available
Liquid strengths
12.5mg/5mL (paediatric oral solution), 50mg/5mL (adult oral solution)
Is the liquid medicine sugar free?
Some, check product information
Licensed for administration via enteral tube
No
Advice on administration via enteral tube
Current resources suggest that it is likely to be safe to administer via enteral feeding tubes, however this is an unlicensed use of the medication. Clinicians should refer to specialist resources for advice on how to administer this medication via enteral feeding tubes.
Notes
Liquid formulations of docusate contain sorbitol which may can gastrointestinal side effects. Ear drops and enema also available. Co-danthrusate suspensions available also containing dantron.