Docusate
Docusate is used in veterinary medicine for constipation and painful defecation.
Group
Surfactant stool softener
Mechanism of Action
Lowers surface tension, allowing water to penetrate feces.
Dose Rates
Dog
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constipation (sodium salt) | 50–200 mg/animal | PO | Every 8–12 h | |
| Constipation (calcium salt) | Reference only | PO | Docusate calcium 50–100 mg per dog every 12–24 hours. Separate salt; not linked to docusate sodium preparations. |
Cat
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constipation (sodium salt) | 50 mg/animal | PO | Every 12–24 h | |
| Constipation (calcium salt) | Reference only | PO | Docusate calcium 50 mg per cat every 12–24 hours. |
Horse
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large-colon impaction | Reference only | PO | 6–12 g for a 500 kg horse in 2–4 L water by nasogastric tube every 12–24 hours. This weight-qualified example is not a universal fixed dose. |
Indications
- Constipation and painful defecation
Contraindications
- Check combination products for stimulant cathartics, particularly phenolphthalein in cats.
Adverse effects
- Abdominal discomfort at high doses
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Docusate sodium 50 mg capsule | Capsule | 50 mg / capsule | PO |
| Docusate sodium 100 mg capsule | Capsule | 100 mg / capsule | PO |
| Docusate sodium liquid 10 mg/mL | Oral Liquid | 10 mg / mL | PO |
| Docusate calcium 60 mg tablet | Tablet | 60 mg / tablet | PO |
| Docusate calcium 240 mg capsule | Capsule | 240 mg / capsule | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
Veterinary use is empirical; assess stool consistency and response. Calcium and sodium salts must remain distinguishable.
Large-animal docusate sodium regimen: 10 mg/kg/day orally; individual species are not identified in the source.