Vetdrugs 2.0Docusate is a surfactant stool softener supplied as sodium or calcium salts. It is used empirically in veterinary patients when moistening hard feces and reducing straining are clinical goals. Applications include selected constipation cases and conditions in which painful defecation or recent surgery makes passage of hard stool undesirable.
Group
Surfactant stool softener
Mechanism of Action
Docusate lowers surface tension at the interface between fecal material and surrounding fluid. This allows water and lipids to penetrate the fecal mass more readily, producing softer stool that may be easier to pass. Its principal action is physical softening of feces rather than direct stimulation of propulsive intestinal contractions.
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
- Empirical softening of hard feces in selected dogs and cats with constipation.
- Reduction of painful defecation or excessive straining in selected patients after anorectal or intestinal surgery.
- Empirical stool softening when medication-associated slowing of intestinal transit contributes to hard feces.
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.