Is Docusate compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Docusate?

Docusate

September 19, 2016 (Very Low Risk)

Anionic surfactant that acts as an emollient laxative. It is also used to treat the retention of ear cerumen.

It is minimally absorbed in the duodenum-jejunum and excreted in the bile.

No problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were treated, except one case of diarrhea that was possibly due to other laxative medication took by the mother (Greenhalf 1973).

The Institute at the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) consideres it to be compatible while breastfeeding (Mahadevan 2006).

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
  • Docusate Calcium
  • Docusate Potassium
  • Docusate Sodium

Writings

  • Δοκουσικό νάτριο (Greek)
  • دوكوسات صوديوم (Arabic)
  • Докузат Натрий (Cyrillic)
  • 多库酯钠 (Chinese)
  • ジオクチルソジウムスルホサクシネート (Japanese)
  • C20H37NaO7S (Molecular formula)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Gharehbaghi K, Gharehbaghi DR, Wierrani F, Sliutz G. [Treatment of Chronic Functional Constipation during Pregnancy and Lactation]. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol. 2016Abstract
  2. Mahadevan U, Kane S. American gastroenterological association institute technical review on the use of gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy. Gastroenterology. 2006Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Mahadevan U, Kane S. American gastroenterological association institute medical position statement on the use of gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy. Gastroenterology. 2006Abstract
  4. Nice FJ, Snyder JL, Kotansky BC. Breastfeeding and over-the-counter medications. J Hum Lact. 2000Abstract
  5. Gattuso JM, Kamm MA. Adverse effects of drugs used in the management of constipation and diarrhoea. Drug Saf. 1994Abstract
  6. Greenhalf JO, Leonard HS. Laxatives in the treatment of constipation in pregnant and breast-feeding mothers. Practitioner. 1973Abstract