Docusate Sodium 100mg Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Capsules

Available Strengths: 100mg

Reference Brands: Colace (USA), DulcoEase (EU/UK)

Category: Gastrointestinal Drugs

Docusate (sodium salt) is an emollient stool softener which works by lowering the surface tension of stool, allowing water and lipids to penetrate and thus soften the stool. It is used to relieve occasional constipation and make passage of stool easier. It can also be used when a soft stool is desired (for example before a procedure) or when straining should be avoided.

Product Description:

Docusate sodium is an anionic surfactant stool softener. It lowers the surface tension at the oil-water interface of stool, letting water and fat penetrate and soften hard stool. It also has a modest secretory effect on the intestine. It does not stimulate peristalsis, so it is better thought of as a softener than a laxative, and it takes one to three days to act.

It is used where straining should be avoided — after surgery or myocardial infarction, with haemorrhoids or anal fissure — and is widely given alongside opioids. However, controlled trials have repeatedly found little or no benefit over placebo for chronic constipation, and guidelines now favour osmotic agents such as macrogol for most patients. It is well tolerated, though it can cause a bitter taste and throat irritation in liquid form. Mineral oil should not be given with it because docusate increases mineral oil absorption.

Sourcing notes. A cheap, largely over-the-counter commodity sold in huge volume, particularly in US hospital and long-term care settings. Soft-gel capsules are standard, so the manufacturer needs soft-gel capability. The practical buying questions are capsule shell composition — gelatin source matters for halal and kosher requirements — and shelf-life stability of the fill.