Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Docusate sodium is a stool softener that has been used for decades in both adults and children to treat constipation. Its primary mechanism is to reduce surface tension of stool, allowing water and fats to penetrate and soften the fecal mass, thus making defecation easier. Although widely used, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy, particularly in children, is limited and of low quality. Several systematic reviews and guidelines, including those from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), conclude that docusate sodium is less effective than other agents such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or lactulose for pediatric constipation. Randomized controlled trials are few, and most find no significant difference between docusate and placebo or show docusate to be inferior to osmotic laxatives. Nonetheless, its longstanding use in clinical practice and inclusion in some treatment guidelines as an alternative option reflect a degree of tradition and clinical comfort with its safety profile. In summary, while docusate sodium is commonly used in children for constipation, scientific support for its effectiveness is weak, and it is generally considered a second-line agent when more effective treatments are not suitable or available.

More about Docusate Sodium
More about Constipation (children)

Other ingredients used for Constipation (children)

2'-Fucosyllactose
aloe vera
apple
apricot
bacillus coagulans
bamboo
basil
beet
myrobalan
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
blueberry
bасора
carrot
chamomile
chicory
cinnamon
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
cucumber
turmeric
d-sorbitol
fennel
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
grape
green banana
guar gum
cellulose
Indian tinospora
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
jujube
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus reuteri
lemon
mannitol
moringa
nettle
orange
pear
phellodendron amurense
pineapple
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prune
psyllium
pumpkin
raspberry
rhizome
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
spinach
streptococcus thermophilus
tomato
triphala
almond fruit
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
seaweed
watermelon
squawvine
cascara sagrada
tangerine
atractylodes
papaya
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
alpinia galangal
anise
punarnava
blackboard tree
root tuber
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
polyphenols
senna
peach
indigo leaves
soursop
Agar
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Amomum
Alexandrian senna
Aloin
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Asteracea
Arabinoxylan
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Bishop's Weed
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Bitter Grass
Bael
Butternut
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Bassia scoparia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Cascaroside
Cactus
Cynomorium
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Cyclanthera pedata
Chenopodium
Curcuma
Cabbage
Chirata
Clostridium butyricum
Castor Oil
Celosia
Currant
Chondrus
Dianthrone
Date
Eclipta
Fig
Fiber
Galangal
Phosphate Salt
Rhubarb
Wheat
Zucchini

Other health conditions supported by Docusate Sodium

Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)

Products containing Docusate Sodium

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.