Docusate

Docusate is the common chemical and pharmaceutical name of the anion bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, also commonly called dioctyl sulfosuccinate (DOSS).

Docusate
Docusate sodium
Clinical data
Trade namesColace, Ex-Lax Stool Softener, others
Other namesDioctyl sulfosuccinate
AHFS/Drugs.comMonograph
MedlinePlusa601113
License data
Pregnancy
category
  • AU: A
Routes of
administration
By mouth, rectal
Drug classStool softener
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
  • CA: OTC
  • UK: General sales list (GSL, OTC)
  • US: OTC
  • In general: Over-the-counter (OTC)
Pharmacokinetic data
Onset of action12 hrs to 5 days
Duration of action3 days
Identifiers
  • 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-dioxobutane-2-sulfonic acid
CAS Number
PubChem CID
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEBI
ChEMBL
E numberE480 (thickeners, ...)
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard100.008.553
Chemical and physical data
FormulaC20H37O7S
Molar mass421.57 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
Density1.1 g/cm3
Melting point153 to 157 °C (307 to 315 °F) 173-179 °C
Solubility in water1 in 70 parts mg/mL (20 °C)
SMILES
  • CCCCC(CC)COC(=O)CC(C(=O)OCC(CC)CCCC)S(O)(=O)=O

  • as salt: [Na+].[O-]S(=O)(=O)C(C(=O)OCC(CC)CCCC)CC(=O)OCC(CC)CCCC
  • InChI=1S/C20H38O7S/c1-5-9-11-16(7-3)14-26-19(21)13-18(28(23,24)25)20(22)27-15-17(8-4)12-10-6-2/h16-18H,5-15H2,1-4H3,(H,23,24,25)
  • Key:HNSDLXPSAYFUHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N

  • as salt: InChI=1S/C20H38O7S.Na/c1-5-9-11-16(7-3)14-26-19(21)13-18(28(23,24)25)20(22)27-15-17(8-4)12-10-6-2;/h16-18H,5-15H2,1-4H3,(H,23,24,25);/q;+1/p-1
  • Key:APSBXTVYXVQYAB-UHFFFAOYSA-M

Salts of this anion, especially docusate sodium, are widely used in medicine as laxatives and as stool softeners, by mouth or rectally. Some studies claim that docusate is not more effective than a placebo for improving constipation. Other docusate salts with medical use include those of calcium and potassium. Docusate salts are also used as food additives, emulsifiers, dispersants, and wetting agents, among other uses.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. In 2021, it was the 133rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions. In 2021, the combination with senna was the 275th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 800,000 prescriptions.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.