Skip to main content

Docusate Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 28, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: calcium 240 mg; sodium 100 mg; sodium 50 mg/15 mL; sodium 100 mg/30 mL; sodium 50 mg; 10 mg/mL; sodium 60 mg/15 mL; sodium 250 mg; potassium 100 mg; sodium 100 mg/25 mL; 283 mg; sodium; potassium 240 mg; 200 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

Usual Pediatric Dose for:

Additional dosage information:

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation

Oral: 50 to 400 mg (using any of the salt forms) orally administered in 1 to 4 equally divided doses each day.

Rectal: 200 to 283 mg rectally administered as an enema once or twice.
Alternative: 50 to 100 mg (docusate sodium liquid) added to a retention or flushing enema once a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation

Oral:
less than 3 years: 10 to 40 mg (docusate sodium) orally divided in 1 to 4 doses.

3 to 6 years: 20 to 60 mg (docusate sodium) orally divided in 1 to 4 doses.

6 to 12 years: 40 to 150 mg (docusate sodium) orally divided in 1 to 4 doses.

greater than 12 years: 50 to 400 mg (using any of the salt forms) orally administered in 1 to 4 equally divided doses each day.

Rectal:
3 to 18 years: 50 to 100 mg (docusate sodium liquid) added to a retention or flushing enema once a day.
Alternative: 200 to 283 mg rectally administered as an enema once daily as needed for constipation.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Docusate should generally be used for a period of less than 1 week.

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.