Docusate Sodium

Category

Anionic Surfactant; Wetting Agents

Molecular Formula

C20H37NaO7S

Molecular Weight

444.56

Grade

Pharmceutical Excipients

Description

Docusate sodium is a white or almost white, waxlike, bitter tasting, plastic solid with a characteristic octanol-like odor. It is hygroscopic and usually available in the form of pellets, flakes, or rolls of tissuethin material.

UNII

F05Q2T2JA0

Chemical Name

Sodium 1, 4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate

CAS Number

577-11-7

Synonyms

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate; dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate; DSS; natrii docusas; sodium 1, 4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuc cinate; sodium 1, 4-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]-1, 4-dioxobutane-2-sulfonate; sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate; sulfo-butanedioic acid 1, 4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, sodium salt; sulfosuccinic acid 1, 4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester S-sodium salt

Administration route

Intramuscular injections, oral, and topica

Dosage Form

IM injections; oral capsules, suspensions, and tablets; also topical formulations

Stability and Storage Conditions

Docusate sodium is stable in the solid state when stored at room temperature. Dilute aqueous solutions of docusate sodium between pH 1-10 are stable at room temperature. However, at very low pH(<1) and very high pH (>10) docusate sodium solutions are subject to hydrolysis. The solid material is hygroscopic and should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Source and Preparation

Maleic anhydride is treated with 2-ethylhexanol to produce dioctyl maleate, which is then reacted with sodium bisulfite.

Applications

Docusate sodium and docusate salts are widely used as anionic surfactants in pharmaceutical formulations. Docusate sodium is mainly used in capsule and direct-compression tablet formulations to assist in wetting and dissolution.(1) Docusate salts are also used in oral formulations as laxatives and fecal softeners.

Safety

Docusate salts are used in oral formulations as therapeutic agents for their fecal softening and laxative properties. As a laxative in adults, up to 500 mg of docusate sodium is administered daily in divided doses; in children over 6 months old, up to 75 mg in divided doses is used. The quantity of docusate sodium used as an excipient in oral formulations should therefore be controlled to avoid unintended laxative effects.Adverse effects associated with docusate sodium include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and skin rashes. As with the chronic use of laxatives, the excessive use of docusate sodium may produce hypomagnesemia. Docusate salts are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and excreted in bile; they may cause alteration of the gastrointestinal epithelium.The gastrointestinal or hepatic absorption of other drugs may also be affected by docusate salts, enhancing activity and possibly toxicity. Docusate sodium should not be administered with mineral oil as it may increase the absorption of the oil. LD50 (mouse, IV): 0.06 g/kg LD50 (mouse, oral): 2.64 g/kg LD50 (rat, IP): 0.59 g/kg LD50 (rat, oral): 1.9 g/kg

Incompatibilities

Electrolytes, e.g. 3% sodium chloride, added to aqueous solutions of docusate sodium can cause turbidity.However, docusate sodium possesses greater tolerance to calcium, magnesium, and other polyvalent ions than do some other surfactants. Docusate sodium is incompatible with acids at pH < 1 and with alkalis at pH> 10.