Sodium-Diethylhexyl-Sulfosuccinate
What Is It?
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate, also called Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate or Sodium Docusate, is a waxy solid. It is used in the formulation of a wide variety of topical products, including bath products, blushers, body and hand preparations, foundations, shaving creams and skin-care products.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate enhances the water solubility of other cosmetic ingredients. It also helps form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified and functions as a surfactant or cleansing agent.
Scientific Facts: Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate, often referred to as Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, is an anionic surfactant used in a variety of applications, including cosmetics and personal-care products, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs, and as a food additive.
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is classified as :
Cleansing
Emulsifying
Hydrotrope
Surfactant
CAS Number 577-11-7
EINECS/ELINCS No: 209-406-4
COSING REF No: 75723
Chem/IUPAC Name: Docusate sodium
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is an anionic surfactant with a concentrated active substance content (70%) in propylene glycol (INCI name: Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate). It is a surfactant with limited water solubility. Due to its unique molecular structure, the product has a strong wetting effect on highly hydrophobic materials such as anthracite carbon.
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is used a wetting agent. It effectively reduces interfacial tension even at low concentrations (low CMC). The presence of propylene glycol in this product increases the ignition temperature compared to solvent-based products. As a result, it is also more environmentally friendly.
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate has been widely used in the textile industry, mainly in wetting formulations. This surfactant increases the effectiveness of detergents when washing fibres, applying and peeling off sizing, as a fast-acting wetting agent in the dyeing process. It is effective even at low concentrations.
In mining it is used as a dust control agent for mine or transport dusts (roads in opencast mines). Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate enhances pigment dispersing properties of printer inks and improves their penetration. It is also used as a dispersant of dyes in plastics processing and hydrophobic resins.
In the agrochemical industry it is used as a wetting agent for plant protection products. Additionally, it has penetrating properties which improve the rate of pesticide absorption by the plant. Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate acts as an emulsifier in emulsion and suspension polymerization processes. It is a component of corrosion inhibitors. It can be used as an additive supporting dewatering of flotation concentrates during filtration and drying. In the construction industry it is a component of release additives to prevent the adhesion of freshly placed concrete to a forming surface. In concrete admixtures it is used as a wetting agent for cement grains.
The product is also used in the cosmetic industry as a versatile moisturizer. In formulations of colour cosmetics it is used for the production of eye contour pencils, nail varnishes and hair sprays.
Properties and applications
Product advantages:
effectively reduces interfacial tension and wetting angle,
very strong wetting effect on hydrophobic surfaces,
a safe product – due to the presence of propylene glycol and a higher flash point,
increases the effectiveness of detergents during washing,
very good dispersing and emulsifying properties,
Applications:
auxiliaries in the textile industry,
component of preparations for dewatering of flotation concentrates,
dust control,
emulsifier in emulsion polymerisation,
pigment dispersant,
construction industry,
component of plant protection products,
a component of cosmetic formulations,
printing inks.
Application
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate (DOSS) can be used as an anionic surfactant:
• To prepare microemulsion with sodium salt of 3-(cyclohexylamino)-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPSO) for the electrophoresis detection of natural and synthetic estrogens.[4][5]
• To develop reverse micelles.[6]
• To enhance the electrical conductivity and cell attachment in polycaprolactone fumarate and polypyrrole (PCLF–PPy) composite materials.
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is the common chemical and pharmaceutical name of the anion bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, also commonly called dioctyl sulfosuccinate (DOSS).
Salts of this anion, especially Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate sodium, are widely used in medicine as laxatives and as stool softeners, by mouth or rectally.[1] Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate sodium is on the WHO List of Essential Medicines. It is a widely available and relatively inexpensive generic medication,[6] with more than six million prescriptions in the US in 2017.[7][8] Other Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate salts with medical use include those of calcium and potassium.[2][1][3]
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate salts are also used as food additives, emulsifiers, dispersants, and wetting agents, among other uses.
History
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate was patented in 1937 by Coleman R. Caryl and Alphons O. Jaeger for American Cyanamid,[4] which commercialized it for many years as a detergent under the brand name Aerosol OT.
Its use for the treatment of constipation was first proposed in 1955 by James L. Wilson and David G. Dickinson,[5] and quicky popularized under the name Doxinate.
Medical use
Constipation
The main medical use of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate sodium is to treat constipation, acting as a laxative and stool softener. In painful anorectal conditions such as hemorrhoid and anal fissures, it can help avoid pain caused by straining during bowel movements.
When administered by mouth, a bowel movement often occurs in 1 to 3 days, while rectal use may be effective within 20 minutes.
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is recommended as a stool softener for children. However, its effectiveness for constipation is poorly supported by evidence. Multiple studies have found Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate to be no more effective than a placebo for improving constipation. Others have found it to be less useful for the treatment of chronic constipation than psyllium.
The medication may be given to people who are receiving opioid medication, although prolonged use may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Other medical uses
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate sodium, when used with ear syringing, may help with earwax removal, particularly in the case of impaction.[18]
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is also used as a lubricant in the production of tablets and as an emulsifier in topical preparations and other suspensions.
Precautions and contraindications
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate sodium is approved and recommended as safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is not recommended in people with appendicitis, acute abdomen, or ileus.
When taken by mouth it should be ingested with plenty of water.
Side effects
Side effects are uncommon and typically mild,[1] and may include stomach pain, abdominal cramps or diarrhea, Efficacy decreases with long-term use, and may cause poor bowel function.
Serious allergic reactions may occur with the drug. The most severe side effect of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate, although very rare, is rectal bleeding.
Interactions
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate might increase resorption of other drugs, for example, dantron (1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone).
Mechanism of action
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate sodium works by allowing more water to be absorbed by the stool.
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate does not stay in the gastrointestinal tract, but is absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted via the gallbladder[17] after undergoing extensive metabolism.
The effect of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate may not necessarily be all due to its surfactant properties. Perfusion studies suggest that Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate inhibits fluid absorption or stimulates secretion in the portion of the small intestine known as the jejunum.[medical citation needed]
Pharmaceutical brand names
In the U.S., Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate sodium for pharmaceutical use is available under multiple brand names: Aqualax, Calube, Colace, Colace Micro-Enema, Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle, DC-240, Dialose, Diocto, Dioctocal, Dioctosoftez, Dioctyn, Dionex, Doc-Q-Lace, Docu Soft, Docucal, Doculax, Docusoft S, DOK, DOS, Doss-Relief, DSS, Dulcolax - Stool Softener (not to be confused with another drug marketed under the Dulcolax brand, bisacodyl, which is a stimulant laxative), Ex-Lax Stool Softener, Fleet Sof-Lax, Genasoft, Kasof, Laxa-basic, Modane Soft, Octycine-100, Pedia-Lax, Preferred Plus Pharmacy Stool Softener, Regulax SS, Sulfalax Calcium, Sur-Q-Lax, Surfak Stool Softener, and Therevac-SB. Generic preparations are also available.
In the UK, Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is sold under the brand name Docusol (Typharm Ltd) and DulcoEase (Boehringer Ingelheim).
In Australia, Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is sold as Coloxyl and Coloxyl with senna.
In India, preparations include Laxatin by Alembic, Doslax by Raptakos Laboratories, Cellubril by AstraZeneca, and Laxicon by Stadmed.
Other uses
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is used as a surfactant in a wide range of applications, often under the name Aerosol-OT.[5][23] It is unusual in that it is able to form microemulsions without the use of co-surfactants, and it has a rich variety of aqueous-phase behavior including multiple liquid crystalline phases.
Food additive
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate has been approved by the US FDA as a "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) additive.[25] It is used in a variety of food products, as a surface active agent, stabilizer, thickener, wetting agent, processing aid, solubilizing agent, emulsifier, and dispersant. The highest amount found in food products is 0.5% by weight, which include pasteurized cheese spreads, cream cheeses and salad dressings.[26] The FDA also approved its use as a wetting agent or solubilizer for flavoring agents in carbonated and non-carbonated drinks at levels up to 10 parts per million.
Microencapsulation
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is the most widely used surfactant in reverse micelle encapsulation studies.
Non-medical brand names
As a surfactant, Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate sodium is or has been commercialized under many brand names, including DSSj Aerosol OT, Alphasol OT, Colace, Complemix, Coprol, Dioctylal, Dioctyl-Medo Forte, Diotilan, Diovac, Disonate, Doxinate, Doxol, Dulsivac, Molatoc, Molofac, Nevax, Norval, Regutol, Softili, Solusol, Sulfimel DOS, Vatsol OT, Velmol, and Waxsol
Chemistry
Structure and properties
The structural formula of the Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate anion is R−O−C(=O)−CH(SO−3)−CH2−C(=O)−O−R, where R is the 2-ethylhexyl group H3C−(CH2)3−C(−CH2−CH3)H−CH2−. The conjugate acid can be described as the twofold carboxylate ester of sulfosuccinic acid with 2-ethylhexanol.
The compound is a white, wax-like, plastic solid, with an odor suggestive of octyl alcohol. It starts to decompose at about 220 °C.[28]
Solubility of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate in water is 14 g/L at 25 °C, increasing to 55 g/L at 70 °C.[28] Solubility is better in less polar solvents: 1:30 in ethanol, 1:1 in chloroform and diethylether, and practically unlimited in petroleum ether (25 °C). It also is highly soluble in glycerol, although this is a rather polar solvent. It is also highly soluble in xylene, oleic acid, acetone, diacetone alcohol, methanol, isopropanol, 2-butanol, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, furfurol, and vegetable oils.
The ester groups are easily cleaved under basic conditions, but are stable against acids.
Synthesis
Sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate can be obtained by treating sodium bisulfite with dioctyl maleate. The bisulfite anion adds to the double bond:
−CH=CH− + HSO−3 → −CH(−SO−3)−CH2−
Toxicity
Ingestion may cause the side effects described above, such as diarrhea, intestinal bloating, and occasionally cramping pains. Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is not known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic.[29]
Marine species
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is of low toxicity for crustaceans such as the hermit crab Clibanarius erythropus and the shrimp Crangon crangon. Toxicity for molluscs varies widely, with 48-hour LD50 found between 5 mg/l for the common limpet and 100 mg/l for the common periwinkle. Various species of phytoplankton have an LD50 around 8 mg/l.
In a 2010 study, Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate exhibited higher toxicity against bacteria (Vibrio fischeri, Anabaena sp.) and algae (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) than did a number of fluorinated surfactants (PFOS, PFOA, or PFBS). Measuring bioluminescence inhibition of the bacteria and growth inhibition of the algae, the LD50 were in the range of 43–75 mg/l. Combinations of the fluorinated compounds with Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate showed mid to highly synergistic effects in most settings, meaning that such combinations are significantly more toxic than the individual substances.[30]
Freshwater species
The substance is highly toxic for rainbow trout with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.56 mg/l after 48 hours for the pure substance. It is only slightly to moderately toxic for rainbow trout fingerlings, and slightly toxic for harlequin rasboras (LC50 27 mg/l of a 60% formulation after 48 hours).
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is the sodium salt of docusate, a dioctyl salt and an emollient laxative with stool-softening activity. Docusate decreases surface tension and emulsification of fecal matter and allows water to penetrate and mix with stool. As a result, it softens the stool.
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is an odorless colorless to white waxy solid. Sinks and mixes slowly with water.
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate - SDA, REG/FS, <0.5% of wt of gums or hydrophilic colloids - As solubilizing agent for gums & hydrophilic colloids used in food as stabilizing or thickening agents - 172.810; <0.4% by wt - In cocoa for manufacturing - 163.117, 172.810; 75 ppm - In finished beverage made with cocoa with DSS - 172.520; 15 ppm in finished gelatin - Wetting agent in fumaric acid acidulated gelatin desserts, including: Dry Gelatin Desserts; 10 ppm in finished beverage or fruit juice drink - dry beverage base, and fruit juice drinks when standards of identity do not preclude such use - 172.810; 25 ppm of finished beverage - As emulsifying agent for cocoa fat in non-carbonated bev containing cocoa - do; REG, <0.5 ppm per percent of sucrose -Processing aid in mfr of sugar - 172.810 <25 ppm in final molasses - Diluents in color additives, 73.1 - Copolymer condensates of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, 172.808
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is the sodium salt of docusate, a dioctyl salt and an emollient laxative with stool-softening activity. Docusate decreases surface tension and emulsification of fecal matter and allows water to penetrate and mix with stool. As a result, it softens the stool.
Surface-Active Agents
Agents that modify interfacial tension of water; usually substances that have one lipophilic and one hydrophilic group in the molecule; includes soaps, detergents, emulsifiers, dispersing and wetting agents, and several groups of antiseptics. (See all compounds classified as Surface-Active Agents.)
In vitro studies suggest that these salts of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate lower the surface tension of the stool to permit water and lipids to enter more readily and thus soften the feces. ... More recent evidence indicates that they may stimulate the secretion of water and electrolytes on contact with the mucosa.
Capsules of the docusate salts should be stored in tight containers at 15-30 degrees C; Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate solution should be stored in tight containers, and Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate syrup should be stored in tight, light-resistant containers.
Stool softeners (ie, docusate salts) ... may enhance the absorption of many orally administered drugs. Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate increases the extent of mineral oil absorption and the rate of phenolphthalein absorption.
Docusate salts occasionally can cause diarrhea. Morphologic damage to the intestine has been observed in rats. They also may be hepatotoxic. /Docusate salts/
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate's use as a wetting agent and food additive may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to soil, the expected mobility of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is low to very high. If released to water, Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate will be essentially nonvolatile. Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate has aqueous base-catalyzed hydrolysis half-lives of 243 days at pH of 8 and 6.7 years at pH of 7. Aquatic bioconcentration is not expected to be an important fate process although adsorption to sediment may be possible. Several studies have shown that Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate biodegrades rapidly. If released to the atmosphere, Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate will exist primarily in the particulate phase. In the vapor phase, it will degrade in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with an estimated half-life of 18 hrs. Physical removal from air can occur through wet and dry deposition. Exposure to Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate can occur through dermal contact, inhalation, and ingestion.
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate's use as a wetting agent(1) and food additive(2) could result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).
When dissolved in aqueous solutions, Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate will have soil mobility ranging from low to very high(3) based on estimated Koc values ranging from 9.37 to 1041(1,2). Several studies have shown that Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate biodegrades rapidly(4-8).
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is essentially nonvolatile from water based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5X10-12 atm cu m/mol(1,2,SRC). Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate has estimated aqueous base-catalyzed hydrolysis half-lives of 243 days at pH of 8 and 6.7 years at pH of 7(3,SRC). Aquatic bioconcentration is not expected to be an important fate process although adsorption to sediment may be possible based on Koc values of 9.37 to 1041(4,2,SRC). Several studies have shown that Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate biodegrades rapidly(5-9). For example, a river die-away screen test of river water demonstrated that Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate biodegraded 95% (12 days), 91% (12 days), 91% (17 days), 97.3% (6 days), and 97.7% (3 days), at concentrations of 12.9, 4.5, 3.3, 11.3, and 12.9 ppm, respectively, with a lag period of 6 days(5).
Based on an estimated vapor pressure of approximately 2.17X10-11 mm Hg at 25 °C(1), Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate will exist primarily in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere(2). In the vapor phase, it will degrade in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with an estimated half-life of 18 hrs(3). Physical removal of particulate Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate from air is likely to occur through wet and dry deposition(SRC).
In a river die-away screen test of river water, Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate biodegraded 95% (12 days), 91% (12 days), 91% (17 days), 97.3% (6 days), and 97.7% (3 days), at concentrations of 12.9, 4.5, 3.3, 11.3, and 12.9 ppm, respectively, with a lag period of 6 days(1). This study also conducted a sterile control in which there was 9% loss of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate(1). A BOD test of aerobic activated sludge biodegraded Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate 80-95% after 8 hours from initial concentrations of 2-13 ppm with a 5-7 week lag(2). This same study tested sewage in the same manner and obtained 60-80% biodegradation of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate after a 3-9 week lag(2). A study using DOC found that Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate (40 ppm) biodegraded 83% after 20 days in aerobic sewage(3). In an aerobic closed bottle screening study using activated sludge and soil inoculum, 100 mg/l Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate had a 4 week theoretical BOD of 0-9%(4). With 1 mg added to 10 ml sediment, Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate biodegraded 55-94% in river sediments, 8% in sand, and 13% in clay after 3 days(5).
The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated to be approximately 21.8X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C which corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 18 hours at an atmospheric concn of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1,SRC). Aqueous base-catalyzed hydrolysis (at 25 °C) is estimated as 0.03 l/mol-sec which corresponds to half-lives of 243 days at pH of 8 and 6.7 years at pH of 7(2,SRC).
Based upon an experimental water solubility of 71,000 mg/l(1), the BCF of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate can be estimated to be approximately 1.13 from a regression-derived equation(2). The BCF for Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate has also been experimentally determined to be <0.9 at 0.5 mg/l and < 9.3 at 0.05 mg/l for a 6 week duration(1). Based on these BCF values, bioconcentration is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC).
Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indexes, the Koc for Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate can be estimated to be about 1041(1). The Koc for Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate can be estimated to be about 9.37 based on an estimated water solubility of 71000 mg/L(3) and a regression derived equation(2). According to a suggested classification scheme(4), these estimated Koc values suggest that Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate soil mobility is low to very high.
The Henry's Law constant for Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate can be estimated to be 5X10-12 atm-cu m/mole using a structure estimation method(1). This value of Henry's Law constant indicates that Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is essentially nonvolatile from water(2).
Detergents and food additives, such as Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate, can be absorbed into the body by three routes: dermal contact, inhalation, and ingestion(1). NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 139,699 workers are potentially exposed to Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate in the USA(2).
Wetting Agents (Stool Softeners and Lubricants)
Docusate sodium (Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate) and docusate calcium (dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate) act like detergents and are used to soften the stool when it is desirable to lessen the discomfort or the strain of defecation. These drugs are anionic surfactants that produce their effect by reducing the surface tension and allowing intestinal fluids and fatty substances to penetrate the fecal mass. They usually require 1 to 3 days to exert their full effect if used alone, but they may be combined with other laxatives in OTC preparations. These agents are not believed to interfere with the absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract, and they are not appreciably absorbed. Docusate is frequently recommended for elderly patients because it is associated with so few side effects. Diarrhea and mild abdominal cramps are the only adverse effects reported.
Mineral oil (liquid petrolatum) may be considered with the surface-active agents because it also softens the stool. Mineral oil acts as a lubricant and coats the intestinal contents, preventing the absorption of fecal water. It produces a cathartic action in 6 to 8 hours after oral administration and 5 to 15 minutes if given rectally. Its use is attended by several potential hazards not associated with the other agents. Prolonged oral use or administration with meals can reduce the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Lipid pneumonia can result from the accidental aspiration of the oil. Mineral oil is absorbed to a limited extent from the intestinal tract; its use with a wetting agent (docusate), which could increase its absorption, is contraindicated. Significant absorption of mineral oil may occur if used repeatedly. The seepage of oil through the anal sphincter may occur and produce pruritus ani or other perianal conditions.
Laxatives and Stool Softeners
Before any treatment regimen is begun, the bowel must be cleared initially if there is gross constipation. This can be achieved by using a stool softener such as docusate sodium (formerly Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate) initially, followed by agents such as senna or sodium picosulfate to produce evacuation. Enemas and manual evacuation are occasionally required at this stage. After the initial colonic emptying is produced, the regular use of stool softeners and addition of extra fluid and fiber to the diet are required. In children, fruit and green fiber are better than large amounts of bran. Other stool softeners include lactulose and the bulking agent methylcellulose. Regular emptying is established with laxatives such as senna, bisacodyl (Dulcolax), and sodium picosulfate. It is important that laxatives be used for a sufficiently long period, usually 1 year or longer in children with idiopathic constipation.
Uses
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is used to treat occasional constipation. Some medications and conditions can make constipation more likely. Stool softeners such as docusate are often the first method used for preventing and treating this type of constipation. Docusate is often used when straining to have a bowel movement should be avoided (e.g., after a heart attack or surgery).Docusate is a stool softener. It works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
How to use Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate
Follow all directions on the product package unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate by mouth, usually at bedtime with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water or juice, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Decrease your dose or stop taking Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate if you develop diarrhea.
If you are using the liquid form of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the drops, measure the medication with the dropper provided, or use a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you have the correct dose. Mix the syrup, liquid or drops in 4 to 8 ounces of fruit juice, milk or infant formula to prevent throat irritation and mask a bitter taste.
Use Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate only when needed. Do not use this product for more than 1 week unless directed by your doctor.
WHAT IS Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is used to treat occasional constipation. Some medications and conditions can make constipation more likely. Stool softeners such as Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate are often the first method used for preventing and treating this type of constipation. Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is often used when straining to have a bowel movement should be avoided (e.g., after a heart attack or surgery).
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is a stool softener. It works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate is available under the following different brand names: Colace, DSS, Albert Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate, Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate Calcium, Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate sodium, DulcoEase, Phillips Liqui Gels, Silace, and Soflax.
WHAT ARE SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH USING Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate?
Side effects of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinateinclude:
Abdominal cramping
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Excessive bowel activity
Intestinal obstruction
Throat irritation
Rash
Low electrolyte levels (excessive use)
Dependence (excessive use)
This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.
WHAT OTHER DRUGS INTERACT WITH Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate?
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.
Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs.
Mild interactions of Sodium-diethylhexyl-sulfosuccinate include:
mineral oil
This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns or for more information about this medicine.
