ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/docusate-sodium
US brand names:Colace, Surfak
Docusate Sodium is dosed at 1–5 mg/kg PO not stated in crested geckos, per Gillespie D. Reptiles. In: Birchard SJ, Sherding RG, eds. Saunders Manual of Small Animal Practice; WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA; 1994:1390-1411. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.273 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.11 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Reptiles). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Anionic surfactant that lowers surface tension allowing water and fat penetration into the stool, producing softer feces.
Mild effect — not effective for acute constipation. Do not administer concurrently with mineral oil (may increase mineral oil absorption).
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Crested Gecko drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 3 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 50–200 mg/animal | q8-12h | Moderate | Papich MG. Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, Docusate monograph, printed p.261 - "Dogs - Docusate sodium: 50-200 mg/dog q8-12h PO." NOTE - Plumb's 10th ed printed p.418 prints "25 - 100 mg/dog (depending on dog size, NOT mg/kg) PO once to twice daily" - the two held books DISAGREE and this rule follows Papich.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 50 mg/cat | q12-24h | Moderate | Papich MG. Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, Docusate monograph, printed p.261 - "Cats - Docusate sodium: 50 mg/cat q12-24h PO." This is the source of the served q12-24h interval. The previously cited Plumb's 10th ed printed p.418 prints the same 50 mg/cat but ONCE DAILY only - the two held books disagree on the interval and this rule follows Papich.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.