.
Docusate, which is available without a prescription, is used to treat constipation and is in a class of laxatives known as stool softeners.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Magnesium
A woman and her newborn infant experienced low blood levels of magnesium, which was possibly
due to chronic use of docusate throughout and after pregnancy.1 Controlled research
is necessary to determine whether people taking docusate for long periods of time need to
supplement magnesium.
Potassium
Taking docusate increases the amount of potassium excreted from the body in the
stool.2 Whether people taking docusate for long periods of time need to increase
their intake of potassium is unknown.
Summary of Interactions for Docusate
| Depletion or interference | Magnesium* Potassium* |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. Schindler AM. Isolated neonatal hypomagnesaemia associated with maternal overuse of stool softener. Lancet 1984;2:822 [letter].
2. Moriarty KJ, Kelly MJ, Beetham R, Clark ML. Studies on the mechanism of action of dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate in the human jejunum. Gut 1985;26:1008–13.
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