Constipation The main medical use of<unk>  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<unk>  is recommended as a stool softener for children. However, its effectiveness for constipation is poorly supported by evidence. Multiple studies have found<unk>  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<unk>  sodium, when used with ear syringing, may help with earwax removal, particularly in the case of impaction. Sodium<unk>  is also used as a lubricant in the production of tablets and as an emulsifier in topical preparations and other suspensions. Precautions and contraindications<unk>  sodium is approved and recommended as safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.<unk>  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, 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<unk> , although very rare, is rectal bleeding. Interactions<unk>  might increase resorption of other drugs, for example, dantron (1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone). Mechanism of action<unk>  is an anionic surfactant, which works by reducing the surface tension of the stool, allowing more intestinal water and fat to combine with the stool. This decreases the strain and discomfort associated with constipation. It does not stay in the gastrointestinal tract, but is absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted via the gallbladder after undergoing extensive metabolism. The effect of<unk>  may not necessarily be all due to its surfactant properties. Perfusion studies suggest that<unk>  inhibits fluid absorption or stimulates secretion in the portion of the small intestine known as the jejunum. Pharmaceutical brand names In the U.S.,<unk>  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, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate is sold under the brand name Docusol (Typharm Ltd) and DulcoEase (Boehringer Ingelheim). In Australia, dioctyl sodium 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.
Docusate
Macrogol
Thiamylal
Diatrizoate
Lactitol
Icodextrin
Degmacyte
Sucralfate