Issues for surgery
Risk of constipation if omitted, particularly in patients with chronic laxative use, which may further be exacerbated by medication administered perioperatively, e.g. opioids.
Advice in the perioperative period
Elective surgery
Continue, if required.
EXCEPT:
- for patients having bowel cleansing preparations prior to surgery – stop when bowel preparation starts.
Pre-operative use as adjunct before abdominal radiological procedures
Docusate may be prescribed as a stat dose, either orally or rectally, prior to abdominal radiological procedures – see British National Formulary for further information.
Emergency surgery
Continue, if required.
EXCEPT:
- for patients with suspected bowel obstruction or perforation.
Post-operative advice
Resume post-operatively, if needed, once enteral intake resumed.
If concomitant use of opioids or other medication that may cause constipation, or antibiotics that may cause diarrhoea, monitor response to treatment and adjust dose accordingly.
Review if patient develops reduced gastrointestinal motility (e.g. ileus) post-operatively.
Patients undergoing colorectal surgery
Review the need for docusate sodium post-operatively.
Interactions with common anaesthetic agents
None.
Interactions with other common medicines used in the perioperative period
None.
Further information
None relevant.
References
Baxter K, Preston CL (eds), Stockley’s Drug Interactions (online) London: Pharmaceutical Press. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 24 March 2024]
Docusate Sodium. In: Brayfield A (Ed), Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. London: The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 24 April 2024]
Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (online) London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press http://www.medicinescomplete.com [Accessed on 24 March 2024]
Summary of Product Characteristics – Dioctyl® (docusate) 100 mg Capsules. TEOFARMA S.R.L. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk 24/03/2024 [date of revision of the text August 2023]