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Drugs and Health Products

Laxatives: Stool Softener

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Contact: BGIVD Enquiries

Note: In the case of applications for drugs which fit the criteria of this labelling standard, it is not necessary to conduct an assessment to determine if bioequivalence, pharmacodynamic/clinical studies or pharmaceutical equivalence data must be submitted.

Active Ingredients:

Sulfosuccinate Preparations:

  • Docusate Calcium
  • Docusate Sodium
  • Docusate Potassium

Stool Softeners Action: Stool Softeners act by penetrating and softening stools

Usual Claims:

  • softens the stools
  • laxative
  • relief of occasional constipation
  • gentle

Warnings: As for all classes.

Directions:

  1. Drink increased fluids (one full glass or more).

Note: This labelling standard describes those requirements that are specific to this class of drugs. Other requirements described in the Regulations to the Food and Drugs Act and in the Guide for the Labelling of Drugs for Human Use should also be met.

Dosage
Ingredients Adult Maximum Children 6 to 12 years Children less than 6 years
Docusate Calcium Cap. 50 to 240 mg 480 mg 50 to 150 mg consult physician
Docusate Potassium Cap. 100 to 300 mg 480 mg 100 mg consult physician
Docusate Sodium Cap. 50 to 240 mg 500 mg 40 to 120 mg consult physician
        Children 2 to 6 years
Docusate Sodium Solution 50 to 240 mg 500 mg 50 to 150 mg 10 to 50 mg
Docusate Sodium Syrup 50 to 240 mg 500 mg 50 to 150 mg 10 to 50 mg
Docusate Sodium Tablets 50 to 240 mg 500 mg 50 to 150 mg 10 to 50 mg

Children/Infants up to 2 years-as directed by a physician