Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Docusate - MOA

Q: Docusate is a commonly used anti-diarrheal agent used in ICU. It is?  (select one)

A) A surfactant 

B) An Osmotic agent 
C) a stimulant laxatives 
D) a nerve ending stimulator
E) a bulk-forming laxative


Answer:  A

Docusate sodium is a stool softener in a layman term but medically it is a surfactant. Its mechanism of action is little more complex and interesting. It is an anionic surfactant, means a surface-active agent. It lowers the surface tension at the oil-water interface of the feces, allowing more water and lipids to enter the stool. High water and lipid content of the stool facilitates natural defecation.

Although it is a very benign medicine, it may cause contact dermatitis as a side effect.

#gastroenterology
#pharmacology


References:


1. PDR - https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Colace-Capsules-docusate-sodium-1023

2. Ramkumar D, Rao SS. Efficacy and safety of traditional medical therapies for chronic constipation: systematic review. Am J Gastroenterol 2005; 100:936.

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