Compendium of the most significant studies with reference to properties, intake, effects.

Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate or Docusate (Calcium or Sodium) for the Prevention or Management of Constipation: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2014 Jun 26. 

Abstract. Constipation has many definitions and is often described differently depending on the population queried. Many physicians define constipation as a reduction in the frequency of bowel movements to fewer than three times per week while patients identify more with the symptoms associated with constipation such as difficulty passing stool, hard stool consistency, feelings of abdominal cramping, and feelings of incomplete stool passage.

Rosal R, Rodea-Palomares I, Boltes K, Fernández-Piñas F, Leganés F, Petre A. Ecotoxicological assessment of surfactants in the aquatic environment: combined toxicity of docusate sodium with chlorinated pollutants. Chemosphere. 2010 Sep;81(2):288-93. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.05.050. Epub 2010 Jun 25.

Abstract. The toxicity of perfluorinated surfactants perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) and PF-656 as well as the sulfosuccinate surfactant docusate sodium has been examined using two bioluminescence inhibition assays based on the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the self-luminescent cyanobacterial recombinant strain Anabaena CPB4337. 

Srisukhumchai C, Kasemsiri P, Rattanaanekchai T, Srirompotong S, Yordpratum U, Sakolsinsiri C. A comparative in vitro study on the cerumenolytic effect of docusate sodium versus 2.5% sodium bicarbonate using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. J Otol. 2020 Sep;15(3):99-102. doi: 10.1016/j.joto.2019.09.001

Abstract.  To compare cerumenolytic effects of docusate sodium and of 2.5% sodium bicarbonate - In vitro study; observe characteristics of the solution, using ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy, and measurement of cholesterol levels.

Akinboyo IC, Sick-Samuels AC, Singeltary E, Fackler J, Ascenzi J, Carroll KC, Maldonado Y, Brooks RB, Benowitz I, Wilson LE, LiPuma JJ, Milstone AM. Multistate Outbreak of an Emerging Burkholderia cepacia Complex Strain Associated With Contaminated Oral Liquid Docusate Sodium. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018 Feb;39(2):237-239. doi: 10.1017/ice.2017.265.

Abstract. ...Given the commonality of mechanical ventilation, we focused on possible respiratory sources of infection or exposure to previously recalled oral liquid docusate products...

Mounsey A, Raleigh M, Wilson A. Management of Constipation in Older Adults. Am Fam Physician. 2015 Sep 15;92(6):500-4. 

Abstract. Chronic constipation is common in adults older than 60 years, and symptoms occur in up to 50% of nursing home residents. Primary constipation is also referred to as functional constipation. Secondary constipation is associated with chronic disease processes, medication use, and psychosocial issues. Fecal impaction should be treated with mineral oil or warm water enemas

Edenfield AL, Siddiqui NY, Wu JM, Dieter AA, Garrett MA, Visco AG. Polyethylene Glycol 3350 and Docusate Sodium Compared With Docusate Sodium Alone After Urogynecologic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Sep;128(3):543-9. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000001565. 

Abstract. To compare time to first bowel movement and additional gastrointestinal outcomes between women receiving polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG3350) and docusate sodium and docusate sodium alone after urogynecologic surgery.

Chambliss WG, Cleary RW, Fischer R, Jones AB, Skierkowski P, Nicholes W, Kibbe AH. Effect of docusate sodium on drug release from a controlled-release dosage form. J Pharm Sci. 1981 Nov;70(11):1248-51. doi: 10.1002/jps.2600701117.

Abstract. This study was designed to determine the effect of a clinically used surfactant, docusate sodium, on the release of chlorpheniramine from a controlled-release dosage form (encapsulated coated pellets). In vivo treatments consisted of the controlled-release capsule alone or with 200 mg of docusate sodium.

Glowicz J, Crist M, Gould C, Moulton-Meissner H, Noble-Wang J, de Man TJB, Perry KA, Miller Z, Yang WC, Langille S, Ross J, Garcia B, Kim J, Epson E, Black S, Pacilli M, LiPuma JJ, Fagan R; B. cepacia Investigation Workgroup. A multistate investigation of health care-associated Burkholderia cepacia complex infections related to liquid docusate sodium contamination, January-October 2016. Am J Infect Control. 2018 Jun;46(6):649-655. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.11.018. 

Abstract. Outbreaks of health care-associated infections (HAIs) caused by Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) have been associated with medical devices and water-based products. Water is the most common raw ingredient in nonsterile liquid drugs, and the significance of organisms recovered from microbiologic testing during manufacturing is assessed using a risk-based approach. This incident demonstrates that lapses in manufacturing practices and quality control of nonsterile liquid drugs can have serious unintended consequences.