Docusate, which is available without a prescription, is used to treat constipation and is in a class of laxatives known as stool
softeners.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Magnesium*
Potassium*
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Magnesium
A woman and her newborn infant experienced low blood levels of magnesium, which was possibly
due to chronic use of docusate throughout and after pregnancy.1 Controlled research
is necessary to determine whether people taking docusate for long periods of time need to
supplement magnesium.
Potassium
Taking docusate increases the amount of potassium excreted from the body in the
stool.2 Whether people taking docusate for long periods of time need to increase
their intake of potassium is unknown.
References
1. Schindler AM. Isolated neonatal hypomagnesaemia associated with
maternal overuse of stool softener. Lancet 1984;2:822 [letter].
2. Moriarty KJ, Kelly MJ, Beetham R, Clark ML. Studies on the mechanism
of action of dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate in the human jejunum. Gut
1985;26:1008–13.
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information
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Learn more about the authors of Using
Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
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