Docusate is the common chemical and pharmaceutical name of the anion bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, also commonly called dioctyl sulfosuccinate (DOSS). It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines.Salts of this anion, especially  docusate sodium, are widely used in medicine as laxatives and as stool softeners, by mouth or rectally. In 2019, it was the 187th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions. Some studies claim that docusate is not more effective than a placebo for improving constipation. Other docusate salts with medical use include those of calcium and potassium.Docusate salts are also used as food additives, emulsifiers, dispersants, and wetting agents, among other uses. History
Sodium docusate was patented in 1937 by Coleman R. Caryl and Alphons O. Jaeger for American Cyanamid, which commercialized it for many years as a detergent under the brand name Aerosol OT. Its use for the treatment of constipation was first proposed in 1955 by James L. Wilson and  David G. Dickinson, and quickly popularized under the name Doxinate. Medical use
Constipation
The main medical use of docusate sodium is to treat constipation, acting as a laxative and stool softener. In painful anorectal conditions such as hemorrhoid and anal fissures, it can help avoid pain caused by straining during bowel movements. When administered by mouth, a bowel movement often occurs in 1 to 3 days, while rectal use may be effective within 20 minutes.Sodium docusate is recommended as a stool softener for children.However, its effectiveness for constipation is poorly supported by evidence.
It is only slightly to moderately toxic for rainbow trout fingerlings, and slightly toxic for harlequin rasboras (LC50 27 mg/L of a 60% formulation after 48 hours). References
External links
"Docusate". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Docusate sodium". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Stool Softeners at the N.I.H. PubMed Health resource.