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Docusate natrium and sorbitol
Docusate sodium acts as a stool softener by reducing surface tension of feces, while sorbitol acts as an osmotic laxative to increase water retention in the bowel.
Docusate sodium acts as a stool softener by reducing surface tension of feces, while sorbitol acts as an osmotic laxative to increase water retention in the bowel. Used for Constipation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Docusate natrium and sorbitol |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Klyx |
| Sponsor | Oslo University Hospital |
| Drug class | Laxative combination (stool softener + osmotic laxative) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Docusate sodium is an anionic surfactant that lowers the surface tension of the stool-water interface, allowing water to penetrate and soften the stool mass. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that is poorly absorbed in the small intestine, creating an osmotic gradient that draws water into the colon, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. Together, they provide both softening and osmotic laxative effects for constipation relief.
Approved indications
- Constipation
Common side effects
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Flatulence
Key clinical trials
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Docusate natrium and sorbitol CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Docusate natrium and sorbitol updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Oslo University Hospital portfolio CI