Note: The following are general dosing guidelines; refer to specific product labeling for dosing instructions.
Stool softener: 
Oral:
Docusate calcium: 240 mg once daily
Docusate sodium: 50 to 360 mg once daily or in divided doses
Rectal: 283 mg per 5 mL: 283 mg (1 enema) 1 to 3 times daily
Ceruminolytic (off-label use): Intra-aural: Administer 1 mL of docusate sodium in 2 mL syringes; if no clearance in 15 minutes, irrigate with 50 or 100 mL lukewarm normal saline (Singer 2000) 
 Detailed Docusate dosage information
Dosing: Geriatric
Refer to adult dosing.
Dosing: Pediatric
Constipation (occasional), treatment; stool softener: 
Docusate sodium:
Oral:
Manufacturer's labeling:
Children 2 years to <12 years: 50 to 150 mg/day in single or divided doses
Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: 50 to 360 mg/day in single or divided doses
Alternate dosing:
Weight-directed dosing: Infants and Children: 5 mg/kg/day in 1 to 4 divided doses (Nelson 1996)
Age-directed (fixed) dosing:
Infants ≥6 months and Children <2 years: 12.5 mg 3 times daily (NICE 2010)
Children ≥2 and Adolescents: 40 to 150 mg/day in 1 to 4 divided doses (Kliegman 2011); in children ≥12 years and adolescents, doses up to 500 mg/day divided may be used (NICE 2010)
Rectal:
Children 2 to <12 years:
100 mg/5 mL: 100 mg (1 unit) once daily
283 mg/5 mL: 283 mg (1 unit) once daily
Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: 283 mg/5mL: 283 mg (1 unit) 1 to 3 times daily
Docusate calcium: Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: 240 mg once daily
Administration
Oral: Administer as a single daily dose or in divided doses; ensure adequate fluid intake. Mix docusate liquid (50 mg per 5 mL) with milk or fruit juice to prevent throat irritation.
Rectal: For rectal use only. Lubricate tip prior to insertion by placing a few drops of the liquid from the enema on the shaft prior to insertion; may also apply a few drops of enema contents or lubricant to the anus prior to insertion. Gently insert lubricated applicator tip into rectum. Grasp bottle firmly and squeeze slowly to empty the contents. Discard after administration.
Dietary Considerations
Some products may contain sodium.
