| Class | Stool softener |
|---|---|
| Chemistry |
Dioctyl salt |
| Routes of administration |
Oral |
| Absorption |
Non-absorbable |
| Solubility |
pKa = -0.75; highly water-soluble |
| Distribution |
Not absorbed; remains in the bowel |
| Metabolism |
Inert; not metabolised by colonic bacteria |
| Elimination |
Eliminated largely unchanged in the stool |
| Time course of action |
Duration of effect depends largely on the gut motility |
| Target receptor |
Does not bind to any receptors |
| Mechanism of action |
By acting as a surfactant, emulsifies the stool and increases the penetration of water into its mass, thereby decreasing its viscosity |
| Clinical effects |
Increased absorption of fat-soluble substances (eg. drugs), because of increased micellation |
| Literature reference |
Hannoodee et al, 2011 |
| CICM details of understanding | Not specifically listed in the CICM syllabus |
| Mentioned around Deranged Physiology | |
| Related SAQs |