Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid
About
Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid belongs to the class of nutritional supplements primarily used to treat anaemia (deficiency of Iron and haemoglobin). Additionally, it also treats constipation during pregnancy. Its deficiency occurs mainly due to poor diet, poor absorption of food, or increased folate use in the body (in pregnancy). Anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen required to various body tissues.
Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid is a combination drug containing: Docusate sodium, Iron, and Folic acid primarily used to treat anaemia. Docusate sodium is a stool softener that helps to hydrate and soften the faecal material, facilitating natural defecation. Iron and folic acid (haematinics combination) boost the body's production of red blood cells (RBC). As a result, an adequate number of RBCs are produced in the body, so that body's each tissue gets a sufficient supply of oxygen. Folic acid prevents miscarriage and neural tube defects in infants when used by pregnant women.
Take Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid as prescribed by your doctor. Depending upon your medical condition, you are advised to take Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. In some cases, you may experience stomach pain, loss of appetite, bloating, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects of Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid if you are allergic to Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid or any of the ingredients of Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid. Do not start taking any new medication without telling your doctor. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid. Your doctor may advise you to use folic acid during pregnancy to prevent any neural tube defects and help develop the brain and spinal cord in unborn babies. Do not use other laxatives or stool softeners unless told to do so by the doctor. Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid given to a child under 12 years of age should be given under strict medical supervision.
Uses of Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid is a combination of three drugs: Docusate sodium, Iron, and Folic acid, primarily used to treat anaemia (deficiency of red blood cells and haemoglobin). It acts as a supplement in pregnancy as, during pregnancy, the demand for Iron and folic acid in the body is increased. It also helps the body produce and maintain new cells and prevents our DNA from mutating, leading to cancer. Docusate sodium is a stool softener that helps to hydrate and soften the fecal material, facilitating natural defecation. Iron and Folic acid (haematinics combination) work by boosting the production of red blood cells (RBC) and haemoglobin in the body. Thus, using Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid is associated with a reduced risk of iron deficiency, anaemia, and constipation, especially in pregnant women.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid
- Upset stomach
- Throwing up
- Diarrhoea
- Belly pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Change in colour of stool to green
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid or its inactive components. If you are using any prescription, non-prescription, and over-the-counter drugs, it is essential to tell your doctor since the Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid may decrease the activity of a few medications like antibiotics. Please tell your doctor if you have a bowel block, belly pain, stomach upset, rectal bleeding, throwing up, or change in bowel habits lasting longer than two weeks, cancer, coronary stent, seizures (fits), tumour, kidney dysfunction, and undergoing dialysis before using Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid. Inform your doctor if you have malabsorption syndrome (difficulty absorbing nutrition from food). Your doctor may advise Folic acid during pregnancy to prevent any neural tube defects and help develop the brain and spinal cord in unborn babies. Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid may be excreted into the breast milk while lactating. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid. Also, if giving Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid to a child, a child specialist's dose will be decided as an overdose of Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid in children can lead to deadly poisoning. Excessive alcohol consumption reduces absorption and increases the elimination of folic acid. Hence, please avoid alcohol while using the Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid is known to interact with antiepileptics (phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, sodium valproate, carbamazepine), antibiotics (trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, tetracyclines), medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (methotrexate, penicillamine, sulfasalazine), blood cholesterol (cholestyramine), Parkinson's disease (levodopa, carbidopa), thyroid disease (thyroxine), bone disease (bisphosphonates), certain cancers (aminopterin, methotrexate), malaria (pyrimethamine), Wilson's disease (trientine), medicines used to treat constipation (lactulose, linaclotide, phenolphthalein).
Drug-Food Interactions: Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid should not be taken along with alcohol, dairy products, and eggs as it might affect Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid absorption in the body.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid is known to interact if you have or ever had a stomach ulcer, vitamin B12 deficiency, any blood disorder, repeated blood transfusions, ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon), anaemia, folate tumour, inflammatory bowel disease, and intestinal bowel obstruction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedDocusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid is safe is prescribed by a doctor but always take it in the dose and duration prescribed by a doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionDocusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid may be excreted into the breast milk when used by a breastfeeding mother. Please consult your doctor before taking the Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedDocusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid is safe if you drive or operate any machinery which requires concentration, as it is not known to affect driving ability.
Liver
cautionDocusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionLimited information avaialble. So, please consume only if prescribed by your doctor.
Children
cautionDocusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid can be given safely to children provided; a child specialist has prescribed a dose. Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid is not recommended for children below the age of 6 years. For children aged 6 and above, the dose of Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid will be decided by a child specialist, as an overdose of Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid in children can lead to deadly poisoning.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Constantly monitor your blood iron or haemoglobin level.
- Avoid taking Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid along with dairy products, coffee, alcohol, and eggs.
- Eat a healthy diet, especially green leafy vegetables, and exercise regularly.
- Limit the consumption of alcohol and junk food items from the outside and stick to freshly prepared home-cooked meals.
- Increase your intake of fruits in your diet especially fruits rich in iron like pomegranate and citrus fruits.
- Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid can cause dry mouth, so drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
- Stay hydrated, and drink enough water and fluids. Exercise regularly, and stay fit.
- Try making time to empty your bowels whenever the body tells you to.
Special Advise
- Constantly monitor your blood iron or haemoglobin level.
- Avoid taking Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid along with dairy products, coffee, alcohol, and eggs.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anaemia: Anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to various body tissues. Anaemia can be temporary, which can be treated with the help of supplements, and it can also be long-term, which might require medical procedures. It makes you feel tired very quickly due to a lack of oxygen supply in the body. It is one of the most common blood disorders.
Folate deficiency: The deficiency of folic acid in the body is known as folate deficiency. It generally occurs when your diet lacks sufficient food with more folic acid (citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables). Folate deficiency, if left untreated, can lead to anaemia.
FAQs
Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid contains Docusate sodium, Iron, and Folic acid. Docusate sodium is a stool softener that helps to hydrate and soften the fecal material, facilitating natural defecation. Iron and folic acid (Haematinic combination) are primarily used to treat anaemia. Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid works by boosting the body's production of red blood cells (RBC).
Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid may decrease the absorption of antibiotics, thereby reducing their effectiveness of antibiotics. It is advised to maintain at least an hour gap between Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid and other antibiotics.
It is recommended not to take Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid along with tea, coffee, milk, and even eggs as the boy might absorb fewer iron supplements if you take them together, which may reduce the effectiveness of Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid.
Diarrhoea might occur if Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid is taken in larger doses. Drink lots of fluids and eat fibre-rich food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in your stools (tarry stools) or experience excess diarrhoea consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
During pregnancy, the progesterone hormone may increase and causes the relaxation of the body's smooth muscles, including gut muscles (intestines). The slower-moving gut muscles mean slower digestion. This can lead to constipation.
Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid contains Iron, which can irritate and damage the gastrointestinal mucosa. Hence, please let your doctor know if you have any stomach ulcer disease, enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine), or ulcerative colitis before taking the Docusate Sodium+iron+folic Acid.
