Softeron

Uses

Docusate is used for Constipation, Bowel evacuation, Softening of ear wax, Constipation

Ferrous Fumarate is used to prevent or treat iron deficiency anaemia. The prevention of iron deficiency during pregnancy usually requires a combination of iron and folic acid. Iron is usually found in foods and is necessary for the normal development of red blood cells. A lack of iron affects the development of the red blood cells and causes a reduction in the number of red blood cells found in the body (iron deficiency anaemia).

Softeron is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Constipation, Occasional Constipation, Bowel preparation therapyFolic acid antagonist overdose, Iron Deficiency (ID), Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA), Oral Contraceptives

How Softeron works

Recent studies suggest that docusate's mechanism of action is due largely to it's surfactant effect in the intestines, which allow fat and water into the feces to soften the stool.

Docusate’s mechanism of action was investigated in 1985 on healthy patients. Docusate was added directly to the jejunum based on calculated concentrations of docusate in the jejunum. At this concentration, there was an increase in secretion of water, sodium, chloride, and potassium as well as a decrease in absorption of glucose and bicarbonate. Based on in vitro data, the authors suggested this effect was due to an increase in intracellular cyclic AMP either directly through docusate or E series prostaglandins.

Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin. Iron-deficiency can lead to decreased production of hemoglobin and a microcytic, hypochromic anemia.

Dosage

Softeron dosage

Constipation:

• Adult: 50-300 mg daily in divided doses. Max: 500 mg daily.
• Child: ≥12 yr Same as adult dose.

Bowel evacuation:

• Adult: As adjunct to abdominal radiological procedures: 400 mg given with barium meal.
• Child: ≥12 yr Same as adult dose.

Iron-deficiency anemia:

• Adult: Usual dose range: Up to 600 mg daily. May increase up to 1.2 g daily if necessary.
• Child:Preterm neonate: 0.6-2.4 ml / kg daily; up to 6 yr: 2.5-5 ml bid.

Should be taken on an empty stomach. Best taken on an empty stomach. May be taken with meals to reduce GI discomfort.

Side Effects

Anorectal pain or bleeding (rectal). Rarely, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, skin rash.

Like all medicines, Ferrous Fumarate Tablets can sometimes cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. They might be:

• Heartburn
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Diarrhoea or constipation.

Also, you might find your stools are darker in color after you have taken this medicine. This is quite commonly seen with all iron preparations and is normal.

Toxicity

Docusate is not known to be carcinogenic or cause reproductive toxicity. It was not mutagenic in the Ames assay . Acute oral LD50 in rat is 1900 mg/kg .

Acute iron overdosage can be divided into four stages. In the first stage, which occurs up to six hours after ingestion, the principal symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms include hypotension, tachycardia and CNS depression ranging from lethargy to coma. The second phase may occur at 6-24 hours after ingestion and is characterized by a temporary remission. In the third phase, gastrointestinal symptoms recur accompanied by shock, metabolic acidosis, coma, hepatic necrosis and jaundice, hypoglycemia, renal failure and pulmonary edema. The fourth phase may occur several weeks after ingestion and is characterized by gastrointestinal obstruction and liver damage. In a young child, 75 milligrams per kilogram is considered extremely dangerous. A dose of 30 milligrams per kilogram can lead to symptoms of toxicity. Estimates of a lethal dosage range from 180 milligrams per kilogram and upwards. A peak serum iron concentration of five micrograms or more per ml is associated with moderate to severe poisoning in many.

Precaution

Rectal admin in patient with haemorrhoids or anal fissures. Children. Pregnancy and lactation.

Patients with intestinal strictures and diverticular disease. May worsen diarrhoea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. May cause constipation and faecal impaction in elderly. Avoid prolonged admin (>6 mth) except in patients with continued bleeding, menorrhagia or repeated pregnancies. Not for routine use in treatment of haemolytic anaemia unless an iron-deficient state exists. Parenteral iron should not be used concurrently with oral iron treatment. Avoid use in patients receiving repeated blood tranfusions. Pregnancy.

Interaction

May enhance GI uptake of other drugs (e.g. liquid paraffin). May increase effects of anthraquinone laxatives. Increased incidence of adverse effects in GI mucosa with aspirin.

Oral absorption of iron may be increased when taken with ascorbic acid. May reduce the absorption of quinolones and tetracyclines when taken concurrently via the oral route. Concurrent admin with antacids may reduce the absorption of ferrous fumarate from the GI tract. May reduce the absorption of penicillamine in the gut when taken concurrently.

Elimination Route

Docusate is not absorbed systemically. As the actions of docusate are local and it is not absorbed, the pharmacokinetic parameters are not available.

The efficiency of absorption depends on the salt form, the amount administered, the dosing regimen and the size of iron stores. Subjects with normal iron stores absorb 10% to 35% of an iron dose. Those who are iron deficient may absorb up to 95% of an iron dose.

Elimination Route

If docusate is systemically absorbed, it undergoes biliary excretion .

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category C. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Pregnancy Category- Not Classified. FDA has not yet classified the drug into a specified pregnancy category

Contraindication

Presence of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, intestinal obstruction. Perforation of ear drum or ear inflammation (otic).

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. Hemochroma

Acute Overdose

Symptoms: Oral: Excessive loss of water and electrolytes. Otic: Skin irritation.

Management: Oral: Encourage patient to drink plenty of fluid. Replenish electrolyte loss where appropriate. Otic: Symptomatic treatment.

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, haematemesis and rectal bleeding. Hypotension, coma and hepatocellular necrosis may occur later.

Treatment: Empty stomach contents by gastric lavage within 1 hr of ingestion. In severe toxicity, IV desferrioxamine may be given. Whole bowel irrigation may also be considered in severe poisoning.

Storage Condition

Store between 15-30° C. Protect from freezing, heat, humidity and light.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Softeron