docusate sodium + senna

Docusate sodium + senna is a combination over-the-counter laxative product comprising two active ingredients: docusate sodium, a surfactant/stool softener, and senna (sennosides), a stimulant laxative derived from the plant *Senna alexandrina*. Docusate works by reducing the surface tension at the oil-water interface in stool, increasing water and fat absorption into the stool to soften it, while senna's sennosides irritate the intestinal lining to stimulate peristalsis and promote bowel movement. Together, the combination both softens stool and stimulates intestinal motility. It is classified as a small molecule, oral combination laxative. In the context of the Austin Health (Austin Hospital ICU) trial, this drug is being investigated as a bowel management regimen for critically ill, mechanically ventilated, enterally fed adult patients experiencing bowel dysfunction (both constipation and diarrhoea). The trial is a single-centre, cluster double crossover Phase 3 study comparing early initiation (day 1) versus delayed initiation (day 6) of a Coloxyl with Senna-based bowel regimen, aiming to optimize bowel management and reduce practice variation in the ICU setting.

Brand names

Coloxyl with SennaSenokot-SSenna-SPeri-ColaceColace 2-in-1Colace2-in-1Colace-2-in-1

Other names

docusate sodium and sennosidesdocusate sodium and senna