Question 1

what are stool softeners?

Accepted Answer

Constipation: Stool softeners are drugs used to do exactly what they are called: soften stool so that it's easier to have a bowel movement w/o straining. In theory, they should do nothing to your bowel as opposed to laxatives which can draw water from your bowel to keep stool soft or irritate your bowel to move stool along. While it's ok to take stool softeners regularly, try to avoid chronic stimulant laxative.

Question 2

how effective are stool softeners?

Accepted Answer

Depends...: Stool softeners come in many forms (fiber, chemical and 'natural'), all trying to increase the water content of your stools, as opposed to laxatives that stimulate the bowels to go by various actions, some of which may be quite uncomfortable. Beware of the so-called 'natural' softeners, unregulated by the dea, many of which contain harmful laxatives that can damage your colon cells, worsening it.

Question 3

can i buy stool softeners for kids?

Accepted Answer

Safe for most kids: Docusate (per pdr) helps moisten & soften hard, dry stools. It is not true laxative, but facilitates natural defecation, usually within 12 to 72 hours. This is safe & available for children over 2, & assumes normal GI anatomy without inflammation, stenosis, extrinsic or instrinsic obstruction. Change in bowels is a "red flag", like weight loss or blood in stool, that needs evaluation if persistent.

Question 4

how long does it take for stool softeners to work?

Accepted Answer

12 to 72 hours: Docusate (per pdr) helps moisten & soften hard, dry stools. It is not true laxative, but facilitates natural defecation, usually within 12 to 72 hours. This works best for occasional constipation, & assumes normal GI anatomy without inflammation, stenosis, extrinsic or instrinsic obstruction. Change in bowels is considered a "red flag", like weight loss or blood in stool, that if persists see doc.

Question 5

is it okay to take stool softeners dayly, long-term?

Accepted Answer

Yes: See previous answer regarding softeners like docusate (colace) which are safe to use on a daily basis for hard stools. Don't use daily laxatives though.

Question 6

how many days in a row of stool softeners do i take before bm?

Accepted Answer

Usually 2 to 3 days: Docusate (per pdr) helps moisten & soften hard, dry stools. It is not true laxative, but facilitates natural defecation, usually within 12 to 72 hours. This works best for occasional constipation, & assumes normal GI anatomy without inflammation, stenosis, extrinsic or instrinsic obstruction. Change in bowels is considered a "red flag", like weight loss or blood in stool, that if persists see doc.

Question 7

are stool softeners bad for you? can they be taken regularly?

Accepted Answer

No and yes: Most stool softners are extracts of vegitable fiber.  They are not laxatives which can damage your bowells if you take them reguarly.  However taking stool softners does not mean that you do not hae to eat your fruits and veggies.

Question 8

how much time does it usually take for stool softeners to work?

Accepted Answer

12 to 72 hours: Docusate (per PDR) helps moisten &amp; soften hard, dry stools. It is not a true laxative, but facilitates natural defecation, usually within 12 to 72 hours. This works best for occasional constipation, &amp; assumes normal GI anatomy without inflammation, stenosis, extrinsic or instrinsic obstruction. Change in bowels is considered a "red flag", like weight loss or blood in stool, that needs evaluation.

Question 9

what does stool softener actually do?

Accepted Answer

Helps moisten stool: They cause stool to retain more water and thus be softer in consistency.

Question 10

what is the best stool softener to take?

Accepted Answer

Docusate: Docusate sodium. However the optimal dose varies from person to person. The over the counter dose is 50 mg and you may need to take it twice a day or maybe 2 tablets twice daily.
Psyllium is a natural fiber that come in powder and acts as a softener if you take it with 8 ozs of water everyday. Make sure you take it 2 hours away from your medications.

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