Question 1

will a stool softener help with an elderly person?

Accepted Answer

Sure, but...: Docusate (per pdr) helps moisten & soften hard, dry stools. It is not a true laxative, but facilitates natural defecation, usually within 12 to 72 hours. This is safe & available for anyone over 2, & assumes normal GI anatomy without inflammation, stenosis, extrinsic or intrinsic obstruction.  Gi motility in the healthy elderly patient is really little different than in younger patients.

Question 2

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.

Question 3

what is the best over-the-counter stool softener for nursing mothers?

Accepted Answer

Consider fiber: Hi. Most Americans don't get enough fiber in the diet. Refined flours and processed foods are the culprits. Make sure you only eat whole grains (whole wheat, gown rice, other whole grains). You may not need a chemical stool softener if you get enough fiber and liquid in your diet. Eat closer to nature, and your pooping will follow. Good luck!

Question 4

what is the best stool softener for hemorrhoids please provide as much info as possible?

Accepted Answer

Miralax (polyethylene glycol) works well.: The usual dose is 17 grams (about 1 heaping tablespoon) of powder/day (or as directed by physician) in 4 to 8 ounces of water or other beverage. Each bottle has a measuring cap marked to contain 17 grams of the powder when filled to the indicated line. 1-3 days may be required to produce a bowel movement.
You are trying for soft but not loose stools with no straining. 2-3 doses/week may be enough.

Question 5

when is the best time of day to take a stool softener like colace (docusate sodium).

Accepted Answer

Most commonly: People use it two or three times a day.  And really it's about convenience and remember to take it, if necessary. Consider taking it around a regular daily habit you may have.  For most that means around a morning or evening routine and others both times.

Question 6

can you take a stool softener everyday? im taking calcium and its making me a bit constipated. and is you can, beside miralax, whats the best one to take?

Accepted Answer

: Yes, you can take stool softener everyday. The most commonly used stool softener is docusate sodium (Colace), 100 mg, one or twice a day.
You can try a different formula of calcium to see if you are less constipated. If you take the most common one, calcium carbonate or Tums, you can try oyster shell or calcium carbonate, etc.

Question 7

dr said i have small anal fissure. what are the differences between fiber supplement (metamucil) and stool softener. which one is best to use. thanks.

Accepted Answer

Fiber and soft stool: Your doctor found an anal fissure.  He/she wants you to try a stool softener and add fiber tostood diet.  Try pericolace.  It is both.  Fiber helps to bulk up your stool so it isn't small in volume compared to water content.  The stool softener helps the stool stay soft.  Of course a healthy diet and exercise are part of that recommendation.

Question 8

is miralax (polyethylene glycol) the best stool softener to use for slow moving colon and constipation? ( am on fentanyl patches 159 mg q2 days for chronic pain )

Accepted Answer

Choices: You have choices, and none are necessarily best for any one person. You might also try OTC supplement called Magnesium Oxide. Take according to the directions on the bottle. It should help stimulate your bowels to work, and also give you some magnesium to reduce pain and spasm.
www.blatmanhealthandwellness.com

Question 9

which is best? miralax (polyethylene glycol) or ducolax stool softener.constipated. may have diverticulitis. will have ct friday. took miralax (polyethylene glycol) 2 days then ducolax last nite

Accepted Answer

Different mechanisms: They have different mechanisms of action. Miralax (polyethylene glycol) is an osmotic laxative (draws water out). Dulcolax is a stimulating laxative and for best effect take tablet with full glass water on empty stomach. Severe ab pain or fever then urgently see a doctor. You may benefit from an online consultation to best determine symptomatic care for constipation and advise next steps.

Question 10

i've seen different types of otc  laxatives (stimulant, saline, stool softeners, etc.). which would be best for occasional treatment of constipation?

Accepted Answer

If occasional: it doesn't matter much what you take, but it sounds like you have a number of GI issues.  The best way to treat constipation is to avoid it, but taking in adequate fluid and a good amount of fiber, preferably from natural sources (like fruits/vegetables with lots of roughage).  Stimulant laxatives can lead to dependency, and I generally recommend avoiding them. Occasionaf milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) is ok.

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Doctor answers about:

Best stool softener for elderly

A member asked:

Will a stool softener help with an elderly person?

A member asked:

What is the best stool softener to take?

A member asked:

What is the best over-the-counter stool softener for nursing mothers?

A member asked:

What is the best stool softener for hemorrhoids please provide as much info as possible?

A member asked:

When is the best time of day to take a stool softener like colace (docusate sodium).

A member asked:

Can you take a stool softener everyday? im taking calcium and its making me a bit constipated. and is you can, beside miralax, whats the best one to take?

A member asked:

Dr said i have small anal fissure. what are the differences between fiber supplement (metamucil) and stool softener. which one is best to use. thanks.

A member asked:

Is miralax (polyethylene glycol) the best stool softener to use for slow moving colon and constipation? ( am on fentanyl patches 159 mg q2 days for chronic pain )

A member asked:

Which is best? miralax (polyethylene glycol) or ducolax stool softener.constipated. may have diverticulitis. will have ct friday. took miralax (polyethylene glycol) 2 days then ducolax last nite

A member asked:

I've seen different types of otc laxatives (stimulant, saline, stool softeners, etc.). which would be best for occasional treatment of constipation?

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