Question 1

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 2

can i take stool softeners every day? i dont want to get constipated, take a stool softener, & then have to wait a long time.

Accepted Answer

Yes: Can also consume more fiber, increase water intake and remain active.

Question 3

i am taking stool softener, (docusate sodium) 2 a day it is really helping me. is it safe to take it for a long time, or there is alternatives?

Accepted Answer

Constipation: Long term laxatives are not great for the bowels. If possible add magnesium 250mg once per day to your routine and that may help increase absorption into the gut and help you taper off the laxatives. Also don't forget to drink a lot of water to soften the bowels and fiber to keep things moving.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

i'm on meds that cause constipation. i drink metamucil in the am and h20 rest of the day. i do have to use suppositories occasionally though. can i take stool softeners at the same time too? look forward to hearing back! thanks?

Accepted Answer

: There are several classes of medications that can help make stools more regular. Stool softeners recruit water into the stool so that the texture is soft and they can pass without pain/stretching of the anus/rectum. Sennosides increase the motility of the intestines by causing increased peristaltic waves. Fiber gives stool more form, but can cause firmer stools. you can use all 3 at the same time

Question 7

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 8

i take miralax (polyethylene glycol) sometimes, and i was wondering what can i do when it is time for a colonoscopy, for people who are used to stool softeners?

Accepted Answer

Best to : Discuss this with your GI doctor or colon and rectal surgeon who will be performing the procedure. Try drinking less caffeine and more fluid to 80 ounces per day or more and you will probably not need the MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) any longer.

Question 9

is it okay to take a stool softener every day?

Accepted Answer

No: it is not a good idea to use them in the long run. In the short-term, for a few weeks or less, if necessary, they should be tolerated very well. Good luck.

Question 10

i'm taking pentoprazole 40 mg twice a day. can i take otc stool softener ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is safe to use a stool softener such as colace (docusate sodium) or surfak while on pantoprazole.

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Doctor answers about:

Best time of day to take stool softener

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

Can i take stool softeners every day? i dont want to get constipated, take a stool softener, & then have to wait a long time.

A member asked:

I am taking stool softener, (docusate sodium) 2 a day it is really helping me. is it safe to take it for a long time, or there is alternatives?

A member asked:

What is the best stool softener to take?

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:

I'm on meds that cause constipation. i drink metamucil in the am and h20 rest of the day. i do have to use suppositories occasionally though. can i take stool softeners at the same time too? look forward to hearing back! thanks?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

I take miralax (polyethylene glycol) sometimes, and i was wondering what can i do when it is time for a colonoscopy, for people who are used to stool softeners?

A member asked:

Is it okay to take a stool softener every day?

A member asked:

I'm taking pentoprazole 40 mg twice a day. can i take otc stool softener ?

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