Question 1

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 2

stool softener= docusate sodium or docusate calcium?

Accepted Answer

Either: Both work by causing small bowel to secrete fluid into gut. Increased fluid helps to sofeten hard stool; not a stimulant.

Question 3

is docusate sodium or docusate calcium a better stool softener?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Since calcium tends to constipate, i'd tend to side with the sodium version. However, people with hypertension who are limiting their sodium intake should probably choose the calcium version. The docusate is the active component; so either version should work. Adding more fiber & fluids to your diet will help keep you regular, too.

Question 4

my daughter, 14 months is constipated despite giving her fluids. used stool softener for a month. if i stop medication, she is constipated again.

Accepted Answer

Need: Evaluation and diet modification including increasing fiber, exercise in addition of increased fluid and may need use of stool softener for a longer period

Question 5

i don't get perscribed medications often, so im probably overreacting. i didn't know i had to stop taking benzonatate after my coughing stopped. i'm starting to experience constipation. what should i do? should i take a stool softener?

Accepted Answer

: Drinking lots of fluids,eating fiber in the form of veggies and fruits,exercising are all important. If you have no urge for a bowel movement take a bowel stimulant like senokotS according to instructions or take miralax. Drinking hot water may work. 
. If you have an urge&amp; can't move, work from below with dulcolax rectal suppositories or fleets enema.

Question 6

i am taking misoprostol and stool softeners for pseudo obstruction. other meds for chronic ailments. drugs says eat a meal or don't eat or meal. dosage times coincide often. i can't eat six meals a day, especially before bed. any suggestions?

Accepted Answer

: When a medication states to "Take with food/meal" it just means to not take it on an empty stomach. "Food" can be as little as a slice of bread, or some crackers. Make sure you are eating some fiber with every meal and drinking copious amounts of water/non caffeinated fluids daily.

Question 7

how long can you use stool softener after the date on the bottle?

Accepted Answer

Expiration dates: It is best to honor the expiration dates of medications to ensure safety and efficacy. If you have to use any over the counter medication for more than a short period of time, you should discuss this with your doctor to make sure it's the right treatment for you.

Question 8

what is a safe stool softener to use on a regular basis that works good and fast?

Accepted Answer

Try miralax (polyethylene glycol): The truth is that stool softeners work when used here and there. If used regularly, they loose their potency and become ineffective. For regular relief MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) is far superior. It is a white powder mixed in a liquid of choice that can be used regularly, has virtually no taste, and is not habit forming. One caveat-if you have had a change in your bowel habits, see your doctor.

Question 9

i have external hemmaroid and have been using 50 ml of lactul the stool softener for  the past 1 year on a nightly basis. is this harmful?

Accepted Answer

No...: Lactulose is a safe laxative to take on a long term basis.  If your hemorrhoid is symptomatic then you should have your doctor look at it.

Question 10

i accidentally took my morning pills again at night while trying to take my night pills. my morning pills are omprazle 40mg, iron 365mg, prenatal, and a stool softener. will i overdose on it? my anxiety is really high right now?

Accepted Answer

: No. The things you took don't reach a toxic level when you take them a 2nd time the same day. You can resume your regular pattern and just take this as a learning experience.

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Doctor answers about:

Calcium stool softener medication

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:

Stool softener= docusate sodium or docusate calcium?

A member asked:

Is docusate sodium or docusate calcium a better stool softener?

A member asked:

My daughter, 14 months is constipated despite giving her fluids. used stool softener for a month. if i stop medication, she is constipated again.

A member asked:

I don't get perscribed medications often, so im probably overreacting. i didn't know i had to stop taking benzonatate after my coughing stopped. i'm starting to experience constipation. what should i do? should i take a stool softener?

A member asked:

I am taking misoprostol and stool softeners for pseudo obstruction. other meds for chronic ailments. drugs says eat a meal or don't eat or meal. dosage times coincide often. i can't eat six meals a day, especially before bed. any suggestions?

A member asked:

How long can you use stool softener after the date on the bottle?

A member asked:

What is a safe stool softener to use on a regular basis that works good and fast?

A member asked:

I have external hemmaroid and have been using 50 ml of lactul the stool softener for the past 1 year on a nightly basis. is this harmful?

A member asked:

I accidentally took my morning pills again at night while trying to take my night pills. my morning pills are omprazle 40mg, iron 365mg, prenatal, and a stool softener. will i overdose on it? my anxiety is really high right now?

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