Question 1

does metamucil help soften stools?

Accepted Answer

Metamucil: Helps to soften stool. Metamucil contains 100% psyllium fiber which absorbs excess liquid in the intestines . This acts as a laxative  to develop softer ; bulkier stools, .

Question 2

how long does it take for a stool softener like metamucil to take effect?

Accepted Answer

Not a stool softener: Metamucil is not a softener per se. Rather it adds bulk and can retain (adsorb to be technically correct) fluid which may 'soften' the stool indirectly. The effect is usually within 24 hours. The dose may need to be gradually increased to (a) be effective and (b) minimize gas, cramps etc.

Question 3

do stool softeners like metamucil work the same way as laxatives?

Accepted Answer

Neither are laxative: Stool sofeners (colace) moisten & soften hard, dry stools whereas fiber supplements (metamucil) buks stool due to both water-holding & increased bacterial mass due to fiber digestion. Both products assume 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

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 5

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 6

for small anal fissure.why do i need metamucil or stool softener which has 3g/ pill, when1cup of my favorite cooked lentils has 15.6g, 1 pear 8g fiber. ?

Accepted Answer

You don't: ...Need to add fiber if you get adequate fiber in your diet. The recommendation was made because most people do not ;, for someone that does, adding the supplement wouldn't hurt. This doesn't apply to stool softeners, like colace (docusate sodium). Whereas fiber in your diet can soften stools, it doesn't do it the same way as the medicine, ;, for healing, using both a high fiber diet ; a softener might be advised.

Question 7

ive had constipation > 2 mnths. changed diet, endoscopy, metamucil, stool softener, and linzess. endoscopy diagnosis of gerd/gastritis. tried warm water enema - and get sharp pain in neck and back. why does this happen? constipation suggestion?

Accepted Answer

: : You may take a fiber laxative like Metamucil and drink enough water daily so that your urine is colorless. For the long term you may try to increase your intake of fiber foods. Consult this site for fiber foods.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/high-fiber-foods/art-20050948
Wish you good health!

Question 8

i take a prescribed narcotic that im sure is the culprit for my constipation. havent been able to pass stool. but can stool softeners soften stool that are already are hard/stuck?

Accepted Answer

Probably: Not the one impacted. That will require manual evacuation or enema

Question 9

why does metamucil make me stool kind of "stringy like"at times. kind of strings together , i thought this would "soften" not be like icky silly putty?

Accepted Answer

Stringy stool: Stringy stool is a symptom with many causes, benign and not so benign. Metamucil itself doesn't usually cause stringy stool, but it may have unmasked this symptom. If it is pencil like and persists more than two weeks it may be a sign of luminal (phenobarbital) obstruction. Flat ribbon like stools can be seen in irritable bowel syndrome. If it persists, it should be evaluated further by your doctor.

Question 10

does metamucil make you have reddish orange specks in stool?

Accepted Answer

: Are you taking a pigmented Metamucil?  If so maybe. Keep notes .

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Doctor answers about:

Does metamucil soften stool

A member asked:

Does metamucil help soften stools?

A member asked:

How long does it take for a stool softener like metamucil to take effect?

A member asked:

Do stool softeners like metamucil work the same way as laxatives?

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:

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:

For small anal fissure.why do i need metamucil or stool softener which has 3g/ pill, when1cup of my favorite cooked lentils has 15.6g, 1 pear 8g fiber. ?

A member asked:

Ive had constipation > 2 mnths. changed diet, endoscopy, metamucil, stool softener, and linzess. endoscopy diagnosis of gerd/gastritis. tried warm water enema - and get sharp pain in neck and back. why does this happen? constipation suggestion?

A member asked:

I take a prescribed narcotic that im sure is the culprit for my constipation. havent been able to pass stool. but can stool softeners soften stool that are already are hard/stuck?

A member asked:

Why does metamucil make me stool kind of "stringy like"at times. kind of strings together , i thought this would "soften" not be like icky silly putty?

A member asked:

Does metamucil make you have reddish orange specks in stool?

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