Question 1

can kids take doss stool softener?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but lower dose: Docusate (doss) is safe for children and it has pediatric dosing tables; do not give a child an adult dose. I would check the medication insert or online at doss's site for this to most accurately dose for pediatrics. Otherwise, it is safe for use in children and I have given my daughter pediatric docusate before. I hope this helps!

Question 2

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 3

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 4

how long till stool softener works usually?

Accepted Answer

Usually within1-3 d: Depends on dose and type; usually works within 1-3 days. Check other factors including diet, activity, other meds, other health issues.

Question 5

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 6

well i want to take stool softener because of my weight?

Accepted Answer

Stool softener: let's do so if not is only required if you're constipated and has nothing whatsoever to do with your weight

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

what does it mean when stool partially floats? i'm using stool softener too. immediately  after i ate last night.

Accepted Answer

No worries...: Floating stools are the result of either increased water or gas (methane) content. There is no pathological significance to having "floaters".

Question 10

i haven't had a bm in 2 weeks because of medicine.  i started taking a stool softener a few days ago.  how long should it take to work?  ive taken 3

Accepted Answer

Constipation: Medication-induced constipation can be difficult to deal with. It is unlikely that a stool softener will make you pass a bowel movement. You would be better off with a laxative of some sort. You might consider trying magnesium citrate or MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) on a one-time basis. Depending on what medication is causing your constipation, there might be prescription alternatives also. See your doctor. Good luck.

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Doctor answers about:

Stool softener

A member asked:

Can kids take doss stool softener?

A member asked:

What does stool softener actually do?

A member asked:

What is the best stool softener to take?

A member asked:

How long till stool softener works usually?

A member asked:

Is it okay to take a stool softener every day?

A member asked:

Well i want to take stool softener because of my weight?

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:

What does it mean when stool partially floats? i'm using stool softener too. immediately after i ate last night.

A member asked:

I haven't had a bm in 2 weeks because of medicine. i started taking a stool softener a few days ago. how long should it take to work? ive taken 3

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