Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

what can i do about infrequent small, hard--and incomplete-- bowel movements? i am a 66 year-old healthy woman who very rarely has a normal bowel movement. i eat a good balanced diet and take extra fiber supplements; i have tried stool softeners which onl

Accepted Answer

On : On the surface this sounds like irritable bowel syndrome (ibs).  This is a benign condition but the unfortunate thing is that ibs can mimic a lot of other bowel problems including diverticular disease and other lesions like colon cancer.  Even without bleeding cancer is always possible in someone that has not been screened.  There are treatments for ibs but before those treatments are tried anyone over age 50 should have colonoscopy as a screen for colon cancer.  You can then embark on other therapies once you know there is nothing wrong in the colon itself.  I recommend you see a gastroenterologist near you.

Question 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

Womens stool softener medication

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:

What can i do about infrequent small, hard--and incomplete-- bowel movements? i am a 66 year-old healthy woman who very rarely has a normal bowel movement. i eat a good balanced diet and take extra fiber supplements; i have tried stool softeners which onl

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:

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?

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