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A member asked:

What's the diffrence between a laxative and a stool softener?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Good question: A stool softener causes bulk to the stools and pulls liquid from the walls of the colon to aid in making the stools earier to pass. A laxative irritates or changes the physiologic function of the bowel to cause it to increase its contractions and expel stool.

Dr Villaplana agreed

Answered 3/4/2018

5.7k views

Thank

Related Questions

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Should I discontinue taking stool softeners/laxative when on Linzess?

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I took a stool softener for two days and still am constipated. Can I take a laxative as well?

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I took a stool softener (max 3 pills/24 hours) and waited 12 hours, can I take a laxative (1-2 pills)? the stool softener didn't relieve constipation.

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