A 27-year-old member asked:
how long is it safe to take a stool softener for?
1 doctor answer
Dr. Pavel Conovalciuc answered
23 years experience Family Medicine
Long time: Stool softeners can be taken safely for a long period of time, however, this should not lull you to believe that your problem may be a benign one. There are different causes of constipation and you may need to either describe your problem in greater detail or see your doctor to figure out why you are constipated.
Answered on Feb 14, 2019
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A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. Anna Lerner Angeles answered
23 years experience Internal Medicine
Constipation: Long term laxatives are not great for the bowels. If possible add magnesium 250mg once per day to your routine and that may help increase absorption i ... Read More
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A member asked:
Dr. Andrew Seibert answered
35 years experience Gastroenterology
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 ... Read More
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Charles Cattano answered
39 years experience Gastroenterology
12 to 72 hours: Docusate (per pdr) helps moisten & soften hard, dry stools. It is not true laxative, but facilitates natural defecation, usually within 12 to 72 hours ... Read More
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A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Edward Goldberg answered
Specializes in Gastroenterology
Yes: See previous answer regarding softeners like docusate (colace) which are safe to use on a daily basis for hard stools. Don't use daily laxatives thoug ... Read More
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