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A member asked:
Does a stool softener make me go to the bathroom like a laxative?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
No: A laxative makes you go and get everything out. It can cause you to feel quite crampy or even have diarrhea. A stool softener just makes the stool softer so it comes out easier when it does come out.
Answered 5/21/2017
6.7k views
It is a laxative.: Stool softeners are a type of laxative. There are seven classes of laxatives: bulk forming - fiber. Osmotic- magnesium salts, peg. Stimulant - bisacodyl, castor oil, prunes, senna. Stool softeners- doss. Lubricants- mineral oil. Serotonin agonists. Chloride channel agents- lubiprostone. Usually the best treatment for constipation is a variety of agents in low dose.
Answered 5/31/2017
5.2k views
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