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Doctor insights on:
Laxative
Laxative (Overview)
Laxatives are a kind of gastroenterology drug.
1
Is colace (docusate sodium) a laxative?

No,: it is a stool softener. It does not increase motility as a function of most laxatives. ...Read more
See 1 more doctor answerLaxative (Overview)
Laxatives are a kind of gastroenterology drug.
2
Is benefiber a laxative or stool softener?

Stool Softener: Benefiber is considered a stool softener.
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4
Is taking a lot of laxatives dangerous?

Yes!: Laxatives should only be taken under doctor supervision. Some directly irritate your colon to contract to remove stool and can lead to depending on them for a bowel movement. Others work by removing water from your body & put it into your colon to "flush" the stool out. Both can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance if taken improperly. See your dr if you are having constipation. ...Read more
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6
Is Dulcolax or miralax (polyethylene glycol) better for constipation?

Constipation: Need more information about your symptoms.
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7
Is docusate sodium a laxative?

Docusate: Technically, colace (docusate sodium) is a stool softener. Docusate has been shown to be minimally effective. There are much better choices for maintaining an effective bowel regimen. ...Read more
8
Is miralax (polyethylene glycol) for diarrhea?

No: Miralax is for constipation as laxative.It is polyethylene glycol to soften the stool without causing electrolyte imbalance.. ...Read more
9
I have suffered from chronic constipation for 3 years have improved diet, excercise and taken different prescribed laxatives and nothing helps?

A Chinese medicine: Practitioner might provide you with a formula (small pills) called cholinex (niu huang jie du). The main ingredient is rhubarb and many report that it works well for them. Peace and good health. ...Read more
10
Miralax (polyethylene glycol) side affects?

Abdominal problems: Miralax (polyethylene glycol) dosed at 17 gm/day( a heaping tablespoon in 4-8 ounces of fluid) max 34gm/day. Some side effects are abdominal pain/bloating, diarrhea, cramping, gas, rash. High doses particularly in elderly can cause excessive diarrhea/ stool frequency which may result in dehydration. Stop use if fecal urgency/incontinence occurs. Do not use for more than 2 weeks except directed by physician. ...Read more
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11
Are glycerin suppositories safer than senna laxatives?

Senna - Glycerin: Both glycerin and senna laxatives are rather safe, but they do work in different ways. Senna is considered a stimulant laxative and glycerin is a lubricant. Depending on the cause of the constipation, glycerin is the "gentler" option. However, I have seen situations where both senna and glycerin suppositories were used together. ...Read more
12
Stool softener= docusate sodium or docusate calcium?

Either: Both work by causing small bowel to secrete fluid into gut. Increased fluid helps to sofeten hard stool; not a stimulant. ...Read more
13
How often can I use laxatives?
Not recommended: If you have to use laxatives on a regular basis you should see your doctor for alternative treatments as your colon can become laxative dependant. ...Read more
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14
Will fleet enema (sodium bisphosphate) makes stool watery?

Yes: To be expected.
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15
I've always had trouble with constipation and i used laxatives for over a month and now i can't have a bowel movement at all. Please, i need help?

Change your diet and: Fluids. Eat a high fiber diet between 20-25 grams per day, regular meal times and drink 80-100 oz of caffeine free alcohol free fluids daily. If you exercise and should add 20 oz per 30 minutes of strenuous exercise. Some meds contribute to constipation so take the meds with full glass of fluid instead of a sip in addition to the above recommended fluids. ...Read more
16
What's better: colon cleanse, fiber or laxative?

Neither: Colon cleansing serves no medical purpose.
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17
Is lactulose a stool softener or a laxative?

Lactulose: Lactulose is a synthetic sugar laxative used to treat constipation -- also to treat buildup of ammonia in patients with liver failure. They can become very ill and confused --even obtunded -- when these waste products build up. ...Read more
18
How much coconut would one have to eat for it to become an effective laxative?
Not very effective: For most people, although it works for some. Amount of liquid or coconut pult to be effective varies considerably. Doesn't work at all for some & may cause diarrhea with small amount in others. Probably ok if u want something mild. Senna is also natural and much more effective. Have you considered prunes or prune juice? ...Read more
19
What's a fiber laxative?

A laxative based on: It is a laxative based on high fiber, which you could get by eating a healthy died - and it's cheaper. ...Read more
20
Chillies work as laxatives?

Some chillies,maybe: There are a lot of different types of chillies, from quite mild to extremely spicy. There is a wide range of reaction to the chillies. So the only possible answer is maybe. ...Read more