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Doctor insights on:
Calcium Stool Softener Medication
1
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
2
Is docusate sodium or docusate calcium a better stool softener?
Depends: Since calcium tends to constipate, i'd tend to side with the sodium version. However, people with hypertension who are limiting their sodium intake should probably choose the calcium version. The docusate is the active component; so either version should work. Adding more fiber & fluids to your diet will help keep you regular, too. ...Read more
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3
My daughter, 14 months is constipated despite giving her fluids. Used stool softener for a month. If I stop medication, she is constipated again.
Constipation: 3 important facts: 1 did she pass meconium or the dark sticky stool in the 1st day of life? 2 did this start when you transitioned her from formula to whole milk? 3 are you attempting potty training if the answer to all 3 is yes then this is likely transient and will pass with time. I would continue the stool softener and hold off on potty training for now. Wean the stool softener. ...Read more
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4
What does stool softener actually do?
Helps moisten stool: They cause stool to retain more water and thus be softer in consistency. ...Read more
5
What is the best stool softener to take?
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. ...Read more
6
What is the best type of stool softener?
Mineral oil: Over the counter mineral oil is better than stool softener in capsules. About a tablespoon or less at bedtime according to benefit. ...Read more
8
Well i want to take stool softener because of my weight?
Bad idea: Softer stool will do nothing to increase the rate of fat loss from the body. A healthy diet and exercise that creates a modest calorie deficit is a far more effective way to reduce fat. ...Read more
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9
How long is it safe to use stool softener?
Change in bowels?: Stool sofeners (colace) moisten & soften hard, dry stools whereas fiber supplements (metamucil) buks stool due to both water-holding & increased bacterial mass due to fiber digestion. Both products assume normal GI anatomy without inflammation, stenosis, extrinsic or instrinsic obstruction. Change in bowels is a "red flag", like weight loss or blood in stool, that needs evaluation if persistent. ...Read more
10
What is a good stool softener without sodium?
Docusate calcium: Docusate is an excellent, gentle, easy to use stool softener. If you are trying to avoid sodium, you can take the docusate calcium instead. Be sure to drink plenty of liquids. Good luck. ...Read more
11
How long is it safe to take a stool softener for?
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. ...Read more
12
How long is it safe to use a stool softener daily?
Sure, but...: Docusate (per pdr) helps moisten & soften hard, dry stools. It is not a true laxative, but facilitates natural defecation, usually within 12 to 72 hours. This is safe & available for anyone over 2, & assumes normal GI anatomy without inflammation, stenosis, extrinsic or intrinsic obstruction. Change in baseline bowel habits however warrants evaluation rather than indefinite otc treatment. ...Read more
13
Will a stool softener help with an elderly person?
Sure, but...: Docusate (per pdr) helps moisten & soften hard, dry stools. It is not a true laxative, but facilitates natural defecation, usually within 12 to 72 hours. This is safe & available for anyone over 2, & assumes normal GI anatomy without inflammation, stenosis, extrinsic or intrinsic obstruction. Gi motility in the healthy elderly patient is really little different than in younger patients. ...Read more
14
When should I use a laxative with a stool softener?
Efficacy: When you are still constipated on stool softeners, a laxative can be tried. A better method is to find out the cause of the constipation so you are not just treating the symptoms. ...Read more
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15
What's the diffrence between a laxative and a stool softener?
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. ...Read more
16
Whats the difference between a stool softener and a laxative?
Stool softener: Softens stool and makes it easier to pass. Laxatives simulate the bowel to move and may be much more reactive and cause some pain. ...Read more
17
Can i drink this twice a day n a stool softener to get relief fast?
Please rephrase: Please rephrase your question and include the symptom and the solution you are referring to. ...Read more
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19
How long does it take for a stool softener like Metamucil to take effect?
Not a stool softener: Metamucil is not a softener per se. Rather it adds bulk and can retain (adsorb to be technically correct) fluid which may 'soften' the stool indirectly. The effect is usually within 24 hours. The dose may need to be gradually increased to (a) be effective and (b) minimize gas, cramps etc. ...Read more
20
Can I take a stool softener while having an active case of diverticulitis?
It is usually: suggested that diverticulitis best to a diet which contains significant residue . Since stool "softeners"usually contain artificial "bulk" I would think it would be OK. HOWEVER I would suggest you consult with you Treating Health Care Professional before taking ANY medication which might have an effect upon your bowel condition! Hope this helps Dr Z ...Read more
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