What are the side effects of stool softeners?
Stool Softener Side Effects
- Cramps. The ingredients in the stool softener do not act as laxative on the digestive system. ...
- Throat Irritation. This is particularly true for stool softeners that are in liquid form. ...
- Nausea and Vomiting. This is one of the most common side effects of a stool softener as reported by many people. ...
- Diarrhea. ...
- Allergies. ...
Will stool softeners soften my already hard stool?
lubricant stool softener laxatives such as mineral oil that work by lubricating and coating the stool with moisture and water. Softening the stool may help to release the hard impacted stool. To learn more, see: mineral oil for impacted stool.
How many stool softeners can I take at one time?
– Colace is a stool – softener that makes stool easy to pass. You can start taking 100mg twice daily and may increase to a maximum of 200mg twice daily as needed. This agent is not habit-forming. to three times daily as needed. What happens if you take too many stool softeners?
Can stool softener help with stomach pain?
The softener is highly recommend, is great for stomach cramps and it is original. Further, it is great for brand names as well. Most importantly, the dulcolax after labor stool softener works like a charm, has no aftertaste and it is very important. Most buyers quickly discovered that the softener works for constipation from pain medication.
What are the side effects of stool softeners?
Side effects of stool softeners may include stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. Contact your doctor if the medicine doesn't help relieve your constipation within one week....Stool softener side effects may include:Stomach or intestinal pain or cramps.Nausea.Diarrhea.Throat irritation (from oral stool softeners).
What stool softener does not cause cramping?
Phillips' ® Stool Softener Liquid Gels offer gentle, cramp-free relief from occasional constipation without the use of harsh stimulants. Lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, coat the surface of a stool, which helps the stool retain fluid and pass with less difficulty.
Does Dulcolax stool softener cause cramping?
Stomach pain, diarrhea, or cramping may occur. Irritated throat (with liquid or syrup forms) may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Can stool softeners harm you?
Over-the-counter stool softeners are effective for some people. However, in controlled clinical trials, there is no evidence that they improve symptoms. While they only are intended for short-term relief of constipation, using a daily stool softener long-term probably is not harmful.
What is the safest stool softener to use daily?
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
Which is better laxative or stool softener?
Stool softeners work naturally with the body and are better tolerated with fewer side effects. Stronger laxatives such as stimulant laxatives are more appropriate for more severe symptoms.
How do you stop Dulcolax cramps?
To make it easier for the medication to work, you need to drink more fluids. This will help minimise the cramps as the poop will move more easily. Please only take ONE every 24 hours.”
Do stool softeners work if you are already constipated?
Stool softeners like docusate (Colace) work by reducing the hardness of stools, which should make them easier to pass. Problem is, they won't do much if you're already constipated, since they take three of four days to kick in, he adds. But they can help treat chronic constipation.
When is the best time to take a stool softener?
Stimulant laxatives are usually taken on an empty stomach for rapid effect. Results are slowed if taken with food. Many stimulant laxatives (but not castor oil) are often taken at bedtime to produce results the next morning (although some may require 24 hours or more).
How can I soften my stool naturally?
Here are 13 natural home remedies to relieve constipation.Drink more water. ... Eat more fiber, especially soluble, non-fermentable fiber. ... Exercise more. ... Drink coffee, especially caffeinated coffee. ... Take Senna, an herbal laxative. ... Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements. ... Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives.More items...•
Can Colace cause stomach pain?
Stomach/abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, diarrhea, or weakness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication may cause your urine to turn reddish-brown. This effect is harmless and will disappear when the medication is stopped.
How many stool softeners can I take a day?
take with a glass of water - adults and children 12 years of age and over take 1 to 3 softgels daily.
How can I make my stool soft naturally?
Here are 13 natural home remedies to relieve constipation.Drink more water. ... Eat more fiber, especially soluble, non-fermentable fiber. ... Exercise more. ... Drink coffee, especially caffeinated coffee. ... Take Senna, an herbal laxative. ... Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements. ... Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives.More items...
What is the best laxative for an elderly person?
Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.
Is miralax stronger than Colace?
Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) provides effective relief of constipation without "cramping" your style. Softens your stools. Colace (docusate) softens the stool, but may not stimulate a bowel movement as quickly as a laxative. Miralax is the most recommended laxative by pharmacists and doctors.
What foods soften stool quickly?
7 foods and drinks that can ease constipationOlive and flaxseed oils. Olive and flaxseed oils have a mild laxative effect, helping to ease the flow of materials through the intestines. ... Probiotics. ... Vegetables and legumes. ... Pulses. ... Fruits. ... Whole wheat bread, cereals, and pasta. ... Liquids.
Why is stool softener prescribed?
Why is this medication prescribed? Expand Section. Stool softeners are used on a short-term basis to relieve constipation by people who should avoid s training during bowel movements because of heart conditions, hemorrhoids, and other problems. They work by softening stools to make them easier to pass.
What to do if you are allergic to stool softeners?
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any stool softeners, any other medications, or to any of the ingredients in the stool softeners, Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients . tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, ...
How long does it take for a stool softener to work?
One to three days of regular use usually are needed for this medicine to take effect. Do not take stool softeners for more than 1 week unless your doctor directs you to. If sudden changes in bowel habits last longer than 2 weeks or if your stools are still hard after you have taken this medicine for 1 week, call your doctor.
Where to report a stomach pain?
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Can you take a double stool softener?
However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Can stool softeners cause stomach cramps?
Stool softeners may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: stomach or intestinal cramps. nausea. throat irritation (from oral liquid) Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: rash. hives.
How does a stool softener work?
This type of stool softener works by absorbing water to create soft, bulky stool. Oral osmotics are another type of stool softener that can cause nausea, gas, cramping, bloating or excessive thirst, according to Mayo Clinic. This type of stool softener works by taking water from the colon and other body tissues to soften stool.
What are some examples of stool softeners?
Oral stool softeners can also cause an electrolyte imbalance over time, which leads to weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, confusion and seizures. Surfak and Colace are examples of oral stool softeners.
Does stool softener cause diarrhea?
Follow Us: Side effects of stool softener, or laxative, use include diarrhea, stomach pain and cramping, according to WebMD. Throat irritation is a side effect of liquid forms of stool softener medication. Rare side effects include rectal bleeding and allergic reactions.
Can stool softeners cause seizures?
Oral stool softeners can also cause an electrolyte imbalance over time, which leads to weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, confusion and seizures. Surfak and Colace are examples of oral stool softeners.
How to prevent constipation?
Constipation can usually be prevented by eating a diet high in fiber, drinking enough fluids and getting regular exercise. Use this medication for temporary relief of constipation only. Do not use this medication for a long period of time to prevent becoming dependent on laxatives.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
Side Effects. Stomach pain, diarrhea, or cramping may occur. Irritated throat (with liquid or syrup forms) may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
What to do before taking a sulfate med?
Precautions. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Why do you not use a household spoon?
Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the drops, measure the medication with the dropper provided, or use a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you have the correct dose.
Can you flush expired medication down the toilet?
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
COMMON side effects
Sorry, we have no data available. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
INFREQUENT side effects
Sorry, we have no data available. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Why do I get stomach cramps after eating?
Sometimes it causes diarrhea. Causes include food poisoning, an intolerance to dairy products or gluten, or you may have picked up a stomach bug. Getting your period and some chronic GI conditions can also cause cramps. Drink a lot of fluids and look at your diet to try to figure out what’s irritating your stomach.
What is the best treatment for menstrual cramps?
Menstrual cramps are treated with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Naproxen. You can also ease your symptoms by exercising and resting a heating pad on your lower abdomen.
What does it mean when you have a hard bowel movement?
Everyone has, some point, been constipated. Constipation is when stool becomes hard, making it difficult to have a bowel movement.
How long does it take for a cramp to go away?
Cramps that don’t improve after 1 to 3 days.
Can anxiety cause stomach cramps?
People who have anxiety may also develop stomach cramps. Pregnant people may experience stomach cramps as the fetus grows. Menstrual cramps are also very common, though they actually take place in the uterus. Sometimes stomach cramps are constant.
Where does pain start in the abdomen?
Pain usually begins near the belly button and moves toward the right side of the lower abdominal area.
Can pregnant women have stomach cramps?
Pregnant people may experience stomach cramps as the fetus grows. Menstrual cramps are also very common, though they actually take place in the uterus.
