Is it okay to take a stool softener everyday?

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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org

How often can you take stool softeners?

Can you take stool softeners every day? No, and you shouldn't need to take stool softeners every day. Don't take stool softeners for more than one week unless you're under the direction of your healthcare provider. If you have sudden changes in your bowel habits that last longer than two weeks, call your provider.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on my.clevelandclinic.org

What stool softener is best for daily use?

Insoluble fiber is the most beneficial for softening stools. It does not dissolve in water and helps food pass more quickly from the stomach to the intestines. Wholewheat flour, nuts, beans, and vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes all contain insoluble fiber.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com

How long can you safely take stool softeners?

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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medlineplus.gov

How can I soften my stool naturally?

Examples of home remedies to soften stools include:
  1. Abdominal massage. Sometimes a stomach massage can help stimulate the bowels if they're not moving enough to help stool digest more quickly. ...
  2. Drink more water. ...
  3. Eat more fiber. ...
  4. Avoid empty-calorie, low-fiber foods. ...
  5. Exercise.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com

Is it okay to take stool softeners each day for a few months?

24 related questions found

When is the best time to take a stool softener morning or night?

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).

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org

What is the gentlest stool softener?

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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org

What is the difference between a stool softener and a laxative?

A laxative defines any medicine that facilitates a bowel movement which includes a broad range designed to treat varying levels of severity. A stool softener is a mild (OTC) over-the-counter laxative used to soften the stool for easier passage and less strain.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on digestivemed.com

Can you overdo stool softeners?

More than one dose a day of popular laxatives used to treat constipation could have dangerous — even deadly — side effects for adults and children, federal health officials warned Wednesday.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nbcnews.com

Do stool softeners soften already hard stool?

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.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on menshealth.com

Are stool softeners habit forming?

Stool softeners, such as sodium docusate (Colace and others), are another option. Most people find psyllium is superior, but if the stool softeners are working well for you, there is no need to stop them. They are safe and do not cause any kind of habituation nor long-term effects on the colon.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tucson.com

Is Metamucil a stool softener?

This medication is used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com

What can I buy to soften my stool?

add bulking agents, such as wheat bran, to your diet – these will help make your poo softer and easier to pass, although bran and fibre can sometimes make bloating worse. drink plenty of water. exercise regularly.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhs.uk

Why is my poop hard as a rock?

Poop that is hard and shaped like tiny rocks or pebbles is likely just a sign of constipation. You can still be considered constipated even if you are able to pass a small amount of stool. The large intestine helps to concentrate waste by absorbing water.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hopkinsmedicine.org

How long do you poop after stool softener?

You'll usually have a bowel movement after about 12 to 72 hours upon using a stool softener. Don't take stool softeners for more than a week at a time. If you're still having hard stools after a week of using them, contact your healthcare provider.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on goodrx.com

How do I pass hard stool without straining?

Make sure you drink enough water. Eat a healthy and varied diet.
...
How to empty your bowels without straining
  1. keep your back straight, lean forward.
  2. rest your forearms on your knees.
  3. have knees higher than hips by lifting heels or using a footstool keep your legs apart.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthywa.wa.gov.au

How can I soften my stool without a stool softener?

Add Fiber to Your Diet

Soluble fiber dissolves in water, softening the stool. 3 You can increase your soluble fiber by eating most fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Flaxseed, chia seeds, and psyllium are other good sources of soluble fiber.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on verywellhealth.com

What is the best stool softener for seniors?

Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) is preferred over lactulose for the treatment of constipation because it is more effective and has fewer adverse effects. Linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone (Amitiza) are more effective than placebo for chronic constipation.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aafp.org

Is there a natural laxative?

Magnesium citrate is a powerful natural laxative. Magnesium citrate has been shown to be more bioavailable and better absorbed in the body than other forms of magnesium, such as magnesium oxide ( 40 ). Magnesium citrate increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract, which causes a bowel movement ( 41 ).

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com

Is there a downside to Metamucil?

Picco, M.D. There's no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful. Fiber has a number of health benefits, including normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org

Why does Metamucil make my constipation worse?

What happens if you take too much Metamucil? You will need to remember to drink more fluids during the day when you take Metamucil. If you add too much fiber and bulk without adding enough water, it can make constipation worse.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicoverhospitals.in

Why am I constipated while taking Metamucil?

If the daily recommended amount of fluid is not drunk, then Metamucil could cause severe constipation, especially in people who are already dehydrated. Some products may contain sugar, sodium, or phenylalanine (phenylketonurics should avoid).

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drugs.com

Can stool softener hurt you?

Stool softener laxatives can cause some side effects, which include: Diarrhea. Abdominal cramping. Throat irritation.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on rxlist.com

Why is my stool soft everyday?

“Loose stools” can be natural for some people or signal diarrhea for others. Common causes include from foods – especially if something was spoiled or tainted – but GI viruses, food allergies and medication side-effects can also cause them.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on avera.org