While they only are intended for short-term relief of constipation, using a daily stool softener long-term probably is not harmful.
The maximum adult dose of Colace is 400mg daily - either as one dose or in divided doses. It sounds as though you are suffering from chronic constipation. Have you talked to your doctor about this? Prolonged, excessive use of laxatives can make your constipation worse as your gut can become reliant on the laxative.
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.
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.
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.
Unlike some laxatives that work to cause bowel contractions through direct nerve stimulation, MOVICOL® has a natural mode of action that works gently, in harmony with your body. acts locally in the colon to relieve constipation: The water retained by MOVICOL® softens the stool and bulks it up slightly.
Stool softeners are also a good option for occasional constipation. They're particularly helpful if you have hemorrhoids or recently had surgery and have to be careful not to strain during a bowel movement. Stimulant laxatives are stronger and work quickly but can cause cramping.
Drinking plenty of water: Drinking more water can help soften the stool. Receiving an enema: An enema involves inserting liquid or gas into the rectum in order to empty the bowels or administer medication. Enemas add water to the stool and can stimulate the impulse to poop.
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.
Do not take any type of laxative: if you have signs of appendicitis or inflamed bowel (such as stomach or lower abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, soreness, nausea, or vomiting).
Laxative abuse can lead to serious dysfunction of bowel motility such as intestinal paralysis, cathartic colon, lazy or laxative gut, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, and other problems.
To allow bulk-forming laxatives to work properly and to prevent intestinal blockage, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids during their use. Each dose should be taken in or with a full glass (8 ounces) or more of cold water or fruit juice. This will provide enough liquid for the laxative to work properly.
Stool softeners work by softening stools to make them easier to pass. They can be in capsule, tablet, liquid, and syrup form and are usually taken at bedtime. Be sure to take stool softeners exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Stimulant laxatives, such as Dulcolax and Senna, may take 6–12 hours. Stool softeners, such as Docusate, may take 24–48 hours. Fiber-based laxatives, including Fibercon and Metamucil, can take 12–72 hours.
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.
Over-the-counter stool softeners, enemas, rectal suppositories, and oral laxatives can help you soften and eliminate the stool. (Chronic laxative use may cause constipation, so consult with a healthcare provider before using them.)
Generally speaking, you can go about five days without pooping before you run into the risk of serious health issues like fecal impaction, hemorrhoids, or a bowel perforation. That said, there isn't a magic number of days to set a countdown for.
In studies of up to 2 years duration, MOVICOL® has been shown to be generally well tolerated. As with all laxatives, prolonged use is not usually recommended, except under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Use in children aged 2 years and older should be limited to 12 weeks, except under medical supervision.
Do not take Movicol if your doctor has told you that you have: an obstruction in your intestine (gut) a perforated gut wall. severe inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or toxic megacolon.
Like all medicines, Movicol Lemon- Lime can have side effects. Sometimes people have indigestion, stomach ache or rumbles. You may also feel bloated, suffer from wind, feel sick or vomit, may also experience soreness of the anus (bottom) and may have mild diarrhoea when starting to take Movicol Lemon-Lime.
Don't Force Poop Out
Instead, it's important to relax and only go to the bathroom when you feel the “urge.” Once on the toilet, if the feeling or urge to have a bowel movement passes, get up and continue with your day.
Stool softener: Magnesium draws water into the intestines, working as an osmotic laxative. This increase in water stimulates bowel motion, or motility. It also softens and increases the size of the stool. This prompts a bowel movement and helps to make stools easier to pass.