Colace took the No. 1 spot. Learn more about the symptoms that stool softeners treat, medication side effects, and natural remedies to consider. Check out the Best Laxatives and the Best Fiber Supplements for more pharmacist recommendations.
Laxatives work in different ways, and the effectiveness of each laxative type varies from person to person. 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.
Relief within hours
The fastest-working oral laxatives include mineral oil, saline laxatives (like magnesium hydroxide and magnesium citrate), and stimulant laxatives (like bisacodyl and senna tablets). Common OTC products in this group include Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax, and Senokot.
Take Supplements or Medication
Supplements rich in magnesium are great for seniors with bones that are less dense and works wonders on your digestive system. Studies by Healthline have reported that magnesium citrate relaxes your bowels while extracting water to your intestines, making stools softer and easier to pass.
Unlike stool softeners which merely add moisture to the stool to allow for easier movement, stimulant laxatives treat more acute and chronic constipation by directly stimulating nerves in the large intestine.
Stool softener side effects may include: Stomach or intestinal pain or cramps. Nausea. Diarrhea.
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.
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.
Docusate is often used when straining to have a bowel movement should be avoided (such as after a heart attack or surgery). Docusate is a stool softener. It works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
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 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 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.
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.
Coloxyl 120 mg contains a regular strength laxative that works to soften stools making them easier to pass. This softening process happens gradually over 1-3 days, and it does not generally result in an urgent rush to the toilet. Coloxyl with Senna usually takes 6–12 hours to provide constipation relief.
Soluble fibers — present in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and peas, as well as some fruits and vegetables — absorb water and form a gel-like paste, which softens the stools and improves its consistency.
Metamucil® (Psyllium) treats constipation. It's a bulk-forming fiber laxative. In addition to taking this medication, increasing fiber in your diet may also help lower cholesterol and promote heart health.
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.)
Crouching on a chair. Sitting a certain way for seven seconds is not proven to help constipation. However, changing your body posture while on the toilet can make things easier. Place your feet on a stool to place your knees higher than your hips.
Perform stimulation with your finger every day until you start to have a regular pattern of bowel movements. You can also stimulate bowel movements by using a suppository (glycerin or bisacodyl) or a small enema. Some people find it helpful to drink warm prune juice or fruit nectar.
Dulcolax® Chewy Fruit Bites, Dulcolax® Kids Soft Chews, Dulcolax® Soft Chews and Dulcolax® Liquid Laxative are both saline laxatives made with the active ingredient magnesium hydroxide. They provide fast, gentle relief within 30 minutes to 6 hours.
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.