Doctors usually suggest stool softeners for people who shouldn't strain while using the bathroom, especially if you've just had surgery or given birth. Examples include docusate calcium (Surfak) and
Dulcolax® Stool Softener is a stimulant-free laxative made to relieve occasional constipation. Each tablet contains 100 mg of the #1 doctor-recommended stool softener ingredient — docusate sodium.
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.
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.
Miralax, a powder formulation of Golytely, is the most commonly used prescription stool softener at the UNC Functional Bowel Clinic. It can be mixed in almost any liquid, is odorless and tasteless, and can be taken on a regular basis for chronic constipation.
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. As the stool gently expands, it naturally triggers colonic activity and a bowel movement.
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.
Once Metamucil enters the body, it forms a gel-like substance in the stomach. It then travels to your intestines and acts as a source of soluble fiber. This helps your stool to absorb and retain more water. This makes your stool larger and softer, making it easier to go.
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.
Whole-grain cereals, beans, prunes, and bran are excellent sources of fiber. These foods increase the weight of your stool, helping it pass through your intestines.
Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.
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.
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.
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.
MOVICOL® usually takes 1 to 2 days to trigger the first bowel movement.
Dulcolax® Liquid Laxative works faster than MiraLAX. Dulcolax® works in as little as 30 minutes (30 minutes to 6 hours) while MiraLAX works in 1–3 days (based on product labeling).
Coloxyl 50 mg and Coloxyl 120 mg tablets contain the active ingredient docusate sodium which helps soften stools providing gentle relief from constipation over 1 to 3 days.
Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water. Also make sure to drink plenty of water/fluids when consuming natural laxatives, since these work with high fiber foods to help soften stool.
Metamucil and Citrucel are recommended as the best treatment in most cases of constipation because their mechanisms of action are very similar to how the digestive system normally works. After constipation resolves, Metamucil and Citrucel can still be used as fiber supplements to promote good digestive health.
May not be suitable for people with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, phenylketonuria, or difficulty swallowing. Contraindicated in people with fecal impaction or gastrointestinal obstruction (bowel blockage).
For digestive health:Metamucil can be used for occasional constipation and to promote and maintain regularity. If your constipation persists beyond seven days, consult a doctor because it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Bulk-forming fibres like psyllium husk, may affect how well medicines work.
A stool softener usually is taken at bedtime. Follow the directions on the package or your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take stool softeners exactly as directed.
Are there any long-term side effects? Ideally, you'll only take macrogol occasionally and for a few days at a time. Using laxatives like macrogol for longer can lead to diarrhoea that lasts a long time, and can cause an electrolyte imbalance.