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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Stool softeners, also known as emollient laxatives, are over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to soften hard stools. While other types of laxatives stimulate the digestive tract or draw water into the intestine to encourage a bowel movement, stool softeners work by increasing moisture in stools so they are easier to pass. Stool softeners are taken by mouth and come in capsule, liquid, and tablet form. Understanding how stool softeners work, as well as potential side effects, can help you determine if you need a stool softener or other type of laxative. Michelle Lee Photography / Getty Images How Stool Softeners Work Stool softeners are made of compounds called surfactants that change the consistency of stools so that more moisture can be drawn in. When this happens, stools become softer so you don't have to strain to pass them. Docusate sodium is the active ingredient used in OTC stool softeners. Unlike many other types of laxatives, but similar to fiber supplements, docusate sodium draws water into the stool rather than to the interior of the intestine. Stool softeners don't work immediately. It may take up to 72 hours before they induce a bowel movement.Stool Softener BrandsBrand names include Colace, Correctol, Diocto, Doxinate, Ex-Lax Stool Softener, Fleet Sof-Lax, Modane Soft, Phillips' Stool Softener, and Surfak. When They Are Used Excessive and recurrent straining to have a bowel movement is uncomfortable and can cause blood vessels around the anus to swell, blood pressure to increase, and tissues to be disrupted. For some people, this can cause serious harm. For most people, you can soften stools quickly by: Eating a high-fiber dietDrinking plenty of water or other liquidsExercising regularly Your healthcare provider may recommend stool softeners when these strategies don't work. Situations when stool softeners may be recommended include:When dealing with hemorrhoidsWhen recovering from an anal fissureFollowing childbirthFollowing surgeryFollowing a heart attackIf you have certain heart conditions Stool Softener or Another Laxative? Stool softeners are intended for short-term use. They can treat occasional constipation, but other laxatives may be better suited because they typically work faster. For example, stimulant laxatives work within six to 12 hours. For instance, if you have not had a bowel movement for several days and have stomach cramping, the following laxatives may be used:Stimulant laxatives like Ex-Lax and Dulcalax, increase intestinal contractions to speed a bowel movement, but they may increase intestinal cramping.Hyperosmotic laxatives like Miralax, increase water in the intestines so stools can exit more rapidly.Saline laxatives like Phillips' Milk of Magnesia, use sodium to draw water into the intestines to help stools pass more easily.Lubricant laxatives like mineral oil, coat the stool and intestines to prevent water loss and help stools move more easily. Mineral oil may be taken orally or used as an enema.Guanylate cyclase-C agonist laxatives like Linzess and Trulance, increase water in the intestinal tract while also moving stool through the colon faster. They may be prescribed for people with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic constipation of unknown cause. Healthcare providers rarely
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