How safe are stool softeners?
Question:
Answers:
Stool softeners are not laxatives, although some can do both. The most used stool softener is Colace ( or the generic Docusate Sodium). The stool softener is to prevent straining and constipation. It is not a laxative, there is a difference. To ease problems with constipation, eat fruits, vegetables,salads, drink plenty of water, avoid foods that can bind( constipate), such as bananas, nuts, cheese, ( I'm not saying to avoid completely but, at least cut down). If this is a chronic problem, you should discuss this with your Doc. In addition, if you are taken medicine(s), they can cause constipation. I hope that this helps.
diarraeaha for days...ughh...don't do it. go see a doc.
Warm tea usually works for me.
-drink lots of water,..,and consult your family practitioner for further medical advice,.
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
upset stomach
throat irritation (from oral liquid)
This medication usually is taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take stool softeners regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
juss follow the direction n stuff like that, but why not try green tea first or chamimile tea or stuff like that, before going to meds
Eat or drink somthing with a lot of fiber in it, that will loosen you up!!
Read the label. If you're allergic to anything in it, don't use it. If you're not allergic to anything in it, use it. It's the safest way to help problems with constipation without eating more fiber.
i take those and I have no problems
they are relatively safe as long as you take the reccomended dosage. if you have the squirts for more than a day or so i would make sure you drink plenty of fluids like water or pedilite to replen your liquids.
Try a teaspoon of Castor Oil every once in a while.
It's not as bad as it used to be, and works well.
you can mix it with anything and they also have it in gel tabs.
You are probably not getting enough liquid (water based)
in you diet, either that or you're eating too much cheese! (lol)
very safe.. i was given stool softeners when I was pregnant...
they are not habit forming.. because basically its a good habit of wanting to be able to poop softer. I hate pain. lol.
Go with psyllium fiber instead (metamucil). It's all natural and a lot of people are using it for a health supplement even though they are, uh, normal in that area. It doesn't matter whether you are, uh, irregular the one way or the other, it just brings everything into harmony. My cholesterol went down 20 points with it, I lost 10 pounds and I feel great. Trust me, try it for a week.
eat more fruit...prunes are great to get you going.
honestly i don't know but some of those things don't work very well but i told my friend to try activia may be it works maybe it doesn't but try and tell me
They are generally safe, but only if you follow the manufacturers' instructions and you don't use them on a regular basis. If you use them as often as once every two weeks you are probably using them too frequently.
Most doctors recommend diet change as a way to relieve chronic constipation. Drinking 8 cups of water daily, eating 5 daily servings of fruits and veggies, a few servings of whole grains (oatmeal, brown rice, cheerios, bran flakes) every day are all things you can try (and studies show make a difference in bowel health). Some people eat Activia (the yogurt at the grocery store) and others try products with pysillium like (Metamucil). Both products can be very helpful.
a stool softner shouldn't hurt you at all,you need alot of fiber,to naturally help,probably 30-35 grams/day cereals and fruits are good sources or use pills,supplements.being constipated like that will hurt you more then letting it go. but you'll get cramps as it loosens up.bile can build up in you and cause terrible disease if it burst your colon.it could be due to medication,lack of fiber,who know's,i use colace from otc options.if you start going too much just don't take anymore med until problem comes back.a light salt water enema may also help,2t/QT,luke warm water,be sure its not too hot before use.and don't use too often,your body needs water from both ends to soften stool.drink lots of water and good luck.
HI ,I would try a stool softener WITHOUT laxatives.I would take one on a Wednesday and one on a Sunday.Try this out and see how it works for you.A 50 mg tablet should be ok.I take Iron tablets for my blood problem and I do not have any problems with my bowel movements.Check with your Doctor or Pharmacist.Good Luck.
I had the same problem for years, and when i discovered "cascara sagrada" i can go regular now. I take 2 pills at night, and in the morning I'm ready. I have been taken it for years now. Being habit forming? which habit do you prefer; constipation, or being able to go. Always consult a doctor, but the decision is always yours alone. it's your body and you only have one; take care of it. proper elimination is important to maintain a healthy body.
OTC types are fairly safe if used as reccommended. Have you tried to adress the problem with diet.
Vegatables and fruits.
No beef or pork. No added sugar or sodas.
Water 2 cups about 45 min after meals.
Melons about 1 hour after meals.
Whole grain or bran cereals. Soy milk instead of cows milk.
Yogurt.
Fat and dairy can work diffrently in diffrent people, best to avoid most dairy products but especially those with high fat content.
Soups with lots of vegatables.
No ice water or any iced drinks with meals.
No fried foods.
Add wheat germ.
tke it once a week flax seed is a good safe source to take regularly
ask pharmacist for
Senna S
they have this behind
counter for welfare patients
but they must sell to everyone
cost is only about $10 for huge
bottle - start by cutting pills in 1/2
and take every other day
More Questions & Answers...