Stool Softeners: Safe Daily Habit?

Stool softeners are a type of laxative that can provide relief from constipation. They are typically used on a short-term basis, and it is not recommended to take them every day for more than a week without consulting a doctor. While they are considered safe for occasional use, there are alternative methods to relieve constipation, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more water, and exercising regularly.

Stool softeners are not a long-term solution

While stool softeners are generally considered safe, there are doubts about their effectiveness as a long-term solution. Studies have questioned whether stool softeners accomplish much beyond what can be achieved through lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, drinking more water, and getting regular exercise. Fibre, in particular, helps to soften stool by pulling water into the intestine.

Additionally, the long-term use of any laxative can lead to dependency, with the colon becoming accustomed to the stimulus and requiring it to function. This is especially true of stimulant laxatives, which act on the nerves that control peristalsis, the wavelike contractions of the large bowel that move food along.

For these reasons, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any laxative, including stool softeners, for an extended period. They can advise on the best course of treatment for your specific situation and help you weigh the risks and benefits of different options.

They are a type of laxative

Stool softeners are a type of laxative called an emollient laxative. They are medications that can help treat mild constipation. Laxatives are any medicine that encourages your body to have a bowel movement. Emollient laxatives help liquids mix into your stool to prevent dry, hard masses from forming. Stool softeners don't cause you to have a bowel movement, but they allow you to go without straining.

Stool softeners work by increasing the amount of water and fat your stool absorbs, making it softer and easier to pass. The active ingredients in stool softeners are typically docusate sodium and docusate calcium. A common brand of docusate is Colace®.

Stool softeners are available in various forms, including oral softgel capsules, tablets, and liquid or syrup. They can also be administered rectally in the form of an enema or suppository. It's important to follow the directions on the packaging or consult a healthcare provider for specific instructions.

While stool softeners are generally considered safe, they may cause side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhoea. It's recommended to consult a doctor if the medicine doesn't provide relief within a week or if you experience any persistent or severe side effects.

They are usually taken at bedtime

Stool softeners are a type of laxative that can provide relief from constipation. They are usually taken at bedtime and are typically taken once a day. However, they can be taken twice a day, once in the morning and once at bedtime.

The best time to take a stool softener is usually at bedtime. This is because it can take between 12 to 72 hours for a stool softener to take effect. By taking it at bedtime, you give the medication time to work while you sleep, so you can have a comfortable bowel movement in the morning.

It is important to follow the directions on the packaging or ask your healthcare provider for specific instructions. Stool softeners should be taken exactly as directed. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose, and do not take it more frequently than instructed.

If you are experiencing constipation, stool softeners can be a safe and effective way to find relief. However, it is recommended that you only take them for a short period, typically not exceeding one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.

They can cause side effects like stomach pain and nausea

Stool softeners are a type of laxative that can provide relief from constipation. However, they can also cause side effects such as stomach pain and nausea. These side effects may be mild or severe and temporary or long-lasting. For example, oral liquid stool softeners may cause throat irritation, which can be mitigated by mixing the liquid with milk, fruit juice, or formula.

Stomach pain, intestinal cramps, and nausea are common side effects of stool softeners. These side effects may be uncomfortable, but they are usually not serious. However, if these symptoms persist or become severe, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist. It is also important to note that long-term use of stool softeners may lead to dependency, and they should not be used for more than one week without medical advice.

In addition to stomach pain and nausea, stool softeners may also cause other side effects such as diarrhoea and rectal bleeding. While these side effects are less common, they can be more serious. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it is important to seek medical advice.

Furthermore, it is important to be aware of potential interactions with other medications. For example, mineral oil and drugs containing phenolphthalein may affect the way stool softeners work. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking stool softeners, especially if you are taking other medications or have existing health conditions.

They are not suitable for everyone

Stool softeners are not suitable for everyone. They are meant to be used on a short-term basis to relieve constipation in people who should avoid straining during bowel movements due to heart conditions, hemorrhoids, and other problems.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor before taking stool softeners. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should only use a stool softener when their doctor recommends it.

Additionally, if you are taking other medications, it is important to speak with your doctor before taking a stool softener as they can change the effects of other drugs and increase the risk of serious side effects. For example, mineral oil and drugs containing phenolphthalein may affect how stool softeners work.

It is also important to note that stool softeners are not meant to be taken every day and should not be taken for more than one week unless directed by a healthcare provider. If your constipation persists or worsens, you should consult your doctor for further guidance.

Frequently asked questions