How does stool softener work

Common side effects are gas, bloating, and nausea. Another option that works for some people is diet candies containing the sweetener sorbitol. These essentially trigger a mild case of the runs.

You may experience bloating and gas along with the laxative effect, however. Another option would be a magnesium-based laxative, such as milk of magnesia or magnesium citrate.

These are members of a larger class of laxatives called saline osmotics, which draw water into the bowels and trigger bowel movements. The active ingredients include magnesium, sulfate, citrate, and phosphate. But don't take more than the recommended amounts of these laxatives, or use them long-term, because they can throw off your chemistry.

Combined with an underperforming kidney or heart failure, saline osmotic laxatives can be dangerous. Stimulant laxatives such as bisacodyl and cascara trigger contractions in the bowels that push the stool along. The first choice she recommends is a senna-based stimulant laxative.

But if you take stimulant laxatives too often, you could become dependent on them to have a bowel movement at all—possibly because the bowel is not functioning normally. If you find yourself trying one laxative after another for long periods, see your doctor for an evaluation. Additional testing can lead to better therapy and rule out any possible serious malfunctions. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

Swallow the docusate capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Other uses for this medicine. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking stool softeners, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any stool softeners, any other medications, or to any of the ingredients in the stool softeners, Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

Be sure to mention mineral oil. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. If you become pregnant while taking stool softeners, call your doctor. 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 nausea throat irritation from oral liquid Some side effects can be serious.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about taking this medicine. Brand names. Brand names of combination products. Other names. September 25, How to relieve and avoid constipation naturally. November 8, Jin J. Over-the-counter laxatives. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. How They Work. How to Take. Softener or Laxative? How to Soften Your Hard Stools. Tips for Having a Comfortable Bowel Movement. Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take laxatives to work?

What are natural remedies for constipation? How do laxatives work to relieve constipation? How to Use Stimulant Laxatives for Constipation. Was this page helpful? All laxatives work in different ways, each with the intention of helping to relieve constipation. Understanding the differences between laxatives and stool softeners may help a person decide which one to use.

Anyone dealing with regular constipation may also choose to make a few changes to their diet and lifestyle, which might help regulate their bowel movements.

A laxative is any medicine or supplement that helps the body have a bowel movement. Each laxative works differently. Stool softeners are a type of laxative that works to gently lubricate the stool by adding a compound to it that absorbs water.

They are also called emollient laxatives. There are many types of laxatives because there are many different causes of constipation. Doctors may recommend different types of laxative depending on the cause of constipation or side effects of the medications. Stool softeners are a type of laxative, but not all laxatives are stool softeners.

Although some other laxatives also soften the stool, they have different methods of action. Only take one type of laxative at a time, and talk to a doctor before switching between them to avoid any interactions or complications. People can find a wide range of constipation relief methods online, including stool softeners and other laxatives. Stool softeners are gentle medications with a relatively mild effect. They soften the stool, making it easier to pass.

Over-the-counter stool softeners are useful when a person experiences mild occasional or chronic constipation. Doctors may prescribe stool softeners after major surgeries, such as heart surgery or hernia repair.

If straining to have a bowel movement might be harmful during recovery, people can take stool softeners to avoid complications. Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines. They may not be the best option for people experiencing constipation from dehydration.

Anyone using osmotic laxatives should also drink more water throughout the day. When used correctly, doctors may recommend osmotic laxatives for long-term use. Doctors may recommend a bulk-forming laxative containing soluble fiber if a person does not get a lot of fiber in their regular diet.