Is it OK to take a stool softener and a laxative at the same time?

Stool Softener with Laxative may cause serious side effects. Stop using Stool Softener with Laxative and call your doctor at once if you have: rectal bleeding; severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; or.

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Can you take stool softener and laxatives together?

Can you take stool softeners and laxatives together? In some situations, your healthcare provider may recommend combining a stool softener and laxative. There's an OTC product that combines a stool softener (docusate) and a stimulant laxative (senna).

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When should I take a stool softener and laxative?

Its use is recommended for temporary, less chronic constipation. 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.

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Can you take stool softener and Dulcolax at the same time?

No interactions were found between Dulcolax Laxative and Dulcolax Stool Softener.

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Is a stool softener and a stool softener laxative the same thing?

A stool softener is a type of laxative, called an emollient laxative. So, all stool softeners are laxatives, but not all laxatives are stool softeners.

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What Is the Difference between Laxatives and Stool Softeners?

19 related questions found

Do stool softeners work if you are already constipated?

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.

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When should you not take stool softeners?

Can you take stool softeners every day? No, and you shouldn't need to take stool softeners every day. Don't take stool softeners for more than one week unless you're under the direction of your healthcare provider. If you have sudden changes in your bowel habits that last longer than two weeks, call your provider.

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How do you soften hard stool that won't come out?

People may be able to treat large, hard-to-pass stools by making adjustments to their daily routine, such as :
  • increasing fiber intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
  • increasing water intake.
  • avoiding low fiber foods, such as processed and fast foods.
  • doing more physical activity.

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How many stool softeners laxative should I take?

take with a glass of water - adults and children 12 years of age and over take 1 to 3 softgels daily. This dose may be taken as a single daily dose or in divided doses. children 2 to under ... take 1 to 3 softgels daily.

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Which laxative is best for impacted stool?

If stool softeners aren't providing enough help, the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or a generic version) is good next step. These products hold water in stool to soften it and increase bowel movements.

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What will soften stool quickly?

Hard stool treatment
  • Abdominal massage. Sometimes a stomach massage can help stimulate the bowels if they're not moving enough to help stool digest more quickly. ...
  • Drink more water. ...
  • Eat more fiber. ...
  • Avoid empty-calorie, low-fiber foods. ...
  • Exercise.

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Does a laxative or stool softener work faster?

Stimulant laxatives, such as Dulcolax and Senna, may take 6–12 hours. Stool softeners, such as Docusate, may take 24–48 hours. Fiber-based laxatives, including Fibercon and Metamucil, can take 12–72 hours.

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Why am I still constipated after taking laxatives?

If you take laxatives too often, you could keep your body from “knowing” when it's time to have a bowel movement. Your body will be less likely to respond to the urge to go, and stool may build up in your colon or rectum. Other medicines.

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Why can't I poop even with laxatives?

Other possible causes of constipation include: Blockage or obstruction: Several things can cause a blockage in the colon, rectum, or intestines. Certain cancers, including colon, rectal, or abdominal cancer, can press on the colon, blocking stool movement. Another condition that can cause obstruction is anal fissures.

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Can you overdo stool softeners?

More than one dose a day of popular laxatives used to treat constipation could have dangerous — even deadly — side effects for adults and children, federal health officials warned Wednesday.

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How long do laxatives take to kick in?

Osmotic laxatives usually start to work after about 2 or 3 days, while stimulant laxatives usually have an effect within 6 to 12 hours. Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you're unsure which laxative to use.

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Can too much stool softener be harmful?

Taking a stool softener for an extended period of time can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes include sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and chloride. They help regulate certain functions in your body. An imbalance of electrolytes can lead to weakness, confusion, seizures, and irregular heart rhythms.

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How do you manually break up a hard stool?

Slowly insert your coated finger into your rectum. Try to break up the stool in a scissoring motion. This prevents stool from being pushed inward, and makes the stool easier to remove in small pieces. Move your finger in gentle circles for about 60 seconds.

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How do I know if my bowels are impacted?

How is fecal impaction diagnosed? Healthcare providers diagnose fecal impaction by a physical examination and a digital rectal examination. They look for a large amount of poop in your rectum. If your provider suspects your fecal impaction could be located in your colon, an abdominal X-ray can confirm its location.

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Is Yogurt good for constipation?

Try yogurt with probiotics, live bacteria that's good for your digestive system. It may help relieve constipation.

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What time of day should you take a stool softener?

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.

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What not to take with stool softener?

Medications known to interact with Dulcolax Stool Softener
  • lactulose.
  • linaclotide.
  • mineral oil.
  • phenolphthalein.

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What medications should not be taken with laxatives?

Most frequently checked interactions
  • albuterol.
  • aspirin.
  • Cymbalta (duloxetine)
  • Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
  • gabapentin.
  • ibuprofen.
  • lisinopril.
  • magnesium oxide.

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Should I keep eating if constipated?

You may think that cutting back on food will help “clear out” your colon. That's not the case. Do this: Eating, especially healthy whole foods that contain fiber, helps your body move stool.

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How long is too long for constipation?

Constipation occurs when bowel movements become less frequent and stools become difficult to pass. It happens most often due to changes in diet or routine, or due to inadequate intake of fiber. You should call your doctor if you have severe pain, blood in your stools, or constipation that lasts longer than three weeks.

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