Can you take docusate calcium every day?

Docusate Calcium Warnings
You should not use this laxative for longer than 1 week unless approved by your doctor. Laxatives may be habit-forming and can harm your bowels if you use them too long.
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Can you take Docusate calcium daily?

Overuse and prolonged use: Overusing or using this medication for long periods of time may cause your bowels to become dependent on the medication. Unless recommended by your doctor, do not use this medication for longer than 1 week.
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Can docusate be taken long term?

Is it safe to take docusate for a long time? It's best to use docusate occasionally and for a few days at a time. Using laxatives like docusate for longer can lead to long term diarrhoea. They can also cause an electrolyte imbalance.
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Can you take docusate sodium 100mg daily?

Directions. take 1 to 3 softgels daily. This dose may be taken as a single daily dose or in divided doses.
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Can taking stool softeners everyday hurt you?

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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Surfactant Laxatives (Docusate) | Stool softeners



What is the safest stool softener to use daily?

In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
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Is docusate habit forming?

Stool softeners, such as sodium docusate (Colace and others), are another option. Most people find psyllium is superior, but if the stool softeners are working well for you, there is no need to stop them. They are safe and do not cause any kind of habituation nor long-term effects on the colon.
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Can you become dependent on docusate sodium?

Overuse and prolonged use: Overusing or using docusate sodium for long periods of time may cause your bowels to become dependent on the medication. Unless recommended by your doctor, do not use this medication for longer than one week.
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How long can I take docusate sodium?

Do not take more docusate than recommended or take for longer than seven days. Talk to your doctor before taking if you have any stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, or have experienced a sudden change in bowel motions that has persisted for longer than two weeks.
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What's the difference between docusate sodium and docusate calcium?

Docusate has a delayed onset of action, with softening of the stool becoming apparent after 1-3 days of therapy. Docusate calcium is administered orally; docusate sodium is administered orally and rectally.
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What can I take daily for constipation?

Bulk-forming fiber supplements include calcium polycarbophil (Equilactin, Fibercon), methylcellulose fiber (Citrucel), and psyllium (Fiber-Lax, Konsyl, Metamucil), and wheat dextrin (Benefiber). Unlike other laxatives, you can take these every day. They make the stool bigger and softer.
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Is docusate sodium harmful?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: rectal bleeding. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
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What are side effects associated with using docusate?

What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Docusate?
  • Abdominal cramping.
  • Stomach pain.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Excessive bowel activity.
  • Intestinal obstruction.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Rash.
  • Low electrolyte levels (excessive use)
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Is Docusate calcium safe?

Docusate Calcium Warnings

You should not use this laxative for longer than 1 week unless approved by your doctor. Laxatives may be habit-forming and can harm your bowels if you use them too long. Do not give laxatives to children under 6 years old unless you talk to your doctor.
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How long can you take stool softeners?

Do not take stool softeners for more than 1 week unless your doctor directs you to. If sudden changes in bowel habits last longer than 2 weeks or if your stools are still hard after you have taken this medicine for 1 week, call your doctor.
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When should I take docusate calcium?

How to use Docusate Calcium. Follow all directions on the product package unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth, usually at bedtime with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water or juice, or as directed by your doctor ...
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Is docusate a laxative or stool softener?

DOCUSATE SODIUM; SENNA (doc CUE sayt SOE dee um; SEN na) contains a stool softener and a laxative. It is used to treat constipation.
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How often can you take docusate sodium 100mg?

Colace, the brand name of docusate sodium, is an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener used to treat occasional constipation in adults and children ages 2 years and older. It's taken by mouth, usually in tablet or capsule form, either once or twice daily.
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How can I soften my stool naturally?

Here are 13 natural home remedies to relieve constipation.
  1. Drink more water. ...
  2. Eat more fiber, especially soluble, non-fermentable fiber. ...
  3. Exercise more. ...
  4. Drink coffee, especially caffeinated coffee. ...
  5. Take Senna, an herbal laxative. ...
  6. Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements. ...
  7. Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives.
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What can I take to stay regular?

The best way to stay regular is to exercise, eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet, and drink plenty of water. But if you have trouble going, certain foods can help. It's not the only factor, but fiber -- which adds to the size and water content of your stool -- is key.
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Does docusate raise blood pressure?

7. Does docusate sodium raise blood pressure? Even though docusate sodium contains elements that can raise blood pressure, it does not cause an increase in blood pressure.
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Does docusate sodium dehydrate you?

But if you take more than prescribed, or take them for a long time, they can cause dehydration. Over-the-counter brands include: Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) Docusate (Colace)
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Can docusate make you lose weight?

Laxatives treat constipation by softening the stool or stimulating bowel movements. People may assume that passing more stools will lead to weight loss. However, although people may feel “lighter” temporarily, there is no evidence to support the use of laxatives as a safe or effective weight loss method.
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Does stool softener soften existing stool?

They typically contain docusate sodium and docusate calcium as the active ingredients. They help soften the stool, making it easier to pass. Over-the-counter (OTC) stool softeners are useful when a person experiences temporary, mild, or chronic constipation.
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Is docusate sodium a stimulant laxative?

It contains 2 medications: sennosides and docusate. Sennosides are known as stimulant laxatives. They work by keeping water in the intestines, which helps to cause movement of the intestines. Docusate is known as a stool softener.
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