Should you take stool softener morning or night?

The best time to take a stool softener is usually at bedtime. You should follow the directions on the packaging or ask your healthcare provider for specific instructions.

Why do you take stool softeners at bedtime?

Stimulant laxatives are usually taken on an empty stomach for rapid effect. Results are slowed if taken with food. Many stimulant laxatives (but not castor oil) are often taken at bedtime to produce results the next morning (although some may require 24 hours or more).

Do stool softeners work overnight?

Others may not take effect for 24–48 hours. 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.

Is it okay to take a stool softener everyday?

Over-the-counter stool softeners are effective for some people. However, in controlled clinical trials, there is no evidence that they improve symptoms. While they only are intended for short-term relief of constipation, using a daily stool softener long-term probably is not harmful.

Do you have to take stool softeners on an empty stomach?

Docusate does not usually upset your stomach. You can take the capsules or liquid with or without food.

How Long Can You Use Stool Softeners?

When should you use a stool softener?

A stool softener is a mild (OTC) over-the-counter laxative used to soften the stool for easier passage and less strain. Its use is recommended for temporary, less chronic constipation. Stool softeners work naturally with the body and are better tolerated with fewer side effects.

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.

How many hours does stool softener last?

You'll usually have a bowel movement after about 12 to 72 hours upon using a stool softener. Don't take stool softeners for more than a week at a time. If you're still having hard stools after a week of using them, contact your healthcare provider.

How many days in a row can you take stool softener?

How long can you take Colace? Colace is typically used for one week to reduce constipation. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe Colace for long-term treatment of constipation associated with other drugs or conditions.

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.

Do stool softeners have side effects?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: nausea/vomiting/diarrhea that doesn't stop, muscle cramps/weakness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, decreased urination, mental/mood changes (such as confusion).

Can your body become dependent on stool softeners?

But their use can lead to long-term dependency on them to keep the colon moving — or, as some have put it, an addicted colon in need of a laxative fix. Still, using a stimulant laxative two or three times a week for a fairly extended period is likely to be safe.

What time of day should I take Dulcolax stool softener?

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. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Decrease your dose or stop taking this medication if you develop diarrhea.

What is the best way to take stool softeners?

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. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Decrease your dose or stop taking this medication if you develop diarrhea.

How can I soften my stool naturally?

Insoluble fiber is the most beneficial for softening stools. It does not dissolve in water and helps food pass more quickly from the stomach to the intestines. Wholewheat flour, nuts, beans, and vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes all contain insoluble fiber.

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.

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.

Can too much stool softener be harmful?

Symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of a laxative overdose. Dehydration and electrolyte (body chemicals and minerals) imbalance are more common in children than adults. Below are symptoms specific to the actual product.

Why you shouldn't take stool softeners?

Side effects of stool softeners may include stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. Contact your doctor if the medicine doesn't help relieve your constipation within one week.

Do stool softeners dehydrate you?

Osmotic agents help your stool retain fluid so it's easier for it to pass out of your body. These drugs can cause dehydration or mineral imbalance, and should be taken with caution by people who are older, or have heart or kidney failure.

What foods soften stool?

Who should not take stool softeners?

Can stool softeners damage your liver?

Both laxative and diet pill abuse can cause liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage include jaundice, abdominal pain, skin discomfort and itching, dark-coloured urine and pale or tar- coloured stool.

How many stool softeners should I take a day?

take 1 to 3 softgels daily. This dose may be taken as a single daily dose or in divided doses.