What are the side effects of docusate sodium?

Is it OK to take docusate sodium every day?

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.

When should you not take docusate?

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.

What happens if you take too much docusate sodium?

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.

Docusate Sodium (Colace): What is Docusate? Colace Stool Softener Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Can docusate sodium 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.

Is docusate safe?

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.

What is the best stool softener for seniors?

Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.

How do you get stuck poop out?

What foods soften your stool?

What can you not take with docusate?

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.

Does docusate cause gas?

It works by increasing the amount of water in stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Common side effects of Docusate Sodium may include dizziness, weakness, gas, bloating and sweating.

What happens if you take stool softeners for too long?

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.

How can I soften my stool naturally?

Does stool softener have side effects?

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.

Are bananas good for constipation?

Bananas are high in fiber

Fiber has long been claimed to help prevent and relieve constipation ( 2 , 3 ). Soluble fiber absorbs water, helping stools stay large and soft. This may help improve the movement of stool through your digestive tract ( 4 ).

Do bananas cause constipation?

Interestingly, bananas can either be a cause of constipation or a source of constipation relief, depending on their ripeness. "Unripened, green bananas are constipating," says Tammy Lakatos.

Are bananas constipating?

Bananas are a constipation treatment food when they are very ripe, yellow and when you eat them in moderation. But, if you eat them when they are unripe and green, they can actually cause constipation.

How long can a senior go without a bowel movement?

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to have a bowel movement every day in order to be considered regular. But more than 3 days without a bowel movement is too long. And by then, stool has become harder and more difficult to pass.

Is oatmeal good for constipation?

Oatmeal.

“Oats are loaded with soluble fiber, which is a type of fiber that allows more water to remain in the stool,” says Smith. “This makes the stool softer and larger, and ultimately easier to pass.”

How often should an elderly person have a bowel movement?

“Many elders subscribe to the myth that one should defecate at least once every day, but there is no such magic number or prescribed schedule that people should aim for.” English says that “normality” falls within a range of no more than three movements a day and no less than three movements each week.

Is docusate safe for long-term use?

Are there any risks to taking a stool softener on a long-term basis? A. The risk of problems from long-term use of stool softeners such as docusate sodium (Colace, Regulax SS, other brands) really isn't the issue.

How long does docusate stay in your system?

The half-life of Colace is between six and 12 hours, which means it takes that amount of time for the drug to be metabolized and half of the active ingredients to be eliminated from the body. It takes about 30 to 60 hours for this drug to be completely eliminated from the body.

What is the difference between docusate calcium and docusate sodium?

Docusate calcium is administered orally; docusate sodium is administered orally and rectally. Because docusate salts are minimally absorbed and exert their effects locally, standard pharmacokinetic parameters do not apply.