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.

Can you take stool softeners 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.

What can I take daily to keep my stools soft?

What stool softeners can you use long term?

There are many prescription and over-the-counter laxatives available to treat constipation. One of these options is mineral oil. Mineral oil is a lubricant laxative. It's been used for many years to make it easier to have a bowel movement, and is generally considered safe and effective.

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.

Is it okay to take stool softeners each day for a few months?

Can I take Dulcolax everyday?

Long-term use of DULCOLAX is not recommended. If you use DULCOLAX every day, you should consult with your doctor to find out the cause of your constipation. Long-term and excessive use of DULCOLAX may cause an imbalance of salts in the body (including low potassium), muscle weakness and kidney problems.

Which is better Dulcolax or Colace?

Is Colace or Dulcolax better? Dulcolax produces a bowel movement more quickly than Colace, with the suppository form working within an hour or so of administration. Colace is typically gentler and causes less discomfort, but may take up to three days to provide relief.

Is it OK to take MiraLAX every day?

You should use MiraLAX^® for no more than seven days. If you need to use a laxative for longer than one week, stop use and consult your doctor.

Which is better MiraLAX or Metamucil?

Metamucil (psyllium)

Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) provides effective relief of constipation without "cramping" your style. Helps get things moving. Metamucil (psyllium) is a natural fiber that is cheap and effective at relieving constipation. Miralax is the most recommended laxative by pharmacists and doctors.

Is long term use of MiraLAX harmful?

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - MiraLax, which is currently available over-the-counter in the U.S, appears to remain safe and effective when use is extended for up to 6 months in patients with chronic constipation, researchers report in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Is Metamucil a stool softener?

This medication is used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass.

What's the difference between Colace and MiraLAX?

MiraLAX is used for short-term treatment of constipation and long-term treatment of chronic constipation. It's also used for bowel prep before colonoscopy. Colace is used short-term to prevent and to treat constipation. It's not currently recommended for long-term treatment of chronic constipation.

How do I keep my bowels regular?

Can you become dependent on stool softeners?

Stimulant laxatives such as senna and bisacodyl trigger contractions in the bowels that push the stool along. 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 has stopped functioning normally.

Is MiraLAX better than Dulcolax?

Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) works fast and the suppositories work even faster to relieve your constipation, as long as you're okay with it "cramping" your style a bit. Helps get things moving. Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) provides effective relief of constipation without "cramping" your style.

Is docusate sodium 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.

Is Metamucil safe to use daily?

Answer From Michael F. Picco, M.D. There's no evidence that daily use of fiber supplements — such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) or methylcellulose (Citrucel) — is harmful. Fiber has a number of health benefits, including normalizing bowel function and preventing constipation.

What is the best over the counter medication for constipation?

While all the new prescription products provide more treatment options, Wald says, most people don't need them. Instead, over-the-counter drugs such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax and generic), bisacodyl (Dulcolax laxative tablets and generic), or senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot, and generic) are a far better choice.

Is Citrucel better than Metamucil?

Citrucel (methylcellulose) is mainly insoluble fibers that are nonfermentable, so it's less likely to contribute to bloating and gas. Psyllium husk (Metamucil and Konsyl) is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Generally, fiber supplements with mainly insoluble fiber may be a better option for constipation.

Is there a laxative that can be taken daily?

Bulk-forming laxatives.

They are considered the safest type of laxative and the only type that might be recommended for daily use. Examples are psyllium (Metamucil), polycarbophil (FiberCon), and methylcellulose (Citrucel). It is important to drink plenty of fluids with a bulk laxative.

Can your body become dependent on MiraLAX?

When PEG 3350 is consumed, it stays in the gut and holds water. This makes the poop within the gut soft and easy to pass, gently relieving constipation. PEG 3350 does not work on the muscles or nerves of the gut so it not habit forming, nor does it cause a dependance on the product.

Which magnesium is best for constipation?

Magnesium citrate is one of the most popular types of magnesium supplements and easily absorbed by your body. It's mainly used to raise magnesium levels and treat constipation.

What is the difference between Metamucil and Colace?

Metamucil (psyllium)

Colace (docusate) softens the stool, but may not stimulate a bowel movement as quickly as a laxative. Helps get things moving. Metamucil (psyllium) is a natural fiber that is cheap and effective at relieving constipation.

Which is better docusate or Dulcolax?

Docusate has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 33 ratings on Drugs.com. 47% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 34% reported a negative effect. Dulcolax has an average rating of 5.2 out of 10 from a total of 1028 ratings on Drugs.com.

Who should not take Dulcolax?

Conditions: appendicitis. blockage of the stomach or intestine. the inability to control a bowel movement.