What stool softener is safe for everyday use?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


Is it OK to take a stool softener every day?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org


Is it safe to take Dulcolax stool softener every day?

Do not use Dulcolax Stool Softener for longer than 7 days unless your doctor has told you to. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have not had a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days. Overuse of a stool softener can lead to serious medical problems.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drugs.com


Can you take Colace every day?

Colace is approved to treat constipation in children ages 2 years and older. The standard pediatric dosage of Colace is 50-150 mg by mouth once or twice daily. Pediatric dosing is based on age rather than weight. Children 12 years and older may take 50-300 mg per day, either once daily or twice daily.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on singlecare.com


Which is better MiraLAX or Colace?

Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) provides effective relief of constipation without "cramping" your style. Softens your stools. Colace (docusate) softens the stool, but may not stimulate a bowel movement as quickly as a laxative. Miralax is the most recommended laxative by pharmacists and doctors.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on iodine.com


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



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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on singlecare.com


Is MiraLAX safe to take everyday?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on miralax.com


What is a good stool softener for elderly?

Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on betterhealthwhileaging.net


Is docusate sodium safe to take daily?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhs.uk


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on iodine.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on iodine.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on reuters.com


Is MiraLAX a laxative or a stool softener?

MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative. That means it draws water into the colon, which softens the stool and may naturally stimulate the colon to contract. These actions help ease bowel movements. Metamucil is a psyllium fiber supplement that works as a bulk-forming laxative.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com


Can you take senokot everyday?

Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. Serious side effects may occur with overuse of this medication (see also Side Effects section). It may take 6 to 12 hours before this medication causes a bowel movement.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


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 ).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


What's the difference between a stool softener and a laxative?

A laxative defines any medicine that facilitates a bowel movement which includes a broad range designed to treat varying levels of severity. A stool softener is a mild (OTC) over-the-counter laxative used to soften the stool for easier passage and less strain.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on digestivemed.com


What is the safest long term laxative?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on health.harvard.edu


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on kckidsdoc.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on iodine.com


What helps constipation permanently?

They may recommend you:
  1. Eat more fiber. Pack your plate with lots of veggies, fruits, and whole grains and don't eat too many low-fiber foods like dairy and meat.
  2. Drink more water. Your digestive system needs water to help flush things out.
  3. Exercise. ...
  4. Take the time to go.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


How do you pass a big hard stool?

Home remedies
  1. Abdominal massage. Sometimes a stomach massage can help stimulate the bowels if they're not moving enough to help stool digest more quickly. ...
  2. Drink more water. Increasing water in the digestive tract can make stool softer and easier to pass. ...
  3. Eat more fiber. ...
  4. Avoid empty-calorie, low-fiber foods. ...
  5. Exercise.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com