Can you take stool softeners every day

There are several factors about each drug to keep in mind when selecting what is right for you. One factor would be how quickly you expect relief. Dulcolax suppositories typically work within a few hours but may cause some discomfort. Dulcolax tablets typically provide relief overnight, within 8 to 12 hours. Colace may take one to three days to produce a bowel movement.

Dosage form is an important factor as well. For some patients, inserting a rectal suppository may be difficult or more uncomfortable than they can stand. While suppositories work quickly, patients may prefer to take an oral dosage form. Only your healthcare professional can decide what is right for you. Colace and Dulcolax should not be taken for more than one week without the consent of a doctor.

Colace is an over-the-counter medication that is typically not covered by commercial or Medicare drug insurance plans. Get the SingleCare prescription discount card. Dulcolax is an over-the-counter medication that is typically not covered by commercial or Medicare drug insurance plans. Adverse events are rare with Colace. Mild gastrointestinal cramping may occur. Dulcolax at normal doses for short durations of treatment may cause mild gastrointestinal cramping, faintness, nausea, and vomiting.

Dulcolax used long term is likely to cause diarrhea and lead to fluid and electrolyte loss. This can lead to hypokalemia low potassium levels which may be dangerous. Prolonged use can also lead to dependency, and rebound constipation may occur when the medication is stopped.

This list may not include all potential side effects. Please consult your healthcare professional for a complete list. Colace and Dulcolax should be used cautiously in patients on loop diuretics such as furosemide or torsemide. These diuretics are potassium wasting, and that potassium loss combined with the potential electrolyte imbalance that can result from diarrhea when taking Colace or Dulcolax could lead to hypokalemia.

Colace should not be taken with mineral oil because it can increase systemic absorption of mineral oil. Inflammation of the intestine, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes could occur from mineral oil deposits at these sites leading to a foreign body reaction.

Dulcolax is enteric coated and designed to have delayed dissolution. A lack of physical activity may contribute to constipation. If you do not exercise regularly, consider adding some type of physical activity to your daily routine. This can help relieve constipation. Depending on your medical history and your symptoms, your health care provider may want to evaluate you for an underlying medical condition that could lead to chronic constipation.

For example, a blockage in the colon or rectum or impaired relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles may result in constipation. Nerve and muscle problems can affect the muscles in the colon and rectum, making it difficult for stool to move through the intestines. Conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders may change the balance of hormones in your body, and that can result in chronic constipation as well.

If you do not have a medical issue causing constipation, discuss with your health care provider the best way to manage your condition. Depending on your individual circumstances, a daily stool softener or another simple laxative may be an appropriate remedy. While the risks associated with taking this kind of over-the-counter medication daily are not likely to be significant, it would be a good idea to talk with your doctor about your symptoms. Although uncommon, an underlying health condition could be part of the problem.

Constipation typically is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week or other symptoms e. Chronic constipation refers to these symptoms when they last for several weeks or longer. Constipation is a common problem, and there are many types of laxatives available to help treat it. Stool softeners, also called emollients, are laxatives that work by drawing fluids into the intestines.

This prevents dry, hard stool masses and makes it easier to have a bowel movement without straining. Stool softeners you can buy over-the-counter are effective for most people. While they are only intended for short-term relief of constipation, using a daily stool softener long-term probably is not harmful. What side effects can this medication cause? What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? What other information should I know? Brand names Brand names of combination products Other names.

Swallow the docusate capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Other uses for this medicine. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking stool softeners, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any stool softeners, any other medications, or to any of the ingredients in the stool softeners, Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

Be sure to mention mineral oil. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. If you become pregnant while taking stool softeners, call your doctor.

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 throat irritation from oral liquid Some side effects can be serious.