Stool softeners do not directly affect the digestive tract muscles and are safe to use in pregnant women and elderly people.
Long term stool softener.
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 health care provider about your symptoms.
Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name dulcolax stool softener.
You just pour a single serving into the miralax cap and mix it into a glass of water.
There currently isn t any research that has examined the specific long term side effects of taking a stool softener every day.
Sometimes underlying health problems can cause long term constipation by slowing the passage of stool through your intestines rectum or anus.
Some experts do not classify stool softeners as laxatives.
Oral capsule oral liquid oral syrup oral tablet.
It s helped with my constipation.
Popular brands of stool softeners include.
The question is whether stool softeners do much good.
38 years experience gastroenterology.
Docusate is often used when straining to have a bowel movement should be.
Does long term use of stool softeners and laxatives cause vitam and mineral imbalances deficiencies.
Long term use of stool softeners.
What are some side effects that i need to call my doctor about right away.
Studies have cast doubt on the effectiveness of preparations taken expressly for stool softening.
Stool softeners are typically used for short term periods to get rid of hard stools and long constipation by those people who should avoid severe straining on the toilets because of several health problems such as heart problems and hemorrhoids etc.
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.
These include spinal cord or brain injuries or disorders such as parkinson s disease diabetes or thyroid disorders.
A 32 year old female asked.
Are there any risks to taking a stool softener on a long term basis.
What are the side effects of doing so long term.
Taken orally stool softeners work like the name implies they make hard stools softer and easier to pass with less strain.
Stool softeners such as docusate are often the first method used for preventing and treating this type of constipation.
This document contains side effect information about docusate.
These stool softeners help in softening the stools by making them dilute and easier to pass.
