What is the best stool softeners to take?

Stool Softeners

Medications Percentage of Pharmacists’ Votes
#1 Colace Most Pharmacist Votes 56%
#2 MiraLAX 22%
#3 Dulcolax 16%
#4 Phillips’ Stool Softener 5%

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 stool softeners work the fastest?

Regardless of which type of laxative you use, rectal enemas and suppositories usually work the fastest. They usually take two to 15 minutes, but in some cases have taken up to an hour to work.

How long after taking stool softener will you poop?

Emollient laxatives are also referred to as stool softeners. Emollients take 12 to 72 hours to work. They work to soften your stool by adding moisture to it. Softer stools are easier to pass.

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.

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.

Can I take 2 stool softeners at once?

Take stool softeners exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the docusate capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Take capsules and tablets with a full glass of water.

Can you soften stool that is already hard?

Sometimes a stomach massage can help stimulate the bowels if they’re not moving enough to help stool digest more quickly. Rubbing the stomach in a circular motion can help. Drink more water. Increasing water in the digestive tract can make stool softer and easier to pass.