They help prevent straining during bowel movements. Stool softeners are used short-term to relieve occasional constipation. Laxatives are categorized based on how they work.īelow we’ll discuss stool softeners and the other categories of laxatives - osmotic, stimulant, saline, bulk-forming, and lubricant laxatives. But stool softeners are actually a type of laxative called emollient laxatives. We often refer to stool softeners and laxatives as different medications. What’s the difference between a stool softener and laxative? It’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about which constipation medication is best for you. One product may be preferred depending on what’s causing your constipation. OTC constipation products include stool softeners and laxatives. What OTC products can I use for constipation? Here, we’ll discuss the different categories of stool softeners and laxatives, and how to decide which OTC product is best for you. If these changes don’t help, there are over-the-counter (OTC) stool softeners and laxatives that treat constipation. This includes getting more physical activity, drinking more water, and eating fiber-rich foods. And that number more than doubles for people ages 60 years and older.Ĭhanging some of your daily habits is often all that’s needed. 11, 2023.Constipation - typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week - is a common complaint in healthcare providers’ offices. Acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities with diarrhea. Association between regular laxative use and incident dementia in UK biobank participants. In: Greenberger's Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy. Chapter 22: Chronic constipation and fecal incontinence. AGA-ACG clinical practice guideline on chronic idiopathic constipation treatments: Parsing benefits and risks. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Review article: Diagnosis, management and patient perspectives of the spectrum of constipation disorders. Management of chronic constipation in adults. This may cause diarrhea in nursing infants. Although they may be safe to use during breastfeeding, some ingredients may pass into breast milk. If you've recently given birth, talk to a healthcare professional before using laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners are generally safe to use during pregnancy. If you're pregnant, ask your healthcare team before using laxatives. Don't give laxatives to children under age 6 without a healthcare professional's recommendation.
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