Talk with your pharmacist to make sure these OTC medications are safe to take with your other prescribed medications. Stool softeners are used to soften stools and prevent bowel straining. But not all laxatives are safe for long-term use. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. There are many types of laxatives. Can Constipation Be a Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis? Most over the counter allergy medications are safe to take at lower doses. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()), LHSC, London Ontario Canada, Over The Counter Medications and Chronic Kidney Disease, Local clinician scientist receives significant funding to make clinical trials more efficient, Kayley Perfetto receives Patient Experience Scholar Award. While other types of laxatives stimulate the digestive tract or draw water into the intestine to encourage a bowel movement, stool softeners work by increasing moisture in stools so they are easier to pass. Theyre best for people with temporary constipation or mild, chronic constipation. There is concern that if you have CKD, taking very high doses of vitamin C can cause a buildup of oxalate, which can be deposited in the bones and soft tissues. The Link Between Diverticulitis and Constipation, The Long-Term Effects of Using Mineral Oil as a Laxative, Chronic Functional Constipation and IBS-C Medications, What You Need to Know About Herbal Stimulant Laxatives. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Stool softeners (emollient laxatives) treat constipation by wetting and softening your dog's poop. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Learn more about the differences between stool softeners and laxatives here. A laxative is a substance that you use to help you have a bowel movement. Studies also show that olive oil and flaxseed oil can be as effective as mineral oil for treating constipation in people being treated for kidney failure. The following tips can help you work with your laxative to relieve constipation and keep you regular. How it works: It helps wet and soften the stool. 1991;37(5):547-549. doi:10.1016/s0016-5107(91)70826-2, Vilanova-sanchez A, Gasior AC, Toocheck N, et al. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which medication is best for you. If there is still no improvement, then a person may wish to consult a doctor. Contact your doctor if the medicine doesnt help relieve your constipation within one week. Portions of this document last updated: March 01, 2023. It works by lowering the surface tension of hard, dry, bowel motions, allowing water and fats to penetrate which makes the bowel motion softer and easier to pass. They may need special care and instructions. Find a selection of saline laxatives here. ), nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601027.html, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9d5f2244-a610-4d45-b6e8-e79bb17a558f&audience=consumer, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b59caee1-93a6-46de-a067-d938a6e50148, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=37e84957-2e3a-4739-8eae-74fa30c950dd, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d046e651-fcaf-4e83-a8b0-d5836b524c98&audience=consumer, nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601073.html, niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/constipation/Pages/overview.aspx, nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a603032.html, nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601104.html, nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/652.html, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601113.html. Active ingredients: magnesium citrate and magnesium hydroxide. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. There are many different kinds of laxatives because many different things cause constipation. ** Commercial forms of senna laxatives are available such as brand name Senokot. There are many types of laxatives, as there are many causes of constipation. Plus, learn how they work and what they should and shouldnt be used for. If no reaction occurs in 24 hours, it should be safe to try the juice.Learn more about allergy testing here. Swallowing difficultyMineral oil should not be used since it may get into the lungs by accident and cause pneumonia; also, bulk-forming laxatives may get lodged in the esophagus of patients who have difficulty in swallowing. Stool Softener - docusate sodium capsule, liquid filled. Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? Policy. Different people have different hydration needs. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Stool softeners are medications that can help treat mild constipation. Be sure to follow the package instructions and never exceed the recommended dose. When looking for the right treatment for constipation, it is important to know the difference between a laxative and a stool softener. It's best that you have a bathroom nearby. other information we have about you. For faster relief of constipation, a stimulant, hyperosmotic, or saline laxative may be preferred. **Because, as a dialysis patient, you most likely have to restrict fluids, you should ask your physician about how much water to drink with your stool softener. You can treat constipation naturally by increasing your fiber intake, drinking plenty of fluids, and staying active. 0. what stool softener is safe for kidney disease. U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Allergy Medications (also called Antihistamines). Stimulant laxatives may cause unwanted effects in the expectant mother if improperly used. This can help keep you regular if you make it part of your daily routine. Senna is a popular laxative for the elderly and pregnant women. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of medicines in this class. It can also be a side effect of certain medications and health conditions. This keeps the moisture within the stool so that it passes easier. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 5. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. It is safe to take most cough and cold medications. We also describe related health issues, their treatments, and warning signs. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Side effects of stool softeners may include stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. They usually take two to 15 minutes, but in some cases have taken up to an hour to work. Also, bisacodyl tablets should not be given to children up to 6 years of age because if chewed they may cause stomach irritation. Learn more about natural laxatives. Colace is a brand name for docusate; it is an over-the-counter stool softener. This can occur for numerous reasons, including stress, travel, and as a side effect of medications. If you do have serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately. The importance of screening for colorectal cancer, LRCPs PFAC helps enhance cancer patient care, LHSC, partner organizations collaborate on the vision for future system of care, You Help Create Joyful Moments for Sick Kids, Interested in giving to our Childrens Hospital this holiday season? Learn more, There are many causes of abdominal bloating, including fluid retention, irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerance, and infection. Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26582579/, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/concerned-about-constipation, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/definition-facts, https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/100/4/1075/4576460, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30843436/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045285/, https://www.eatright.org/food/vitamins-and-supplements/types-of-vitamins-and-nutrients/easy-ways-to-boost-fiber-in-your-daily-diet, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016749431730211X?via%3Dihub, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31764399/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1051227614001411, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4290017/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbguV_f6XOo. Both types cleanse the blood of waste products, help manage electrolyte balance and remove excess fluid from the body. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Many safe, effective over-the-counter laxatives are available to treat occasional constipation in a variety of ways. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Reasons include a blockage and a low fiber diet. Cholesterol medications. Also, stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl or casanthranol), if taken too often, may worsen weakness, lack of coordination, or dizziness and light-headedness. Laxatives fall into different categories. Researchers found a clinically negligible association between laxative use and eGFR change, with results showing a modest association between laxative use and a more progressive eGFR decline compared with non-use (27.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 26.8 mL/min/1.73 m2), and a minimal between-group difference in GFR slope (-8.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year compared with -8.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year). Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. If your child has constipation, consult their healthcare provider before giving them a stool softener. High blood pressureSome laxatives contain large amounts of sodium, which may make these conditions worse. Stool softeners are a type of laxative that vets may use to treat canine constipation. These side effects may include: If your time on the toilet is troublesome and youd rather not reach into the medicine cabinet, fear not. Because many different things can cause constipation, laxatives work in different ways to resolve your constipation. Here are 7 foods that can cause constipation. Overuse of laxatives may cause you to become dependent on them for a bowel movement. Some reports claim that diarrhea has been caused in the infant. Drink plenty of fluids daily about 8 to 10 glasses (8 ounces) of noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages throughout the day. Ann Pharmacother. These agents should be avoided with the exception of low-dose daily Aspirin 81 mg, which is safe for regular use if prescribed by your doctor. Constipation medications are available in over-the-counter and prescription versions. They help prevent straining during bowel movements. Generally, laxatives are safe for people who are 12 years or older. Your chances of developing serious side effects may go up as well. Vitamin A is especially a concern, as toxic levels may occur with daily supplements. The senna leaf can be made into a capsule or you can use it to make tea. A. Hemstreet, A. L. Hume, G. D. Newton, C. J. Rollins, & K. J. Tietze (eds. Exercise increases the bodys demands for water, so it is important to drink plenty before, during, and after exercise to keep stools soft. Castor oil in particular should not be used as it may cause contractions of the womb. 2021;doi:10.1053/j.jrn.2020.08.005. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? 1 doctor answer 1 doctor weighed in A 23-year-old female asked: By Barbara Bolen, PhD It can take between 12 to 72 hours for a stool softener that is taken as directed to begin to work. May not be as effective for patients with restrictions on water intake, e.g., dialysis patients Docusate Docusate sodium usual starting dose: 100-200mg po daily Docusate calcium usual starting dose: 240-480mg po daily Suppositories/Enema You should check with your pharmacist or physician before using herbal products. Theyre a good option for people with chronic constipation. (n.d.). 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. Dont use stool softeners for more than one week without consulting your healthcare provider. Laxatives are meant for short-term use only, so dont use them for more than 2 weeks. Stool softeners are not absorbed into the bloodstream and are generally well-tolerated. Anyone with an illness or condition that affects their immune system should check with a doctor or nutritionist before changing their diet. People often add it to bath water to help soothe aching muscles, but a person can also take it orally as a natural treatment for constipation. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Here are 5 common types of prescription and over-the-counter medications may need to be adjusted or replaced if you have kidney damage. One complication of dialysis is constipation 1. Another type of laxative commonly used by vets is bulk-forming laxatives. Active ingredients: polyethylene glycol and glycerin. For people who find exercise difficult, there are many gentle exercise options. Mazlyn MM, et al. Senna is an herbal remedy for constipation. Aloe vera juice comes from the leaves of aloe vera plants. J Ren Nutrit. You can find a variety of Epsom salt bath products here. Contact your doctor if the medicine doesn't help relieve your constipation within one week. Larson, H. (2019). There are several treatment options for constipation. We avoid using tertiary references. Only take a stool softener when needed. Mineral oil is one remedy, Constipation can make you feel constantly bloated, uncomfortable, or even achy. A retrospective cohort study of U.S. veterans with advanced chronic kidney disease demonstrated that laxative use within the 2-year period before dialysis initiation did not significantly. How long do stool softeners take to work? As a dialysis patient, you are probably already on a low-potassium diet. There are many reasons why cats sometimes become constipated. Click here for an email preview. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. The #1 Best Overall stool softener for cats is the Pet Naturals Daily Probiotic Cat Chews. Up to 39% of people experience constipation during pregnancy. Some may be a better choice for you than others, though, especially depending on how long you need to use them and how harsh the ingredients can be on your body. They can treat occasional constipation, but other laxatives may be better suited for the task, as they typically work faster. other information we have about you. They can also increase blood pressure, increase risk of heart attack and stroke and cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. Tips May be taken with or without food. They work by adding moisture to stools, making them easier to pass. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. However, you dont inject a suppository. 2012;26(4):331-43. doi:10.1080/14786411003754264. Barbara Bolen, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and health coach.
