Constipation can be very uncomfortable and the most common gastrointestinal problems in the world affecting almost everyone at some point in their life. Constipation can be because of several different reasons. Many different stool softeners and laxatives are available to relieve the symptoms of constipation. Choosing the right stool softener is most important while taking a laxative. There are different types of stool softeners and each one is taken differently. We shall demonstrate the difference between a laxative and a stool softener. Some people could be affected by stool softeners as they may face adverse effects like nausea, cramps, gas, and bloating.
Dulcolax Laxative Tablets, 50 Count, Gentle, Reliable Overnight Relief from Constipation, Hard, Dry, Painful Stools, and Irregular Bowel Movements, Stimulates Bowel to Encourage Movement
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NaturalSlim Constipend – Constipation Relief, Colon Cleanse Supplement – Restores Healthy Magnesium Level, Better Digestion, Improved Metabolism, Support Weight Loss w/Olive Extract – 120 Capsules
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Dulcolax Stimulant Tablets 1 Pack (200 Count)
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Prunelax Ciruelax Natural Laxative Maximum Relief Tablets, 100Count
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Ex-Lax Maximum Strength Stimulant Laxative Pills, 48 count
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Dulcolax Liquid Laxative, Stimulant Free Laxative for Comfortable Relief, Cherry Flavor, 12 oz.
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Dulcolax Laxative 25 Tablets
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Equate Gentle Laxative Bisacodyl Delayed Release Tablets, 5 Milligrams, 100 Count
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Wellements Organic Baby Constipation Support, 4 Fl Oz, Free from Dyes, Parabens, Preservatives-New
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Traditional Medicinals Organic Smooth Move Tea, 16 Tea Bags (Pack of 6)
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Mommy’s Bliss – Constipation Ease Double Pack – 8 FL OZ (2 Bottles)
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HealthA2Z Woman’s Gentle Laxative, Bisacodyl Stimulant Laxative 5mg, Compare to Dulcolax Pink Active Ingredient, 24 Packs of 25 Tablets(600 Tablets Total), Value Package
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Senokot-S Dual Action 30 Tablets, Natural Vegetable Laxative Ingredient Plus Stool Softener Tablets, Gentle Dependable Overnight Relief of Occasional Constipation
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Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia Liquid Laxative, Wild Cherry, 26 oz, Cramp Free & Gentle Overnight Relief Of Occasional Constipation, #1 Milk of Magnesia Brand
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BioGaia Protectis Probiotics Drops for Baby, Infants, Newborn and Kids Colic, Spit-Up, Constipation and Digestive Comfort, 5 ML, 0.17 oz, 2 Pack
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Zenwise Health Digestive Enzymes Plus Prebiotics & Probiotics Supplement, Vegan Formula for Better Digestion & Lactose Absorption with Amylase & Bromelain, 60 Count
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MAV Nutrition Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics, Digestion Aid with 3 Strains | Premium Enzyme Blend | Shelf Stable, 2 Month Supply, 60 Count
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Digestic™ – Constipation IBS Relief – 100% Natural Ingredients – (20 Capsules) New Breakthrough Formula – IBS Supplement for Constipation, Bloating and Gas Relief. Organic & Vegan Laxative
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Women’s Laxative Tablets, Bisacodyl 5mg 120ct (Two 60ct bottles) by Equate Compare to Correctol
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Colace 2-IN-1 Stool Softener & Stimulant Laxative Tablets, Gentle Constipation Relief in 6-12 Hours, 30 Count
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Laxative vs. stool softener
Let us explain the difference between stool softener and a laxative first, well a laxative is something that helps to have a bowel movement whereas a stool softener is a kind of laxative, which is called an emollient laxative. Hence proved, we can say that all stool softeners are laxatives, but not all laxatives are stool softeners.
There are several types of laxatives because constipation is caused by several different reasons so different laxatives work differently to treat the cause. Some of the laxatives work on your stool some work on your intestine, and others act both on your stool and intestine. Either way, all the laxatives can be used to treat constipation but some may be a good choice for you than others depending upon the duration of use and how much tough ingredients can your body bear.
Stool softeners/emollient laxatives.
The active ingredients found in the stool softeners are docusate sodium and docusate calcium. This stool softener helps to wet and soften the stool to make it easy to be excreted. These are very gentle and if used regularly then these stool softeners can help to treat constipation. Although these are least recommended now, these are used to treat constipation that is temporary or mild, chronic constipation.
Bulk-forming laxative
The active ingredients found in these are psyllium, methylcellulose, and calcium polycarbophil. These form a gel in the stool to retain more water because of which the size of stool increases and in turn stimulates the movement in your intestine which expels stool quickly. These types of laxatives can be used for a long period with fewer side effects and risks. These are an ideal option for people suffering from chronic constipation, although it might take more time for these laxatives to work. Don’t use them for longer than one week without consulting your doctor.
Lubricant laxative
Mineral oil is the active ingredient in lubricant laxatives. It coats the stool and intestine to prevent the loss of water so that the stool can be lubricated and pass out easily. These laxatives shouldn’t be used regularly. The absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K may be interfered with if you take these regularly. These are good for the immediate relief of short-term constipation.
Hyper osmotic laxative
Active ingredients found in this type of laxatives are polyethylene glycol and glycerin. This laxative softens the stool and helps it pas quickly by drawing more water into the intestines. These laxatives can be used for a long period with a slight risk of side effects. These laxatives are an ideal option for people who are suffering from chronic constipation. These laxatives may take longer than other ones to work. Don’t use them for longer than one week without consulting your doctor.
Saline laxative
Active ingredients found in this type of laxatives are magnesium citrate and magnesium hydroxide. This laxative softens the stool and helps it pas quickly by drawing more water into the intestines. These shouldn’t be used regularly because if used regularly these laxatives can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Stimulant laxative
Active ingredients found in this type of laxatives are bisacodyl and sennosides. These laxatives stimulate and enhance the movements of the intestines. These shouldn’t be used regularly because if used regularly these laxatives can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Forms of stool softeners
Stool softeners are available in the following forms.
- Oral soft gel capsules
- Oral liquids
- Rectal enema forms of laxatives available
- Other laxatives are available in the following forms.
- Oral capsule
- Chewable tablet
- Oral tablet
- Oral granules (powder)
- Oral gummy
- Oral liquid
- Oral wafer
- Rectal suppository
- Rectal enema
Time of usage
Stool, softeners, bulk-forming, hyperosmotic, and saline (magnesium hydroxide) laxatives mostly take 12 to 72 hours to work.
Stimulant laxatives take almost six to 12 hours to work.
Saline (magnesium citrate solution) laxatives have quick action and these take about 30 minutes to six hours.
No matter what sort of laxatives you are using but rectal enemas and suppositories take the least time to work. These can take up to 2 minutes to 15 minutes mostly but in some rare cases may take up to an hour to work.
Dose of laxatives
Dosage of laxatives varies from person to person and from type to type, even the laxatives of the same type have different doses. Usually, you don’t need to take a laxative more than a week but if your bowel movements are still irregular than it is advised to consult your doctor.
In general, it is safe for people of 12 years of age and above to use laxatives. It is not advised to self prescribe laxatives for children below 1 2years of age so you must always consult your doctor.
Basic Care Stool Softener Laxative
Soft gels contain docusate sodium 100 mg, this is recommended by the doctors and they rate these as number 1.
These stool softener laxatives soften stools and generally produce a bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours.
These stool softener laxatives gently and effectively relieve constipation.
These stool softener laxatives are equally effective for adults and children ages 2 years and over.
These stool softener laxatives are perfect for people who have short term and occasional constipation with symptoms like fewer than 3 bowel movements per week, dry, hard stools, difficult or painful bowel movements, feeling that not all stools have passed.
Kirkland Signature Stool Softener
This stool softener laxative is better as compared to colace.
This Kirkland laxative also has the properties of a stool-softener.
This stool softener laxative provides relief from constipation gently and effectively.
This stool softener laxative stimulates the muscles of the colon and increases the bowel movement.
This stool softener laxative is free of stimulant to aid in comfortable relief.
This stool softener laxative has little or no side effects but always remember not to take these stool softeners more than a week.
Each bottle of this stool softener laxative contains 200 tablets.
Colace Regular Strength Stool Softener
This stool softener laxative is a stimulant-free stool softener that provides gentle, dependable, effective, and comfortable relief.
This stool softener laxative provides relief from occasional constipation in 12 to 72 hours.
This stool softener laxative is the number one choice of doctors.
This stool softener laxative offers gradual relief from constipation that is linked with particular medical conditions, travel, aging, or poor diet.
This stool softener laxative is a safe and gentle option when it comes to relieving constipation.
This stool softener laxative can be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers.
This stool softener laxative also reduces the strains that are associated with hemorrhoid flare-ups.
These stool softener laxative reliefs’ symptoms of infrequent or irregular bowel movements, straining during bowel movements, and hard dry stools.
Dulcolax Gentle Relief Stool Softener Laxative
This stool softener laxative contains docusate sodium 100mg.
This stool softener laxative relieves constipation and irregularity in passing stool.
This stool softener laxative makes the stool soft and easier for you to defecate it.
When it comes to relief constipation this stool softener laxative is the number one choice of doctors.
This stool softener laxative is a safe and gentle option when it comes to relieving constipation.
This stool softener laxative has little or no side effects but always remember not to take these stool softeners more than a week.
This stool softener laxative relives painful, hard and dry stools gently.
PottyWise Liquid Stool Softener for Kids
This liquid stool softener laxative is stimulant free and an easy and quick relief option for kids.
This liquid stool softener laxative is made up of natural herbs to loosen and relax the bowels to relieve symptoms of tummy cramping, painful discomfort, and constipation.
This liquid stool softener laxative contains ingredients that won’t be harmful to the kids and infants; this is equally safe for toddlers, babies, and growing kids.
This liquid stool softener laxative is made up of elderberry, catnip leaf, licorice root, senna leaf, black walnut hull, fennel feed, and anise seed for gentle tummies to heal and support the digestion.
This liquid stool softener laxative is free of sugar, gluten, preservatives, and additives.
This liquid stool softener laxative is highly recommended by smart moms because they know that this stool softener is best for their kids.
This stool softener laxative is a natural vegetable laxative with docusate sodium ideal for constipation relief.
This stool softener laxative is ideal for comfortable relief of occasional constipation
This stool softener laxative provides gentle overnight relief.
This stool softener laxative eases the discomfort linked with hard, dry stools, with the help of both the natural vegetable laxative ingredient, senna, and a stool softener.
This stool softener laxative can be used for adults as well as kids who are above 2 years.
This stool softener laxative relives painful, hard and dry stools gently.
Dulcolax Soft Chews Stimulant-Free & Gentle Constipation
This stool softener chew provides relief from constipation in as little as 30 minutes.
These stool softener chews are free of stimulants and work naturally with your body to relieve constipation.
This stool softener chews are ideal to relieve constipation quickly and with ease.
This stool softener chews are available in mixed berry flavor.
This stool softener laxative chews contain magnesium hydroxide 1200mg.
This stool softener laxative relives painful, hard and dry stools gently.
Each packet of this stool softener laxative chews contains 30 tablets.
Basic Care ClearLax
This stool softener laxative contains active material Polyethylene Glycol 3350.
This stool softener laxative is best to relieve octagonal constipation or irregularity of stool.
This stool softener laxative produces a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days.
This stool softener laxative enhances the frequency of bowel movements and softens the stool
This stool softener laxative is not flavored and can be dissolved into any beverage as it is available in powdered form.
This stool softener laxative is the number one recommendation if the doctor when it comes to relieving occasional constipation.
This stool softener laxative relives painful, hard and dry stools gently.
Aloe Life – Fiber Mate Tablets
This stool softener laxative contains naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, enzymes, friendly intestinal probiotics chlorophyll, and healthy food fiber necessary for a healthy intestinal tract and regularity and free from harmful sprays.
This stool softener laxative is free from gluten and dairy formula, psyllium, cascara, senna, oat, wheat bran, ground flax seeds that can each be very irritating to the intestinal lining.
This stool softener laxative contains building nutrients, which support a decrease of yeast and unhealthy bowel conditions.
This stool softener laxative helps to freshen the breath, acts as a natural diuretic for unwanted water weight, and supports daily nutrition and regularity.
This stool softener laxative is perfect for nursing mothers and pregnant women.
MiraLAX Single Dose Sachets
This stool softener laxative is free of sugar and is available in powdered form so can be dissolved in four to eight ounces of water, juices, or any other beverage.
This stool softener laxative provides gentle, predictable relief from occasional constipation and irregularity.
This stool softener laxative has no harsh side effects and can be taken with ease.
This stool softener laxative causes no bloating, cramps, or sudden urges.
This stool softener laxative softens the stool so that you can defecate easily.
