What Is A Stool Softener Vs Laxative

In addition they may be more likely to cause side effects.

What is a stool softener vs laxative. While laxatives and stool softeners can help you overcome a bout of constipation these medications come with side effects. Stool softener vs laxative. A single ingredient laxative may work better for you. Some products combine different types of laxatives such as a stimulant and a stool softener.

A laxative is a substance which will aid you in constipation by helping you have bowel movements. What is the difference between a stool softener and a laxative. Mineral oil a lubricant helps stools slide on by if the stools feel stuck low in your bowels if you have an internal tear or fissure or if you have pain from hemorrhoids during bowel movements. Stool softeners add moisture to stools to make them softer and easier to pass.

Stool softener vs laxative. It s defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. Miralax is an effective stool softener creating a laxative effect without any cramping gas or sudden urgency it draws water into your colon which is intended to soften your bowel movements for greater comfort and ease. In fact there are many types of laxatives.

You just pour a single serving into the miralax cap and mix it into a glass of water. A stool softener is a type of laxative called an emollient laxative. According to medline plus a stool softener is used on a short term basis to relieve constipation for people who should avoid straining. We ll cover common side effects for short term and long term use of.

So all stool softeners are laxatives but not all laxatives are stool softeners. Stool softener and laxatives are two different products which achieve the same end result but while a stool softener prevents or treats constipation by softening the stool which makes it easier for it to pass through the colon laxatives lead to direct. Don t take mineral oil at the same time as stool softeners. Instead they allow you to have one by softening the stool mass itself.

The best kind of laxative to use depends on the cause of constipation. Stool softeners can be considered laxatives but they are not used to cause you to have a bowel movement. You may also be straining or taking a long time in the bathroom because your. Constipation is a digestive problem familiar to many.

But combination products don t necessarily work more effectively than single ingredient products.