Stool softeners are medications designed to alleviate occasional or chronic constipation by altering stool consistency and reducing straining. These over-the-counter options are gentle and distinct from laxatives that stimulate bowel contractions.
What Stool Softeners Are and How They Work
Stool softeners, also known as emollient laxatives, primarily contain active ingredients such as docusate sodium or docusate calcium. These compounds act as surfactants, working within the intestines to increase the amount of water and fat absorbed by the stool. This process makes the stool softer, bulkier, and easier to move through the digestive tract.
The mechanism of action involves the docusate salts reducing the surface tension of the stool, allowing water and lipids to penetrate and mix more effectively. Unlike stimulant laxatives that directly stimulate bowel contractions, stool softeners facilitate easier passage by softening stool. It typically takes between 12 and 72 hours for oral docusate to produce a bowel movement.
Is Daily Use Safe?
Stool softeners containing docusate sodium are safe for short-term use, up to one week, to relieve occasional constipation. For longer durations, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. Not significantly absorbed by the body, they have a relatively mild side effect profile.
Healthcare professionals may suggest daily stool softener use in specific situations, such as preventing constipation after surgeries like heart surgery or hernia repair, where straining could be harmful. They are also used for individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking medications that commonly cause constipation. Some individuals may experience mild, temporary side effects, including stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea. These are less severe compared to those associated with stimulant laxatives. Prolonged daily use without medical supervision can lead to electrolyte imbalances, affecting levels of potassium, sodium, and magnesium, and may also decrease the bowel’s natural ability to function without medication.
When to Consider Alternatives and Seek Medical Advice
For managing constipation, lifestyle modifications are often the first approach. Increasing dietary fiber intake, aiming for 25 to 31 grams daily from sources like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can significantly help. Adequate hydration, drinking about eight to ten glasses (8 ounces each) of caffeine-free fluids daily, is also important to soften stool. Regular physical activity can further stimulate bowel movements.
Other over-the-counter options include bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, which absorb water and add bulk to the stool, promoting easier passage. If constipation persists despite these changes, or if concerning symptoms arise, seek medical advice. Consult a doctor if:
- Constipation does not improve with treatment or becomes a regular occurrence.
- It is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- There is blood in the stool or unexplained weight loss.
- Sudden changes in bowel habits last more than two weeks.