When to Use a Stool Softener vs. Laxative

Stool softeners vs. laxatives

Stool softeners and laxatives are both medications that can help with constipation and make it easier to pass stool. However, they both work differently.

A stool softener is a type of laxative called an emollient laxative. It may be used when you have mild constipation and your symptoms are temporary.

Stool softeners are available as:

• oral softgel capsules
• oral liquids
• rectal enemas

A doctor may suggest a stronger laxative if you have severe constipation.

Other laxatives are available in the following forms:

• oral capsule or tablet
• chewable tablet
• oral gummy
• oral liquid
• rectal suppository
• rectal enema

All laxatives, including stool softeners are used to relieve constipation. Some may be a better choice for you than others, depending on how long you need to use them and how harsh the ingredients can be on your body.

Types of laxatives

There are several different types of laxatives, including:

Emollient laxative (also known as a stool softener)

Active ingredients: docusate sodium and docusate calcium

How it works: It helps wet and soften the stool.

Considerations for use: Stool softeners are gentle enough to prevent constipation with regular use. However, they’re the least effective option for treating constipation. They’re best for people with temporary constipation or mild, chronic constipation.

Bulk-forming laxative

Active ingredients: psyllium, methylcellulose, and calcium polycarbophil

How it works: It forms a gel in your stool that helps you hold more water. The stool becomes bigger, which stimulates movement in your intestine to help it pass more quickly.

Considerations for use: Bulk-forming laxatives can be used for longer periods and with little risk of side effects. They’re a good option for people with chronic constipation. However, they take longer than other laxatives to work. You shouldn’t use them continuously for longer than one week without talking with a doctor.

Lubricant laxative

Active ingredient: mineral oil

How it works: It coats your stool and intestines to prevent water loss. It also lubricates your stool to help it move more easily.

Considerations for use: Mineral oil should not be used regularly, as it can interfere with your body’s absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Lubricant laxatives are typically only good options for immediate relief of short-term constipation.

Saline laxative

Active ingredients: magnesium citrate and magnesium hydroxide

How it works: It draws more water into the intestine. This softens the stool and stimulates movement in your intestines to help you pass it.

Considerations for use: Saline laxatives should not be used on a regular basis. When used regularly, they can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Hyperosmotic laxative

Active ingredients: polyethylene glycol and glycerin

How it works: It draws more water into your intestines. This helps soften the stool to help it move more easily.

Considerations for use: Hyperosmotic laxatives can also be used for longer periods with little risk of side effects. Like bulk-forming laxatives, they’re a good option for people with chronic constipation. You shouldn’t use them continuously for longer than one week without talking with a doctor.

Dosage

Dosages for laxatives can vary, even among laxatives of the same type. You shouldn’t need to use a laxative for longer than one week. If your bowel movements still aren’t regular after using a laxative for seven days, you should discontinue use and speak with a doctor.

Side effects

Most people can use laxatives without any side effects, but some are possible. The following table lists some of the milder and severe side effects of stool softeners and other laxatives. The severe side effects are usually much less common.

If you experience any severe side effects after taking a laxative, you should speak with a doctor immediately.

Interactions

Laxatives can also interact with other drugs, vitamins, and supplements that you take.

If you take any medication, it’s important to talk with a doctor to make sure it’s also safe to take a laxative. They may even recommend a specific laxative, depending on the medication you take. For example, mineral oil can interact with stool softeners.

Examples of drugs that can interact with other laxatives include:

• oral contraceptives
• the heart failure drug digoxin
• the hormone estradiol
• the blood thinner warfarin

Laxative misuse

You may have heard that you can use laxatives to lose weight, but this is neither safe nor effective. Using higher doses of laxatives for long periods can result in a much higher risk of the following effects, some of which can be severe:

• muscle cramps
• irregular heartbeat
• excess water loss
• heart disease
• kidney disease

What other techniques can help?

With any laxative, there are things you can do to help them work their best. The following tips can help you work with your laxative to relieve constipation and keep you regular.

• stay hydrated
• try not to skip meals
• eat more fruits and vegetables to increase the fiber in your diet
• exercise to help keep all of your body systems active.

Takeaway

A laxative is a substance that you use to help you have a bowel movement. A stool softener is a type of laxative called an emollient laxative.

They can both help you have a bowel movement, but some may be a better choice for you than others. The best option for you can depend on your symptoms, health history, and how long you need to use them.

You shouldn’t need to take laxatives for longer than one week. If you still feel constipated after this time, it is important to speak with a doctor. They can suggest more effective treatment options and assess whether there is an underlying condition that may be causing your constipation.