Stool-softener Laxatives, Oral

Type of medicine: laxative

Generic and brand names: Colace; DC Softgels; Dialose; Diocto; Docu; docusate calcium; docusate potassium; docusate sodium; DOS; D-S-S; Docusoft-S; Ex-lax Stool Softener; Genasoft; Modane Soft; Non-Habit Forming Stool Softener; Phillips' Stool Softener Laxative; Regular S.S.; Silace; Surfak Liquigels

Laxatives are taken by mouth to:

• relieve constipation
• prevent constipation after surgery or heart attack
• prevent dry, hard stools.

Different kinds of laxatives work in different ways. Make sure you know which kind you are taking. The different types of oral laxatives include:

Bulk-formers

Bulk-forming laxatives absorb liquid in the intestines and swell to form a soft, bulky stool. Your bowel is then moved normally because of the bulky mass. Some bulk-forming laxatives, like psyllium and polycarbophil, may also be used to treat diarrhea.

Hyperosmotics

Hyperosmotic laxatives help cause bowel movements by absorbing water into the bowel from body tissues. There are 3 types of hyperosmotic laxatives taken by mouth--the saline, the lactulose, and the polymer types.

The saline type works very fast. They are not used for long-term or repeated constipation. With smaller doses than those used for the laxative effect, some saline laxatives are used as antacids. They may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

The lactulose type produces results more slowly and can be used for long-term treatment of ongoing constipation. Lactulose may also be used in the treatment of other conditions. It is available only by prescription.

The polymer (polycarbophil) type softens the stool and increases the number of bowel movements. It is used for short periods of time to treat constipation.

Lubricants

Oral lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, coat the bowel and the stool mass with a waterproof film. This keeps moisture in the stool. The stool stays softer and moves easier.

Stimulants

Stimulant laxatives (such as the bisacodyl type) increase the muscle contractions that move along the stool mass. Stimulants also are more likely to cause side effects.

Stool softeners

Stool softeners (such as the docusate type) help liquids mix into the stool and prevent dry, hard stool masses.

Combinations

There are many products that you can buy for constipation that contain more than one type of laxative. For example, a product may contain both a stool softener and a stimulant laxative.

Ask your health care provider or pharmacist which product is best for you.

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• diabetes
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• intestinal problems
• kidney disease
• rectal bleeding
• symptoms of appendicitis or an inflamed bowel (abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, nausea, and vomiting)
• trouble swallowing.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Take only those laxatives that are recommended by your health care provider. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

Take laxatives as directed by your health care provider, or follow the directions on the package label. Do not take more laxative or take it more often than directed. Drink several glasses of water during the day to help soften your bowel movement.

Mix powdered or granulated products with water or fruit juice. Do not take them dry. Liquids may be taken in or with water or fruit juice.

Swallow laxative tablets whole. They have a special coating to prevent stomach irritation.

For young children, ask your health care provider or pharmacist which laxatives to use.

Do not use for more than 1 week without your health care provider's approval. Long-term use can make your body depend on the laxative for regular bowel movements. If you are always constipated, talk to your health care provider. You may need to change your diet or prescription medicine.

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious: abdominal cramps, bitter taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• droperidol (Inapsine)
• levomethadyl (ORLAAM)
• mineral oil
• ulcer medicines such as cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine (Axid).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.