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Medically reviewed by Fedorchenko Olga Valeryevna, PharmD. Last updated on 19.04.2022
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This medication is used to treat constipation caused by conditions such as slowing of the intestines (e.g., diabetic autonomic neuropathy), prolonged bed rest/hospitalization, use of constipating medications (e.g., narcotics), or irritable bowel syndrome. This product contains either a stimulant or irritant laxative. Both types of laxatives help to increase the activity of the intestines to move stool out faster.
Stimulant laxatives should not usually be used in children younger than 10 years unless prescribed by a doctor.
See also: Amitiza
Stool Softener (Stool Softener) is a stool softener. It makes bowel movements softer and easier to pass.
Stool Softener is used to treat or prevent constipation, and to reduce pain or rectal damage caused by hard stools or by straining during bowel movements.
Stool Softener may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Usual Adult Dose for Constipation
Oral: 50 to 400 mg (using any of the salt forms) orally administered in 1 to 4 equally divided doses each day.
Rectal: 200 to 283 mg rectally administered as an enema once or twice.
Alternative: 50 to 100 mg (Stool Softener sodium liquid) added to a retention or flushing enema once a day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation
Oral
:
less than 3 years: 10 to 40 mg (Stool Softener sodium) orally divided in 1 to 4 doses.
3 to 6 years: 20 to 60 mg (Stool Softener sodium) orally divided in 1 to 4 doses.
6 to 12 years: 40 to 150 mg (Stool Softener sodium) orally divided in 1 to 4 doses.
greater than 12 years: 50 to 400 mg (using any of the salt forms) orally administered in 1 to 4 equally divided doses each day.
Rectal:
3 to 18 years: 50 to 100 mg (Stool Softener sodium liquid) added to a retention or flushing enema once a day.
Alternative: 200 to 283 mg rectally administered as an enema once daily as needed for constipation.
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Stool Softener should generally be used for a period of less than 1 week.
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What is the most important information I should know about Stool Softener?
People who have known allergies or asthma may be at an increased risk for a reaction from any new medication. The physician should always know a patient’s allergy history. Signs of an allergic reaction are skin rash, hives and itching. Of course, a person should not take bismuth if there has been a previous reaction to this drug, aspirin or any other salicylates.
Use Stool Softener syrup as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Stool Softener syrup by mouth with or without food.
- Take Stool Softener syrup with a full glass of water or other liquid (8 oz/240 mL).
- Stool Softener syrup may be mixed in a half glass of milk, fruit juice, or infant formula before taking it.
- Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.
- Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Stool Softener syrup is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
- A bowel movement usually occurs 1 to 3 days after the first dose.
- If you miss a dose of Stool Softener syrup and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Stool Softener syrup.
There are specific as well as general uses of a drug or medicine. A medicine can be used to prevent a disease, treat a disease over a period or cure a disease. It can also be used to treat the particular symptom of the disease. The drug use depends on the form the patient takes it. It may be more useful in injection form or sometimes in tablet form. The drug can be used for a single troubling symptom or a life-threatening condition. While some medications can be stopped after few days, some drugs need to be continued for prolonged period to get the benefit from it.This medication is used to treat occasional constipation. Some medications and conditions can make constipation more likely. Stool softeners such as Stool Softener are often the first method used for preventing and treating this type of constipation. Stool Softener is often used when straining to have a bowel movement should be avoided (e.g., after a heart attack or surgery).
Stool Softener is a stool softener. It works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
How to use Stool Softener (Stool Softener calcium)
Follow all directions on the product package unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually at bedtime with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water or juice, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Decrease your dose or stop taking this medication if you develop diarrhea.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the drops, measure the medication with the dropper provided, or use a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you have the correct dose. Mix the syrup, liquid or drops in 4 to 8 ounces of fruit juice, milk or infant formula to prevent throat irritation and mask a bitter taste.
Use this medication only when needed. Do not use this product for more than 1 week unless directed by your doctor.
Relief is usually seen in 1 to 3 days.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
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What other drugs will affect Stool Softener?
The following drug interactions and/or related problems have been selected on the basis of their potential clinical significance (possible mechanism in parentheses where appropriate)—not necessarily inclusive (» = major clinical significance):
Note: Although significant interactions are unlikely with usual doses of bismuth subsalicylate in the treatment of diarrhea and for occasional relief of gastric distress, the higher doses and the longer therapy used in the prophylaxis of traveler’s diarrhea increase the potential for significant drug interactions.
Combinations containing any of the following medications, depending on the amount present, may also interact with this medication.
Anticoagulants, coumarin- or indandione-derivative or
Heparin or
Thrombolytic agents, such as:
Alteplase (tissue-type plasminogen activator, recombinant)
Anistreplase
Streptokinase
Urokinase (increased risk of bleeding may occur when these medications are used concurrently with salicylates.
Antidiabetic agents, oral or
Insulin (large doses of salicylate may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of these medications; dosage adjustment may be necessary.
Probenecid or
Sulfinpyrazone (concurrent use of salicylates is not recommended when these medications are used to treat hyperuricemia or gout because uricosuric effects of these medications may be decreased by doses of salicylates that produce serum salicylate concentrations above 50 mcg per mL.
(probenecid may decrease renal clearance and increase plasma concentrations and toxicity of salicylates).
Salicylates, other (ingestion of large repeated doses of bismuth subsalicylate, as for traveler’s diarrhea, may produce substantial plasma salicylate concentrations thus increasing the risk of salicylate toxicity during concurrent use with other salicylates.
Tetracyclines, oral (calcium carbonate contained in the tablet dosage form may decrease gastrointestinal absorption and bioavailability of tetracyclines; patients should be advised not to take bismuth subsalicylate tablets within 1 to 3 hours of oral tetracyclines.
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What are the possible side effects of Stool Softener?
Applies to Stool Softener: capsules, tablets
Other dosage forms:
- enema
- liquid
- syrup
Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Bitter taste; bloating; cramping; diarrhea; gas; irritation around the rectum; throat irritation.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur while taking Stool Softener (the active ingredient contained in Stool Softener)
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue) fainting; nausea; vomiting.