What does stool softner do?

Are you feeling blocked up and constipated, but want to avoid using harsh laxatives that leave you sprinting to the bathroom like a gazelle on steroids? Enter stool softeners: the gentle chaperones for your bowels. But what exactly do they do down there in the pipes?

Let’s excrete some knowledge!

Defining Stool Softeners

Stool softeners are medications designed to help soften hard stools so they can pass out of your body more easily. They work by increasing moisture content and lubrication in your intestines.

Fun fact: According to one survey, over 70% of people who experienced constipation used laxatives first instead of milder stool softeners (1).

Ingredients Matter

Before we dive into how these sweet little pills work, let’s take a look at their ingredients. The two most common types are docusate sodium and polyethylene glycol.

Docusate Sodium

  • Is a surfactant.
  • Works by helping liquids mix with fats/oils (stool).
  • Is not an official FDA-approved active ingredient but commonly used since 1950s.

Docusate sodium is often sold under many brand names including Colace.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

  • Non-absorbable osmotic agent
  • Increases water concentration in intestines via osmosis phenomenon without disrupting electrolyte balance or causing cramps etc.,

Some popular PEG-based products include Miralax

Do not worry if those sounded too science-y for you; all reputable brands will clearly display the active ingredient on packaging so check before making any purchase!

Mechanism Of Action

So now we know what’s inside these capsule wonders, how on earth does it benefit us biologically. Here’s how;

Step One: Absorption

Stool softeners work by being absorbed in the intestines and incorporated into your stool.

Step Two: Lubrication

The medication makes your stool softer by adding moisture to it, which will make bowel movements smoother.

Step Three: Prevention of dryness

Now that everything has become a bit slippery (wink), this prevents stool from becoming too dry or impacted, reducing constipation symptoms.

But with all good things come some downfalls as well:

  • It can take one to three days for docusate sodium to have an effect.
  • While stool will be easier to pass after upping your water intake & fiber consumption (these supplements may not lead to increased bowel movement frequency).

So do not expect rapid results like a high-speed train!

Why Is A Stool Softener Better Than Laxatives?

If you want an over-the-counter remedy but aren’t sure if you should go for stimulant laxitives, let us enlighten you on why choosing a milder alternative is always better.

Laxatives

Usually come in strong doses that pull water into the colon, causing contractions of muscles and shortening intestinal transit time. Some side effects associated with using them include dehydration or electrolyte imbalance (3)

On The Other Hand…

Stool softeners lubricate every possible passage inside-out, keeping thing humming along gently and discreetly. This saves people who cannot tolerate anything harsh (walks slowly around malls) so much discomfort.

Also read: 10 Home remedies For Your Digestive Problems

Dosage Guide & Precautions

As our Mums have been telling us forever- adulting means being responsible even when it’s uncomfortable. Never forget safety measures!

Following doses are recommended;

Docusate Sodium

Doses range from 50mg up tp 500mg daily for adults taking colace (4). Reason behind such huge range is due to the difference in severity of constipation.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

Usually, 17g taken once daily for adults as per manufacturer’s suggestion (5)

Remember: Always read dosage directions and warnings carefully before use / talk with your doctor.

Conclusion

Stool softeners are an unremarkable superhero that deserve more recognition for their effects on everyday stools. They don’t work like a magic potion but instead make living life a little smoother, softer and streamlined than running to the toilet every five minutes.

How do you deal with constipation? Have any other ways to keep yourself regular and support waste disposal? Let us know below!

And if you think this article deserves a standing ovation or look fabulous on your blog/online publication etc., hit share so others can enjoy it too!

Reference:

(1) Abbass K, Engberg S et al: National survey of outpatient health care provider recommendation and personal use of non-pharmacologic therapies for chronic pain management. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Dec;96(12):838-844

(2) Kunnamo I, Hämäläinen P et al: Efficacy of Stool Softener Versus Expectant Management in Postpartum Anorectal/Perineal Pain; Randomized Pilot Trial. J Womens Health Care vol:6 issn:

(3) Laxatives And Diuretics.’ World Health Organization’ //accessed August 2021

(4) Docusate Sodium – DrugBank’ accessed August 15th

(5)DailyMed – MIRALAX powder (peg3350)’ accessed August16th

Random Posts