What is Stool Softener/Laxative? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

If you have had a sudden change in your bowel movements in the past two weeks, ask your doctor before using this medicine.

Drink a full glass of water when you take this medicine. One full glass of water is about 8 ounces or 1 cup. Drinking 6 to 8 full glasses of water every day will help keep your bowel movements soft.

You might need to mix the granules or powder with water before you take each dose. Drink this mixture right away. Do not swallow the granules or powder dry unless the directions say you can.

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

Use this medicine at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Use this medicine at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If you have had a sudden change in your bowel movements in the past two weeks, ask your doctor before using this medicine.

You might need to mix the granules or powder with water before you take each dose. Drink this mixture right away. Do not swallow the granules or powder dry unless the directions say you can.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Drink a full glass of water when you take this medicine. One full glass of water is about 8 ounces or 1 cup. Drinking 6 to 8 full glasses of water every day will help keep your bowel movements soft.

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to senna, sennosides, docusate, casanthranol, or psyllium. Some brand names for these medicines are Correctol® stool softener, Ex-Lax®, Colace®, or Metamucil®. Make sure your doctor knows if you are allergic to any other laxative medicines.

You should not use this laxative for more than 1 week unless your doctor says it is okay. Laxatives may be habit-forming and can harm your bowels if you use them too long.

If you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, talk to your doctor. Most people will have a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours after using this laxative.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Do not use this medicine if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless your health caregiver tells you to use it.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using mineral oil.

Some laxatives need to be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after other medicines. If you need to take any other medicine, ask your health caregiver if you need to follow a special schedule.

If you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, talk to your doctor. Most people will have a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours after using this laxative.

You should not use this laxative for more than 1 week unless your doctor says it is okay. Laxatives may be habit-forming and can harm your bowels if you use them too long.