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Ex-Lax Stool Softener (Generic Stool Softeners)

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Why is this medication prescribed?

Those who should refrain from straining during bowel movements due to heart disorders, haemorrhoids, and other issues use stool softeners on a temporary basis to relieve constipation. To make stools easier to pass, they soften them.

How should this medicine be used?

Stool softeners are available as syrup, liquid, capsules, and tablets for oral consumption. Often, a stool softener is given before night. Ask your doctor or chemist to explain any instructions you do not understand, and carefully follow any instructions on the packaging or the label of your prescription. Follow the directions on your stool softener carefully. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Do not break, chew, or crush the docusate capsules; instead, swallow them whole.

Use a full glass of water when taking capsules and tablets. To measure the dose, the liquid is supplied with a dropper that is carefully labelled. If you are having trouble using it, ask your chemist to walk you through it. To hide its bitter flavour, combine the liquid (not the syrup) with 4 ounces (120 millilitres) of milk, fruit juice, or formula.

It often takes this medication one to three days of consistent use to start working. Stool softeners should not be taken for longer than a week unless your doctor instructs you to. Call your doctor if your bowel habits suddenly change for more than two weeks or if they don’t improve after taking this medication for a week.

Other uses for this medicine

Ask your doctor or chemist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking stool softeners,

  • Inform your doctor and chemist if you have any allergies to any medications, including stool softeners, other drugs, or any of the chemicals in those drugs. Get a list of the ingredients from your chemist.
  • Inform your physician and chemist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are using. Don’t forget to bring up mineral oil. Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
  • Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking stool softeners.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

The usual dosage for this drug is as needed. Take the missing dose as soon as you remember it if your doctor has prescribed stool softeners on a regular basis for you. To continue with your regular dosing plan, skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next one. If you miss a dose, don’t take a second one to make up for it.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Side effects from stool softeners are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

  • Abdominal or gastrointestinal pain
  • Nausea
  • Throat discomfort (from oral liquid)

Some adverse effects may be severe. Make a quick call to your doctor if you encounter any of the following signs:

  • Skin rash (hives)
  • Breathing or swallowing challenges
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your chemist or the garbage/recycling agency in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your chemist or the garbage/recycling agency in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

What other information should I know?

If you have any concerns about using this medication, ask your chemist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

  • Colace®
  • Correctol Soft Gels®
  • Diocto®
  • Ex-Lax Stool Softener®
  • Fleet Sof-Lax®
  • Phillips’ Liqui-Gels®
  • Surfak®
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