Difference Between Stool Softener And Stimulant Laxative

Stool softeners are a type of laxative.

Difference between stool softener and stimulant laxative.

Psyllium one type of bulk forming laxative has been used with a proper diet to treat high cholesterol. First of all let s sort out the difference between stool softeners and laxatives. Stool softeners prevent or treat constipation by making the stools less hard. They take 6 to 12 hours to work.

Laxatives come in liquid tablet gum capsule granule or powder forms. Stool softeners are only a type of laxative. Among laxatives stool softeners are considered to be the safest. Because of this most stool softeners take one to three days to be effective.

They work by drawing water into the stool making it softer and more comfortable to pass. A big difference that can be seen between stool softeners and laxatives is that the former does not stimulate bowel movements. Using a stimulant laxative or a stool softener every once and awhile isn t a big deal as long as you re not depending on them regularly. Fiber supplements make your stool bulkier so it s easier to pass.

Bisacodyl also called by the brand name dulcolax senna also called by the brand name senokot sodium picosulfate. Stool softeners and stimulant laxatives differ in how they function. A stool softener is a type of. These stimulate the muscles that line your gut helping them to move poo along to your back passage.

The first choice she recommends is a senna based stimulant laxative. By contrast stimulant laxatives such as cascara bisacodyl and castor oil. The best kind of laxative to use depends on the cause of constipation. A laxative is a substance that you use to help you have a bowel movement.

Stimulant laxatives such as bisacodyl and cascara trigger contractions in the bowels that push the stool along. Be aware that these supplements can also cause bloating. Stool softeners differ from laxatives in their effectiveness functions and side effects. They do not directly cause bowel movements.

When bowel movements are slow some people really do need stimulant laxatives dr. Your body relies on the nutrients from the foods you eat for survival. These laxatives form a gel in your stool and thereby help in holding more water in your stool.