Is Colace and Dulcolax the same thing?

Colace (docusate) and Dulcolax (bisacodyl) are effective medications that can treat constipation. Colace is an emollient laxative while Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative. Colace may be an option for occasional constipation whereas Dulcolax could be recommended when other options fail.

Considering this, what is the generic name for Colace?

Docusate sodium

Likewise, is Colace a laxative? Colace is a laxative prescribed to treat occasional constipation, as well as constipation associated with certain medical conditions. Colace is sold over-the-counter (OTC) under several brand names, including Col-Rite, Colace, Correctol, Diocto, Doc-Q-Lace, Docusoft, DSS, Silace, and Surfak.

Just so, what is the difference between a laxative and a stool softener?

First of all, let's sort out the difference between stool softeners and laxatives. A laxative is a substance that you use to help you have a bowel movement. A stool softener is a type of laxative, called an emollient laxative. All laxatives are used to relieve constipation.

Is Dulcolax a laxative or a stool softener?

No. The active ingredient, docusate sodium, encourages the mixture of water and dietary fat within the hard stool, turning it softer. It doesn't hold water like some bulking agents, nor does it stimulate the bowel like a stimulant laxative.

39 Related Question Answers Found

Which is better Colace or MiraLAX?

Colace is a stool softener. It helps to draw water into the stool itself to make it softer and easier to pass. It doesn't stimulate a bowel movement, as many laxatives do. MiraLAX is used for short-term treatment of constipation and long-term treatment of chronic constipation.

Is it OK to take a stool softener daily?

Stool softeners you can buy over-the-counter are effective for most people. While they are only intended for short-term relief of constipation, using a daily stool softener long-term probably is not harmful. For many people, dietary changes can be an effective way to relieve constipation.

What is the main ingredient in Colace?

docusate sodium

How many Colace can you take in a day?

After you take Colace, you should have a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours. The typical dosage for Colace for adults and children 12 years or older is 50-300 mg per day. You take it in one dose per day or divided doses.

How long can you take stool softener?

Duration of Use. Stool softeners are designed for short-term use, meaning that you would use them for approximately one week. If you are considering taking a stool softener for longer than one week, ask your doctor to make sure that it is safe for you to do so.

What is the difference between Colace and MiraLAX?

Can I take MiraLAX and Colace together?

No interactions were found between Colace and MiraLAX. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

What is the best stool softener?

Best Overall: MiraLAX Powder Laxative.
Best Budget: Phillips' Milk of Magnesia.
Best for Postpartum: Colace Stool Softener.
Best for the Elderly: Phillips' Stool Softener Liquid Gels.
Best for Constipation: Colace 2-in-1 Stool Softener & Stimulant Laxative.
Best All-Natural: PruneLax Cirulex Natural Laxative Regular Tablets.

Will impacted stool eventually come out?

When you have a fecal impaction, you'll need to have the hard mass of stool removed from your colon or rectum to get better. It won't go away on its own, and it can lead to death if it's allowed to worsen.

Do I need a laxative or a stool softener?

Laxatives are products that help people to poop by causing bowel movements. Stool softeners are a type of laxative that works by drawing water into the stool, making it softer and more comfortable to pass. Understanding the differences between laxatives and stool softeners may help a person decide which one to use.

How many laxatives can I take at once?

Stimulant laxatives can be taken by mouth or by suppository. When taken by mouth they work in about seven hours; by suppository they can work in about 30 minutes. These laxatives should never be used more than once every three days because they can cause your bowel to lose its ability to contract.

What happens if your constipated for too long?

Don't let constipation go unchecked for too long. When untreated, constipation can lead to unpleasant complications such as hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse, a condition in which part of the intestine pushes out through the anus from too much straining.

Is MiraLax habit forming?

Polyethylene glycol 3350 may be habit-forming. If you use MiraLax too often or for a prolonged period of time, you could become dependent on laxatives. Using it often and for an extended time also could result in an electrolyte imbalance.

What can you eat to soften your stool?

Foods that soften the stool include:

Vegetables – green beans, spinach, red capsicum, members of the cabbage family (cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts which can cause increased wind/gas production)
Fruit – fresh apricots, peaches, plums, grapes, prunes.
High Fibre Cereals – bran, multigrain breads and cereals.

Abdominal massage. Sometimes a stomach massage can help stimulate the bowels if they're not moving enough to help stool digest more quickly.
Drink more water. Increasing water in the digestive tract can make stool softer and easier to pass.
Eat more fiber.
Avoid empty-calorie, low-fiber foods.
Exercise.