Can I Take Laxatives And Stool Softeners At The Same Time?

Brief Answer:
Yes sir you can.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for choosing us for your query my dear patient,

Yes, if you are having very severe constipation/evacuation problem then you can use them both at a time.While the stool softner would soften up your stools,Laxative would promote evacuation of the softned stool through stimulation of fluid and increase in propulsive motility.
However in most of the cases taking laxative alone is more then enough.However if you are not relieved then you can take both of them simultaneously to get a additive effect.
Follow ups are welcome.
Thanks!

---

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
I am sorry but almost every laxative would have its effect for minimum 12 hours.
That could be very troublesome for you on flight.
However in case you want to take a chance take small dose of laxative like lactulose.10 ml dose is ok.
Thank you.

---

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again my dear patient,
Yes it could result in fecal impaction.
Once the stool gets impacted you have to go for manual evacuation of stools by a healthcare worker,Which is a bit painful and usually patients feel uncomfortable.
I would suggest you to take generic drug polyethylene glycol 3350 available as brand name MIRALAX(OTC) to provide you with immediate relief.
Regards.

---

Brief Answer:
Keep taking laxative with life style modification as suggested below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Initially i would say that have a practical approach as there is no magical formula,Things will take time but they will help in long term.

A drastic change in life style is required to cure constipation. Not exercising enough, not drinking enough water and delaying a bowel movement can worsen constipation symptoms.The most important factor in curing constipation is a natural and simple diet. This should consist of unrefined food such as whole grain cereals, XXXXXXX honey and lentils; green leafy vegetables, like spinach, beans, lettuce, celery, asparagus, carrot. Adding some fat to meals or increasing the size of a meal such as breakfast can help create the urge to defecate. Individuals suffering from constipation should increase the amount of plant foods they consume to get more fiber in their diet. Constipation can be treated by changing diets.
Secondly human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by 1013-14 bacteria of 400 different species and subspecies.They are responsible for proper digestion of food.Depletion of this flora due to surgery can lead to severe constipation and digestive problems.
tribute to dehydration.
-Use fish oil and castor oil-Fish oil is believed to encourage healthy digestion and castor oil produces a laxative effect when ingested
-Fruits and vegetables, which contain high amounts of fiber, aid in alleviating symptoms of constipation,Whole-grain bread, XXXXXXX oatmeal, beans and lentils can also relieve the problem so use it Instead of highly processed rice, eat brown rice, millet or bulgur.
-Eat 2 cups of fruit 3 cups of vegetables and about 35 grams of fiber per day
fruits: Generally all fruits, except banana and XXXXXXX fruit, are beneficial in the treatment of constipation.
Pears are beneficial in the treatment of constipation.
Guava fruit when eaten with seeds, gives roughage to the diet and helps in the normal evacuation of the bowels.
Grapes: have also proved highly beneficial in overcoming constipation. The grapes have the cellulose; natural sugar and organic acid make them a natural laxative fruit. Not only they clean the bowel, but also tones up the stomach and intestines to relieve the chronic constipation
All these things will increase the bulk of your stool,Will soften it and will clear your ileum of the compacted faecal material.
-While sitting on the toilet, support the feet on a small stool in order to achieve a normal position that aids in bowel movement.
Don't stop laxative,initially start following all these advices then gradually taper the doses of laxatives she is on.
Take Fybogel husk-Fybogel sachets and Fybogel Hi-Fibre sachets both contain the active ingredient ispaghula husk, which is a type of medicine called a bulk-forming laxative. Ispaghula is a type of fibre. It swells when it comes into contact with fluid in the gut and thus increases the volume of the faeces.It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Psyllium, one type of bulk-forming laxative

Hope i was helpful.
Regards.

---

Brief Answer:
Switch over to lactulose a better and well tolerated medicine.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for follow up,
1)Dulcolex is a old laxative ,I would advice you to switch over to lactulose which is much safer better and is usually very well tolerated by patients.Its also OTC.

2)But continue to feel like I have to go-Every laxative would so the same so you have to adjust the dose as per your convinience for e.g minimum dose of lactulose is 5 ml while maximum is 60 ml in a day.Now you have to find out the minimum possible dose effective on you,If you would take a higher dose then you would have sensations to defecate for minimum 12 hours.

Hope i was helpful.
Follow ups are welcome.

---

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again sir,
Please tell me the dose of medicine you took yesterday.
waiting

---

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
You have to wait for 24 hours before taking any other laxative.
Thanks.

---