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Is It Take To Take A Stool Softener (docusate Sodium)

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Posted on Sat, 4 Apr 2020
Question: Is it take to take a stool softener (docusate sodium) and Pepto Bismol (bismuth sub salicylate) together? I was concerned, bc the latter is also an antidiarrheal? I m trying to temporarily relieve my suspected constipation and upset stomach. Thank you. I'm Having A Hard Time Moving My Bowels. My Diet Lifestyle Was Mostly Fast Food. I Sometimes Feel Sick To My Stomach. Nausea And Cramping
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Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please go through detailed answer dear.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Thanks for choosing 'Ask A Doctor' service for your query,
I've read your details and I appreciate your concerns,

The primary mode of action of BSS, the active ingredient of Pepto-Bismol is its anti-secretory property and that's why it is used in patients with loose stools.

While Docusate sodium hydrates the stool to make it soft.

So, taking both of them together would contradict each other's actions (though Pepto Bismol is a mild antisecretory agent).

You could try both of them together but if stools remain hard then stop Pepto Bismol temporarily and take Docusate to pass stools.

Though not asked yet, you should start taking probiotics daily to help you with symptoms and try to restrict any form of fast food.

Hope I was helpful,
Follow-ups are welcome,
Thank you

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2913 Questions

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Is It Take To Take A Stool Softener (docusate Sodium)

Brief Answer: Please go through detailed answer dear. Detailed Answer: Hello and Thanks for choosing 'Ask A Doctor' service for your query, I've read your details and I appreciate your concerns, The primary mode of action of BSS, the active ingredient of Pepto-Bismol is its anti-secretory property and that's why it is used in patients with loose stools. While Docusate sodium hydrates the stool to make it soft. So, taking both of them together would contradict each other's actions (though Pepto Bismol is a mild antisecretory agent). You could try both of them together but if stools remain hard then stop Pepto Bismol temporarily and take Docusate to pass stools. Though not asked yet, you should start taking probiotics daily to help you with symptoms and try to restrict any form of fast food. Hope I was helpful, Follow-ups are welcome, Thank you