What Causes Green Stool After Taking Laxative Pill?

Posted on Thu, 2 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 2 Jun 2016 Answered on

Sat, 2 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I was constipated last night and took three small coated laxative pills. this morning I was able to have a bowel movment . when I was cleaning up I noticed a greenish tinge. is that something to be concerned with?
I do still have some discomfort on my upper left side

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Greenish poop

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Green stool usually is not a problem. It can be from things that you ate such as green leafy vegetables, and from green food coloring, including what might be in medicine. So I wouldn't be concerned - it should go away.

Can you describe the discomfort in your left upper abdomen? Is it constant, crampy, sharp, feel like fullness?

Does it increase or decrease with eating?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar