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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Exp 50 years

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Are Stool Softeners Safe To Use Long Term?

My 5 year old has Celiac's Disease. I believe due to this special diet, she gets constipated. She has been on a prescribed laxative for most her life, but it's still very hard for her to poop sometimes. She will bleed and scream in agony. I've tried to adjust her laxative but even the slightest increase causes her to have uncontrollable diahrrea. Should I give her a stool softener? Is that safe for long term use?
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 27 Dec 2017 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 29 Dec 2017 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
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thank you for trusting HCM

Dear Stool softeners enable easier incorporation of water into the stool to keep it soft and easier to pass. By making the stool softer, it reduces or eliminates the need to strain, so stool softeners may be recommended after childbirth or surgery, or during a bout of hemorrhoids.

Some individuals may form a tolerance to softeners and may require higher doses over time. Stool softeners do not directly affect the digestive tract muscles and are safe to use in pregnant women and elderly people.

Some experts do not classify stool softeners as laxatives. An example of a stool softener is docusate sodium. Long-term use, if bowel movements remain comfortable, is acceptable.


but any drug has its own side-effects.stool softners also have pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest,a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out,rectal bleeding or irritation,
numbness or a rash around your rectum,vomiting, severe diarrhea or stomach cramps,continued constipation, or no bowel movement. I think I answered to your question if you have more questions feel free to ask.
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Are Stool Softeners Safe To Use Long Term?

hello thank you for trusting HCM Dear Stool softeners enable easier incorporation of water into the stool to keep it soft and easier to pass. By making the stool softer, it reduces or eliminates the need to strain, so stool softeners may be recommended after childbirth or surgery, or during a bout of hemorrhoids. Some individuals may form a tolerance to softeners and may require higher doses over time. Stool softeners do not directly affect the digestive tract muscles and are safe to use in pregnant women and elderly people. Some experts do not classify stool softeners as laxatives. An example of a stool softener is docusate sodium. Long-term use, if bowel movements remain comfortable, is acceptable. but any drug has its own side-effects.stool softners also have pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest,a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out,rectal bleeding or irritation, numbness or a rash around your rectum,vomiting, severe diarrhea or stomach cramps,continued constipation, or no bowel movement. I think I answered to your question if you have more questions feel free to ask.