9 Best Fast Acting Stool Softener: Opinions of 82,458 Consumers (2023)

FAQs

What is the best and fastest working stool softener? ›

The fastest-working oral laxatives include mineral oil, saline laxatives (like magnesium hydroxide and magnesium citrate), and stimulant laxatives (like bisacodyl and senna tablets). Common OTC products in this group include Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax, and Senokot.

Dulcolax^® Stool Softener is a stimulant-free laxative made to relieve occasional constipation. Each tablet contains 100 mg of the #1 doctor-recommended stool softener ingredient — docusate sodium.

Dulcolax^® Liquid Laxative works faster than MiraLAX. Dulcolax^® works in as little as 30 minutes (30 minutes to 6 hours) while MiraLAX works in 1–3 days (based on product labeling).

In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.

Dulcolax® Liquid Laxative

Relieve occasional constipation in 30 minutes to 6 hours.

Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.

Docusate is often used when straining to have a bowel movement should be avoided (such as after a heart attack or surgery). Docusate is a stool softener. It works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass.

How do you soften stool that is ready to come out immediately? ›

Colace has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 16 ratings on Drugs.com. 53% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 47% reported a negative effect. Dulcolax has an average rating of 5.2 out of 10 from a total of 1090 ratings on Drugs.com.

While they only are intended for short-term relief of constipation, using a daily stool softener long-term probably is not harmful.

“Bananas, when fully ripe, contain soluble fiber and thus can help treat constipation,” Lee says. “However, unripe, or green, bananas have high levels of resistant starch, which can be very binding and cause constipation.” Because of this, unripe bananas can be used to treat diarrhea, she notes.

Stool softeners like docusate (Colace) work by reducing the hardness of stools, which should make them easier to pass. Problem is, they won't do much if you're already constipated, since they take three of four days to kick in, he adds. But they can help treat chronic constipation.

A number of prescription medications are available to treat chronic constipation. Lubiprostone (Amitiza), linaclotide (Linzess) and plecanatide (Trulance) work by drawing water into your intestines and speeding up the movement of stool.

Try natural laxatives that work fast for constipation relief, which include: aloe vera, leafy greens, chia and flax seeds, high fiber fruits, probiotic foods, and coconut water. Also make sure to drink plenty of water/fluids when consuming natural laxatives, since these work with high fiber foods to help soften stool.

If you take laxatives too often, you could keep your body from “knowing” when it's time to have a bowel movement. Your body will be less likely to respond to the urge to go, and stool may build up in your colon or rectum.

If you take a laxative and it doesn't work, or stops working after time, be sure to let your healthcare provider know. You could be overusing the laxative, or you may have a blockage in your bowels that's preventing the laxative from working.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to have a bowel movement every day in order to be considered regular. But more than 3 days without a bowel movement is too long.

How often should an elderly person have a bowel movement? ›

Straining is the most commonly identified symptom by older adults, even though physicians tend to rely on bowel movement frequency to diagnose constipation. Additionally, patients tend to underestimate their frequency of bowel movements. Normal stool frequency can vary between 3 motions per day and 3 motions per week.

Generally speaking, you can go about five days without pooping before you run into the risk of serious health issues like fecal impaction, hemorrhoids, or a bowel perforation. That said, there isn't a magic number of days to set a countdown for.

Insoluble fiber is the most beneficial for softening stools. It does not dissolve in water and helps food pass more quickly from the stomach to the intestines. Wholewheat flour, nuts, beans, and vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes all contain insoluble fiber.

Stomach/abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, diarrhea, or weakness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication may cause your urine to turn reddish-brown. This effect is harmless and will disappear when the medication is stopped.

Compared to Dulcolax, Miralax can take longer to work. But it tends to cause fewer side effects than other laxatives.

Olive oil – consuming a teaspoon of olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach can encourage stool to flow through the gut. The oil acts as a lubricant in the digestive system, meaning it's easier for solids to slide through. It also softens up the stool, making it easier to empty your bowels completely.

A warm mineral oil enema is often used to soften and lubricate the stool.

Push: keeping your mouth slightly open and breathing normally, push into your waist and lower abdomen (tummy). You should feel your tummy bulge out even more, this pushes the faeces (poo) from the rectum (lower end of the bowel) into the anal canal (back passage).

Can I force hard stool out? ›

Don't Force Poop Out

When you're feeling constipated, you may be compelled to “force” your stools out. However, this can cause you to strain the architecture of your pelvic floor, including blood vessels, nerves and muscles, which can cause hemorrhoids and have a damaging effect on your long-term bowel habits.

Its use is recommended for temporary, less chronic constipation. Stool softeners work naturally with the body and are better tolerated with fewer side effects. Stronger laxatives such as stimulant laxatives are more appropriate for more severe symptoms.

Side effects of stool softeners may include stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. Contact your doctor if the medicine doesn't help relieve your constipation within one week.

Eating When you Have Constipation. Try these things to relieve your constipation: Do not skip meals. Avoid processed or fast foods, such as white breads, pastries, doughnuts, sausage, fast-food burgers, potato chips, and French fries.

You may think that cutting back on food will help “clear out” your colon. That's not the case. Do this: Eating, especially healthy whole foods that contain fiber, helps your body move stool.

Peanut butter contains fiber, which may help people avoid constipation. However, people should try to choose brands that do not contain added salt, sugar, or fat. Including certain foods in the diet can help to keep bowel movements regular. These include vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

Oatmeal.

“Oats are loaded with soluble fiber, which is a type of fiber that allows more water to remain in the stool,” says Smith. “This makes the stool softer and larger, and ultimately easier to pass.”

“The BRAT diet ― bananas, rice, applesauce and toast ― is one we recommend for a range of digestive issues, and it can help with both constipation and diarrhea.

It can take between 12 to 72 hours for a stool softener that is taken as directed to begin to work.

What is the fastest home remedy for constipation? ›

Stimulant laxatives such as Senokot (made from senna pods) and Dulcolax (active ingredient: bisacodyl) are the fastest-working oral laxatives, with overnight results.

Colace has an average rating of 5.8 out of 10 from a total of 16 ratings on Drugs.com. 53% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 47% reported a negative effect. Dulcolax has an average rating of 5.2 out of 10 from a total of 1090 ratings on Drugs.com.

You'll usually have a bowel movement after about 12 to 72 hours upon using a stool softener. Don't take stool softeners for more than a week at a time. If you're still having hard stools after a week of using them, contact your healthcare provider.

If stool softeners aren't providing enough help, the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or a generic version) is good next step. These products hold water in stool to soften it and increase bowel movements. Common side effects are gas, bloating, and nausea.