Question: What is the difference between stool softener and laxative medication? Thank you for clarifying this for me.

Answer: There is no difference per se between a stool softener and laxative medication. Stool softener is a type of laxative medication. A laxative medication is defined as an agent that will promote a bowel movement and stool softeners are given for just his reason.

Stool softeners are also often given to people who are constipated, but should avoid straining due to another medical condition. Medical conditions that often require the use of a stool softener include:

• Heart Conditions
• Hemorrhoids
• Pregnancy
• Post Operative Patients
• Other Conditions your doctor informs you about

The basic way a stool softener works is to draw water back into the colon and therefore make stool easier to pass. The medication usually takes one to three days to take effect.

There can be side effects to stool softeners, but most are mild. If you experience any of the following serious side effects call your doctor immediately:

• Skin rash
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Trouble swallowing
• vomiting
• abdominal pain

We hope we have cleared up any confusion over the difference between stool softener and laxative medication you may have had. If you have further questions please do not hesitate to ask.