MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
November 8, 2009
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Health news and views MedTerms medical dictionary
home > stool softeners/stimulant combination laxatives index > stool softeners/stimulant combination laxatives-oral drug monograph
Font Size
A
A
A
Disclaimer




GENERIC NAME: STOOL SOFTENERS/STIMULANT COMBINATION LAXATIVES - ORAL

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used for the short-term treatment of constipation.

HOW TO USE: Take each dose with a full glass of water or juice and drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Laxatives should not be used in persons experiencing stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rectal irritation, stomach cramps or bloating. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. This medication may cause the urine to turn pink, red or brownish in color. Do not be alarmed. It is not harmful. Notify your doctor if you develop: rectal bleeding, weakness, dizziness, fainting, sweating, skin rash, persistent constipation. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, edema, allergies (especially to tartrazine). Prolonged, frequent or excessive use of laxatives may lead to dependency. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Consult your doctor before using any medication while breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Because laxatives may interfere with the absorption of some medications, it is important to tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.





Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • Constipation - Read details about constipation and the different treatments available for constipation including laxatives, dietary fiber, enemas, suppositories, drugs, and surgery.
Read more stool softeners/stimulant combination laxatives related articles »

Latest Medical News


Back to Medications Index

copyright


Privacy Policy

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain


From WebMD

Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

stool softeners/stimulant combination laxatives-oral

Constipation »

What is constipation?

Constipation means different things to different people. For many people, it simply means infrequent stools. For others, however, constipation means hard stools, difficulty passing stools (straining), or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement. The cause of each of these "types" of constipation probably is different, and the approach to each should be tailored to the specific type of constipation.

Constipation also can alternate with diarrhea. This pattern commonly occurs as part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool.

The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age. Ninety-five percent of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week, and this would be considered normal. The most common pattern is one bowel movement a day, but ...

Read the Constipation article »


Top 1
stool softeners/stimulant combination laxatives-oral Related Articles


Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.