stool softeners/stimulant combination laxatives - oral
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 to treat constipation caused by conditions such as slowing of the intestines (e.g., diabetic autonomic neuropathy), prolonged bed rest/hospitalization, use of constipating medications (e.g., narcotics), or irritable bowel syndrome. This product contains 2 medications. The stool softener helps to increase the amount of water in the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. The stimulant helps to gently increase the activity of the intestines to move stool out faster.Stimulant laxatives should not usually be used in children younger than 10 years unless prescribed by a doctor.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth 1 to 2 times daily as directed on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it exactly as directed. If taking 1 dose a day, take it at bedtime. Take each dose with a large glass of liquid (8 ounces or 240 milliliters). Do not chew tablets or capsules.If you are using the liquid form, use a medication measuring device to carefully measure the dose. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.Drink plenty of fluids (6 to 8 large glasses) throughout the day while taking this medication unless your doctor has instructed you to limit fluids.Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not use more of this laxative than directed or use it for more than 7 days unless directed to do so by your doctor. Long-term use (months to years) or use of higher-than-recommended doses may cause very serious health problems. Consult your doctor for more information.This medication may rarely cause an inability to have a bowel movement without the use of a laxative (laxative dependence), especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, this kind of use may lead to persistent constipation or loss of normal intestine function. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well or if you have difficulty having normal bowel movements without medication.Tell your doctor if your constipation persists for more than 7 days, or if you are unable to have a bowel movement after using this product for 3 days. These may be signs of a more serious problem.
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