What it means
A drug that acts like a detergent on the stool, letting more water soak in. It is used to prevent straining, for example after surgery, after a heart attack, after childbirth or with opioid use. It does not make the bowel push, so on its own it does little for constipation that has already set in, and it is often paired with a stimulant laxative. It takes 1 to 3 days to work, and with senna it is sold as Senokot-S.
For the nurse
Give with a full glass of water and encourage fluids and fiber. Liquid forms taste bitter and can be mixed with milk or juice.
At a glance
| Drug class | stool softener (emollient laxative) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Colace, Dulcolax Stool Softener |
| Spanish | docusato |
| Also written | docusate sodium, Colace, Dulcolax Stool Softener |
Related terms
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
laxative
A drug that loosens stool or helps the bowels move, used to treat or prevent constipation.
bisacodyl
A stimulant laxative, taken as a tablet or rectal suppository, that makes the bowel muscles push stool along.