What it means
A mild type of laxativeLAK-suh-tivA drug that loosens stool or helps the bowels move, used to treat or prevent constipation.Full entry , also called an emollient laxative. It acts as a surface wetting agent: it helps water get into hard stool, but does not make the bowel push. It is used to prevent straining, for example after surgery or childbirth, after a heart attack, or with hemorrhoids. It usually takes 1 to 3 days to work. The common one is docusate.
For the nurse
Teach plenty of fluids, fiber and activity with it. A stool softener alone often does not prevent constipation from opioids; a stimulant laxative is usually added as ordered.
At a glance
| Drug class | emollient laxative |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Colace (docusate) |
| Spanish | ablandador de heces |
| Also written | stool softeners, emollient laxative, stool-softener |
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
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.
feces
Solid waste passed from the bowel through the anus, made of undigested food, water, bacteria and cells.