2006-12-28 03:50:56 · 8 answers · asked by Nose 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
There are 4 types of laxatives.
Bulking agents: Are fiber products meant to help you have normal bowel movements more often. Metamucil is an example.
Osmotic laxatives: Are ingested and draw liquid in to make stool softer and easier to pass. Milk of magnesia is an example.
Stimulant Laxatives: Help you have a bowel movement by irritating the lining of the intestines. These are not recommended for regular use. Ex-lax is an example.
Stool Softener: They lubricate and soften the stool to make it pass easier. You must drink lots of water when taking these. Colace is an example.
2006-12-28 03:58:00 · answer #1 · answered by brandeeteer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A laxative stimulates the body to have a bowel movement. A stool softener makes it softer on the way out.
2006-12-28 03:52:36 · answer #2 · answered by Contessa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A laxative is made to stimulate a bowel movement quickly and a stool softener is made to make the bowel movement "softer". Ppl who have chronic constipation usually take stool softeners. Chronic laxative use may lead to dependency on them. In other words, your colon will become lazy and not propel the stool out if you take laxatives continuously.
2006-12-28 03:54:34 · answer #3 · answered by Kimberly 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A laxative is stronger and works faster. A stool softener takes times, trust me.
2006-12-28 03:52:49 · answer #4 · answered by Lone Eagle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Laxative will make you go, when you can't.
Where as the stool softener, does just that. It softens bowel movements.
2006-12-28 03:53:14 · answer #5 · answered by Tabitha 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a laxative pretty much just gives you diareea and can make your stomach hurt and stool softner just makes it easier to go potty. and its softens the potty to keep you from straining. definetley go with the stool softner.
2006-12-28 03:56:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
laxative makes you go, softener soften's it
2006-12-28 03:54:40 · answer #7 · answered by rmazmortgage 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its like the difference between a bb gun and a shotgun
2006-12-28 04:00:17 · answer #8 · answered by jusitn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋