Are bulk laxatives and stool softeners the same thing?

Question

I know bulk laxatives such as metamucil are safe to take daily, is that so with stool softeners too?

Answer 1

Bulk Laxatives may be safe to take everyday but not a good idea. Laxatives do the work of the bowels and are responsible for your bowel movements. Like anything else without excercise, or work the bowel becomes lazy over time, when this happens your body then depends on the laxative for your bowel movements. Stool softners are just that, they soften the stool so you do not need to strain to have a bowel movement. Some medical conditions may come on if you strain to have a bowel movement ( people with really bad hearts should not strain to have Bowel movement). The stool softner absorbs water into the stool there by making it softer and easier to pass. The bowel still does the work.

Answer 2

They're not the same. Mineral oil is a good, inexpensive stool softener, but taking for an extended period of time can interfere with Vitamin A and D absorption.

Personally, I'd stick with bulk laxatives, but also work on increasing the fiber in your diet so you can reduce dependence on all laxatives. I'm a great fan of prune juice.

Answer 3

Nope. The mechanism of action of these two among several types of laxatives are different.

A bulk-producing laxative makes the stool bulkier and more water retentive. That way, it is easier to move it by peristaltic movements. Examples: Metamucil, Citrucel, fiber supplements.

A stool softener, quite literally, softens the stool. Examples: Colase, Dialose, Surfak.

Answer 4

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