What is a good OTC stool softener?
Emily Wong
Updated on February 19, 2026
What is a good OTC stool softener?
Stool Softeners
| Medications | Percentage of Pharmacists’ Votes |
|---|---|
| #1 Colace Most Pharmacist Votes | 83% |
| #2 Dulcolax | 14% |
| #3 DulcoEase | 2% |
| #4 Phillips’ Stool Softener | 1% |
What are the names of stool softeners?
WHAT ARE NAMES OF STOOL SOFTENER LAXATIVES?
- Albert Docusate.
- Colace.
- Docusate.
- Docusate calcium.
- Docusate sodium.
- DSS.
- DulcoEase.
- Phillips Liqui Gels.
What softens stool quickly?
Home remedies
- Abdominal massage. Sometimes a stomach massage can help stimulate the bowels if they’re not moving enough to help stool digest more quickly.
- Drink more water. Increasing water in the digestive tract can make stool softer and easier to pass.
- Eat more fiber.
- Avoid empty-calorie, low-fiber foods.
- Exercise.
Will stool softener soften existing stool?
Stool softeners are gentle medications with a relatively mild effect. They soften the stool, making it easier to pass. Over-the-counter stool softeners are useful when a person experiences mild occasional or chronic constipation.
What is the safest stool softener?
Laxatives work in different ways, and the effectiveness of each laxative type varies from person to person. In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
What stool softener is safe for everyday use?
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
Is MiraLAX a laxative or stool softener?
MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative. That means it draws water into the colon, which softens the stool and may naturally stimulate the colon to contract. These actions help ease bowel movements. Colace is a stool softener.
How do you get hard poop out?
Try these tips:
- Drink plenty of water every day to prevent dehydration.
- Drink other fluids, such as prune juice, coffee, and tea, that act as natural laxatives.
- Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as whole wheat, pears, oats, and vegetables.
Are banana good for constipation?
“Unripened, green bananas are constipating,” says Tammy Lakatos. “But ripe bananas are very high in soluble fiber, which in some cases can help to push waste through the bowels, so bananas can also be helpful in eliminating constipation issues.” For constipation relief, be sure to pick bananas that are good and ripe.
What is the best over the counter stool softener?
Though over-the-counter stool softener is considered safe for the mother and baby, it is best to avoid it as far as possible. The best stool softener for elderly is consuming stewed prunes and figs. These are natural laxatives effective for softening stool and regulating bowel movement.
What is the best OTC laxative?
The gentlest laxatives for relieving constipation are called bulk laxatives. Bulk laxatives enlarge the stool to help it pass through your colon more easily, and should be taken with a lot of water. Flaxseed and psyllium are the most widely used and best-known bulk herbal laxatives.
What is the best herbal stool softener?
Fenugreek is an herb that is rich in fiber. It is important to note that its use for constipation or stool softening has not been scientifically proven for safety or effectiveness at this time. Other herbal foods that soften stool include: cascara segrada and senna leaves.
How long does it take a stool softener to work?
Most stool softener products should soften your stool and trigger the urge for a bowel movement within 12 to 72 hours (three days). Stool softeners come in capsule, liquid, and tablet form that you take by mouth.
