What is the Difference Between Laxative and Stool Softener

The key difference between laxative and stool softener is that laxative is used to treat constipation by promoting bowel movements, increasing the bulk of stool, or softening stool while stool softeners are a subtype of laxatives called emollient laxatives, which act by softening stool to make it comfortable to pass.

Constipation is a condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements, typically fewer than three times a week, and the passage of hard, dry stool. It can result from factors such as inadequate fiber intake, dehydration, medications, or changes in routine, leading to difficulty in the normal process of bowel evacuation. Laxatives are used to treat constipation by increasing bowel movements, stool softening, or bulk-forming. There are different types of laxatives classified according to their mechanism of action such as bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant, and emollient. Laxatives with the function of adding moisture to stool, facilitating easier passage, are known as stool softeners or emollient laxatives.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What are Laxatives
3. What are Stool Softeners
4. Similarities – Laxative and Stool Softener
5. Laxative vs. Stool Softener in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Laxative and Stool Softener
7. Summary –  Laxative and Stool Softener

What are Laxatives?

Laxatives are substances or medications designed to promote bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They work through various mechanisms, and distinct types of laxatives can be categorized based on their specific actions.

• Bulk-producing laxatives: Contain water-absorbable soluble fibers and increase the bulk of stool.
• Osmotic laxatives: Contain salts that can hold water in the colon.
• Stimulant laxatives: Stimulate muscle contractions of intestinal muscles by neuronal stimulation and promote defecation.
• Stool softeners: Increase the water and fat content of stool.

What are Stool Softeners?

Stool softeners also known as emollient laxatives, are a subtype of laxatives with the function of increasing the moisture and fat content of stool, resulting in a softer consistency. These laxatives contain active ingredients like docusate sodium and docusate calcium, which allow water and fat to penetrate stool. However, they do not necessarily stimulate bowel movements or increase the bulk of stool.

These are mostly prescribed for patients who need to avoid straining during defecation, such as those recovering from childbirth or surgeries.

What are the Similarities Between Laxative and Stool Softener?

• Laxatives and stool softeners are two types of treatments for constipation.
• They are available as over-the-counter medicines.
• Both are recommended for short-term use.
• Both are available in different formulations like tablets, suspensions, etc.
• They are often taken orally.

What is the Difference Between Laxative and Stool Softener?

Laxatives and stool softeners are types of medications used to address constipation, with laxatives promoting bowel movements through various mechanisms and stool softeners specifically focusing on softening stool for more comfortable passage. Thus, this is the key difference between laxative and stool softener. Laxatives act relatively quickly, providing rapid relief, but may carry a risk of dependence with chronic use. On the other hand, stool softeners have a milder and slower action, making them safer for long-term use, and are often recommended for individuals who need to avoid straining during bowel movements, such as postoperative or postpartum patients.

The infographic below presents the differences between laxatives and stool softeners in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

FAQ: Laxative and Stool Softener

What is the purpose of laxatives?

Laxatives are medications used to treat constipation.

How do laxatives work?

Laxatives work in various ways, such as increasing stool bulk, softening stools, or stimulating bowel movements.

When a stool softener could be used?

Stool softeners are often used to alleviate constipation, especially when lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or other remedies are ineffective.

Summary – Laxative vs. Stool Softener

Laxatives and stool softeners are distinct types of medications used to address constipation. Laxatives promote bowel movements through various mechanisms, while stool softeners specifically focus on softening stool for more comfortable passage. Laxatives act relatively quickly and may carry a risk of dependence with prolonged use. In contrast, stool softeners have a milder and slower action, making them safer for long-term use. The choice between laxative and stool softener depends on the nature of constipation, individual health considerations, and the need for immediate relief or a more gradual approach. Both are available over the counter, recommended for short-term use, and come in various formulations, but their mechanisms and effects on bowel movements differ significantly. It is often advisable to seek medical attention for personalized treatments. Hence, this is the summary of the difference between laxative and stool softener

Reference:

1. “Laxative – An Overview.” ScienceDirect Topics.
2. “Overview -Laxatives.” NHS Choices, NHS.

Image Courtesy:

1. “33455 Dulcolax” By Bill McChesney (CC BY 2.0 DEED) via Flickr

2. “Laxatives” By goodfriendo (CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED) via Flickr