Brand names include Colace, Correctol, Diocto, Doxinate, Ex-Lax Stool Softener, Fleet Sof-Lax, Modane Soft, Phillips' Stool Softener, and Surfak.

They work by increasing the amount of water and fat your poop (stool) absorbs. This makes your poop softer and easier to pass. The active ingredients in stool softeners are docusate sodium and docusate calcium. A common brand of docusate is (Colace®).

Common types include bulk-forming laxatives, osmotics, stool softeners, lubricants and stimulants. Most are available without a prescription. Take them as directed to prevent side effects, like bloating, gas or stomach cramps.

Use this medication for temporary relief of constipation only. To prevent becoming dependent on laxatives, do not take this medication for a long period of time. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.

You can take docusate (Colace) at any time during the day. If you know how your body responds to the medication, you can try to time your dose so that you're near a bathroom when it's time for your bowel movement.

These are the most common types.

• Bulk-forming laxatives. These laxatives add “soluble” fiber to the stool.
• Lubricant laxatives. These coat the surface of the stools to make them slippery.
• Stool softeners. These help mix fluid into stools to soften them.
• Osmotic laxatives.
• Stimulant laxatives.

The side effects you may get will depend on the type of laxative you're taking, but common side effects of most laxatives include:

• bloating.
• farting.
• tummy cramps.
• feeling sick.
• dehydration, which can make you feel lightheaded, have headaches and have pee that's a darker colour than normal.

Docusate Capsules. Colace® is a brand of docusate, which is a laxative that comes in a capsule form. This medication treats occasional constipation. It softens your stool to make bowel movements easier.

They work by increasing the amount of water and fat your poop (stool) absorbs. This makes your poop softer and easier to pass. The active ingredients in stool softeners are docusate sodium and docusate calcium. A common brand of docusate is (Colace®).

Typical dosing for Docusate (Colace) Make sure to read the directions on the label of the medication you're using. Adults and children age 12 or older: The typical dose is 100 mg to 300 mg by mouth per day. It can be taken all at once or in multiple doses throughout the day.

Chronic constipation can be subclassified into four categories: normal transit, slow transit, dyssynergic defecation (DD) and slow transit-dyssynergic combination (6,7).

Laxatives flush water and waste from the intestine, but they do not flush calories from the body. Constipation. With laxative abuse, the intestines lose muscle and nerve response. The intestines then become dilated and ineffective in moving stool out.