Stool softeners, also known as emollient laxatives, are over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to soften hard stools. While other types of laxatives stimulate the digestive tract or draw water into ...

Dear Doctors: I’m a 77-year-old man and was having trouble with hard stools. My doctor suggested a stool softener. It worked for about a week, but then I developed diarrhea. Over-the-counter diarrhea ...

Dear Dr. Roach • I'm an 84-year-old male who has recently found relief from lifelong strain in bowel movements by using stool softeners. I would like to know if they're habit-forming if taken once a ...

Compared with using stool softeners, taking lubiprostone was significantly associated with lower risks of a composite adverse kidney outcome and steeper eGFR decline. The risk for kidney function ...