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 ...

Wellness Why your stool softener isn’t helping you poop — and the surprising way you can entertain kids with it By Reda Wigle Published Feb. 20, 2025, 10:22 a.m. ET ...

I have been taking one stool softener daily (100 mg of docusate sodium) with my vitamins. This routine seems to help. Is it safe to do this every day, or should I reduce this to a few days a week?