Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Ideal Dosage Of Stool Softner
Question: My Doctor prescribed a stool softener with each meal .... should it be taken before during or after eating
I had surgery 3 weeks ago for Siatica and was perscribed Hydro Cordon for the pain. I took one tablet each night for four nights after witch I was admitted to the hospital with an intestinal blockage and remained there for 12 days. My digestion is working again.
I take a stool softener with every meal and a laxative at bed time. I still have Siatica and was prescribed Tramadol for the pain. I am afraid that I will cause another blockage with this What do you feel I should do? Take the Tramadol now that I am taking so much laxatives? I also take Metamucil three times a day as well and my bowels are moving very well with all this stimulus. Do you feel I can ease back on some of the laxatives etc?
I had surgery 3 weeks ago for Siatica and was perscribed Hydro Cordon for the pain. I took one tablet each night for four nights after witch I was admitted to the hospital with an intestinal blockage and remained there for 12 days. My digestion is working again.
I take a stool softener with every meal and a laxative at bed time. I still have Siatica and was prescribed Tramadol for the pain. I am afraid that I will cause another blockage with this What do you feel I should do? Take the Tramadol now that I am taking so much laxatives? I also take Metamucil three times a day as well and my bowels are moving very well with all this stimulus. Do you feel I can ease back on some of the laxatives etc?
Brief Answer:
Be cautious about using Tramadol
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
Since you had developed severe constipation with an opioid analgesic, it is better to avoid Tramadol if you can. Try if non narcotic analgesic like paracetamol would ease your pain.
If it doesn't then take the laxative, followed by Tramadol. You can take the stool softer before or after food. Eat wholesome food with plenty of fiber and drink more fluids.
If there is no constipation for a week on the high fiber diet, you can reduce the laxative but do it gradually.
Best wishes,
Be cautious about using Tramadol
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
Since you had developed severe constipation with an opioid analgesic, it is better to avoid Tramadol if you can. Try if non narcotic analgesic like paracetamol would ease your pain.
If it doesn't then take the laxative, followed by Tramadol. You can take the stool softer before or after food. Eat wholesome food with plenty of fiber and drink more fluids.
If there is no constipation for a week on the high fiber diet, you can reduce the laxative but do it gradually.
Best wishes,
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
