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April 2, 2008, 9:02 am
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I am currently taking Equate stool softener. It seems to be working as my stools are getting softer.

My question is how often are you supposed to take stool softeners?

One to three days of regular use usually are needed for this medicine to take effect. Do not take stool softeners for more than 1 week unless your doctor directs you to. If sudden changes in bowel habits last longer than 2 weeks or if your stools are still hard after you have taken this medicine for 1 week, call your doctor.

Instead of using a stool softener you can also make sure you are eating a high fiber diet and drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day.

A good diet will do wonders for your regularity.

Stool Softeners use up the water in your body to soften your stool. Make sure you are drinking more than enough water when taking these stool softeners. I have been told not to stay on them for more than a week.