Is Colace Safe For Pregnancy

Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy

If you find yourself having difficulty going to the toilet, you may need to try these ten pregnancy-safe remedies to get things moving again.

Editor’s Note:

What Is Colace Used For

Colace is used to treat or prevent constipation, and to reduce pain or rectal damage caused by hard stools or by straining during bowel movements. Colace may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Colace is helpful when you have difficulty going to the toilet because of dry poos or piles or if you have a tear in the lining of your back passage . Colace makes your bowel movements softer and easier to pass.

You may also be given Colace if youre going to have an x-ray of your stomach. It can help you empty your bowels beforehand.

• Ask a doctor before use if you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks.
• Stop use and ask a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or you fail to have a bowel movement after use.
• If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Drug Interactions Of Colace Vs Dulcolax

Colace and Dulcolax should be used cautiously in patients on loop diuretics such as furosemide or torsemide. These diuretics are potassium wasting, and that potassium loss combined with the potential electrolyte imbalance that can result from diarrhea when taking Colace or Dulcolax could lead to hypokalemia.

Colace should not be taken with mineral oil because it can increase systemic absorption of mineral oil. Inflammation of the intestine, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes could occur from mineral oil deposits at these sites leading to a foreign body reaction.

Dulcolax is enteric coated and designed to have delayed dissolution. Taking Dulcolax with antacids, H2 blockers, and proton inhibitors may cause the enteric coating to dissolve prematurely leading to stomach irritation or dyspepsia. Dulcolax should be spaced away from the administration of these drugs by at least one hour.

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of potential drug interactions. Please consult your pharmacist or healthcare professional for a complete list.

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Can You Give Corn Syrup To An Infant For Constipation

Dont treat infant constipation with corn syrup. Dark corn syrup was once a common home remedy for infant constipation. However, todays commercially prepared dark corn syrup might not contain the type of chemical structure that draws fluid into the intestine and softens stool. This makes dark corn syrup ineffective for infant constipation.

Aches Pain Fever Or Headache

We recommend using comfort measures such as decreased screen time, cool dark room, cool cloth to head. Rest, neck or scalp massages are also helpful. Do not take products containing Ibuprofen, such as Advil, products containing Naproxen, such as Aleve, or products containing aspirin, such as Goody Powders.

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How To Cope With Side Effects

What to do about:

• feeling sick try taking Colace with meals or mixing your dose with some water or fruit juice.
• diarrhea drink plenty of water or other fluids. It may also help to take an oral rehydration drink to prevent dehydration. You can buy sachets of powder from a pharmacy which you mix with water. Reducing the dose of Colace may also help diarrhea. Dont take any other medicines to treat diarrhea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
• stomach cramps if you get stomach cramps, reduce your dose of Colace until it goes away.

References

Is It Safe During Pregnancy

Colace is safe to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. But when it comes to pregnancy-related constipation, it is better to consult a doctor before using it. As sometimes only changing the lifestyle can bring relief. Lifestyle changes such as exercise and increased fiber and fluid intake help to relieve the discomfort caused due to constipation.

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What Causes Constipation In Pregnancy

Constipation can be quite unpleasant, but unfortunately extremely common during pregnancy some reports say up to 40% of women experience it. As your belly gets bigger the pressure of your growing uterus on your rectum only exacerbates the issue.

There are a number of reasons that could be the cause of your pregnancy constipation.

It might even be a combination of them:

Theres also a chance your constipation may not be pregnancy-related at all and could be due to a low-fiber diet, too much dairy, or a new medication.

Some foods you should stay away from if you are suffering from constipation include bananas, fried foods, potato chips, red meat, white bread, white rice, white pasta, and dairy products.

Stool Softener Or Stimulant Laxative

Read the fine print on that stool softening over the counter medication and you may find out youre actually looking at a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives are very different than stool softeners. Stimulants force the muscles of the bowel to contract, pushing waste out of the body. These over the counter constipation treatments can cause cramping, diarrhea and water loss and are not typically considered the best option for treating pregnancy constipation.

Stool softeners work by lubricating the bowel to help the body naturally move waste. There is no stimulation and the muscles of the bowel are allowed to work naturally. Stool softeners are a mild treatment for pregnancy constipation. The most commonly suggested stool softener for use during pregnancy is Colace, though there are over the counter alternatives to the name brand medication.

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Is Colace Safe For Pregnancy

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Docusate has not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the FDA. Docusate has been assigned to Risk Factor C by Briggs et al. No congenital defects have been associated with docusate use during pregnancy.

Also, does Colace cross the placenta? In general, docusate sodium is thought to stay in the gut with very little getting into the blood stream. If the medication is not in the blood stream, it does not cross the placenta and the fetus/baby would not be exposed.

Similarly, it is asked, what stool softener can I take while pregnant?

Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Pregnancy constipation, defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week, can be uncomfortable. Stool softeners, such as Colace, moisten the stool and make it easier to pass.

Is MiraLAX safe during pregnancy?

Only a small amount of the drug is absorbed by your body, so MiraLAX is considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy. Actually, MiraLAX is often a first choice for doctors for easing constipation during pregnancy, according to one source in American Family Physician.

How Much Colace Can I Take While Pregnant

19 Answers

Dr. Juanita Mestre-Dudley Lalita Seetharam Dr. Eddy Jacques Vincent Dr. Noor M. Shah Gita Meshri Dr. Patricia LaRue Dr. Kyla M. Scholz Dr. Genevieve von Walstrom Dr. Sudeepthi Prasad Karen Florio Dr. Judy Chen Dr. Radha Burtch Ms. Mirela Cernaianu Lisa Blumenthal Gurwitz R. Afiba Arthur Neshi Bakshi Dr. Navita Modi

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What Are The Main Differences Between Colace And Dulcolax

Colace is an over-the-counter medication used to treat and relieve the symptoms of constipation. Colace acts as a surfactant and lowers the surface tension of oil and water in the stool. This allows lipids and moisture to penetrate the stool, producing a softer stool that can move more easily through the gastrointestinal tract. Colace is classified as a stool softener but is not considered a laxative because it does not directly stimulate motility. It may take one to three days for stool softening to occur therefore Colace will not typically provide quick relief of constipation symptoms. Colace is available in 50 mg and 100 mg oral softgel capsules, and 10 mg/ml and 60 mg/15ml oral solutions. There are also glycerin suppositories and stool softener and laxative combinations available under the Colace trade name.

Is It Safe To Use Otc Colace During Pregnancy

• Takeaway

Introduction

Thanks to shifts in hormones and the added pressure a growing uterus places on the intestines, many women face constipation during pregnancy. Constipation is defined as having three or fewer bowel movements per week. Its also marked by straining during bowel movements, trouble passing stools, and passing small stools.

If you have constipation, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes or over-the-counter products to help ease your symptoms. Colace is one OTC drug used to relieve occasional, short-term constipation. Learn about its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use Colace if you are allergic to docusate.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• stomach pain

• a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 2 weeks.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Colace During Pregnancy: Is It Safe

During pregnancy, many women face constipation problems which may be due to hormonal shifts and additional pressure exerted by uterus over the intestines. Constipation is considered as having less than three or even fewer bowel movements per week. It is also recognized as straining during the bowel movements, the problem in passing the stool, and passing a small amount of stool. Doctors suggest to change the lifestyle and provide over the counter product products to cure the symptoms of constipation.

In this article:

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Is It Safe During Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding

Docusate is considered safe to use during breastfeeding or pregnancy since stool softeners do not directly affect the digestive tract muscles.

Miralax is considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy. Regarding breastfeeding, it has minimal maternal systemic absorption, however, there are no human clinical studies regarding adverse effects on milk production or the risk of infant harm.

Is It Safe To Give Baby Karo Syrup

Some healthcare professionals recommend feeding infants Karo syrup to prevent or treat constipation. However, corn syrup is not sterile. As a result, they might contain harmful levels of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum . These bacteria can cause a rare and sometimes fatal illness called botulism.

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When Should I Contact My Ob

Constipation is very common during pregnancy. Although it can make you feel like youre all stopped up, its usually not serious. If constipation is impacting your daily activities or eating, or is causing significant pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician/gynecologist near you, visit the UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital online, or call 1-866-696-2433 .

Colace® is a trademark of Avrio Health L.P.

Editor’s Note: This gallery was originally published on November 9, 2014.

All You Need To Know About Taking Colace During Pregnancy

Colace is also known as Docusate and it is a stool softener. This softens the bowel movement and makes its passage easier. Colace is used to treat or prevent occasional constipation by reducing the rectal damage caused because of hard stools. The active ingredient of Colace is docusate sodium which helps water and fat to get along stool. which softens the stool. It is not a stimulant laxative and thus it is not effective in treating existing constipation.

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How Can I Get Immediate Relief From Constipation While Pregnant

Get Relief Add fiber-rich foods such as a cereal, fruits, vegetables, and beans to your diet. If you cant get your fill from food, try fiber supplements. Finally, exercise is known to boost bowel motility. If lifestyle changes arent working, ask your doctor about over-the-counter stool softeners like Colace.

Can You Overdose On Colace

Taking too much Colace may result in extreme dehydration or a dangerous electrolyte imbalance. Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include:

• Weakness

• Rapid heartbeat

• Seizures

Always keep this medication out of the reach of children. If you suspect an overdose of Colace, seek medical attention at the nearest emergency room or call Poison Control Center immediately.

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Are Colace And Dulcolax The Same

While both Colace and Dulcolax are used to treat constipation, they are not the same and do not work in the same way. Colace, a stool softener, helps soften the stool to make it easier to pass. Dulcolax, a stimulant laxative, works by simulating the physical movement of the stool through the digestive tract.

Can Constipation Be Harmful To My Baby

Constipation isnt usually a cause for concern during pregnancy, but occasionally it can be a symptom of another problem. Be sure to call your OB or midwife if you have constipation accompanied by severe abdominal pain, alternating with diarrhea, or if you pass any blood or mucus.

As long as youre not in labor, straining to pass a bowel movement should not hurt you or your baby. It could cause or worsen hemorrhoids, which are uncomfortable, but nothing to be overly concerned about.

This increase in pressure, like you feel like you have to pass a bowel movement, could be associated with contractions though.

Listen To Your Body

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Colace Use During Pregnancy

In general, Colace is considered safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, if you have pregnancy-related constipation, talk to your doctor first before using medication. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes to help relieve constipation before you try an OTC product like Colace. Sometimes, changing your habits may bring you enough relief that you dont need to take a drug to treat constipation.

If you and your doctor decide that Colace is the right option for you during pregnancy, ask your doctor what the best dosage is for you. You should also ask them how long you should use Colace.

Can I Take Colace If Im Pregnant

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. Beside this, can you use stool softeners while pregnant?

Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Pregnancy constipation, defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week, can be uncomfortable. Stool softeners, such as Colace, moisten the stool and make it easier to pass.

Additionally, what pregnancy category is Colace? Docusate has not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the FDA. Docusate has been assigned to Risk Factor C by Briggs et al. No congenital defects have been associated with docusate use during pregnancy.

Thereof, what can you take for constipation when you are pregnant?

One mild laxative, considered to be safe to take during pregnancy, is Milk of Magnesia. Your doctor may also recommend taking a bulk-producing agent like Metamucil. Lastly, your doctor may suggest a stool softener, which contains docusate, to reduce constipation.

Does Colace cross the placenta?

In general, docusate sodium is thought to stay in the gut with very little getting into the blood stream. If the medication is not in the blood stream, it does not cross the placenta and the fetus/baby would not be exposed.

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What Is The Difference Between A Stool Softener And A Laxative

A stool softener works by decreasing the surface tension of oil and water in the stool. This draws extra moisture into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Laxatives work by physically increasing the motility of the digestive tract, which mechanically moves the stool through the digestive tract.

Get Fast And Instant Relief From Constipation

Feeling bloated or experiencing some discomfort? Changes in your regular diet and routine, as well as certain medical conditions, can all cause constipation.

A Colace Clear capsule a day keeps constipation at bay. Relieve the occasional bout of constipation, and restore your bodys natural rhythm of regular bowel movements and normal digestive health. Colace capsules work in just 12 to 72 hours.

Known for safe and gentle constipation relief, Colace Clear capsules effectively produce steady movement, naturally flushing the digestive system in just a few hours without dyes and stimulants. This provides your body enough time to adjust its rhythm and restore normal digestive flow comfortably and conveniently.

Going in for a colonoscopy? Colace is your colon health companion. Ask your doctor about the benefits of Colace stool softeners to prepare for your colonoscopy and ensure a safe and comfortable procedure all without the use of dyes.

Colace is also recommended for patients with certain heart and other medical conditions, as well as hemorrhoids. These capsules soften stools, making them easier to pass without straining during bowel movements.

Discover constipation relief with Colace Clear capsules:

• Dye-free and stimulant-free formulation that promotes natural stool softening and bowel movement
• Works gently and comfortably to provide safe and effective constipation relief
• Produces bowel movement and restores normal digestive flow in just 12 to 72 hours.

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