English to Spanish Medical Medical: Health Care digestive tract care

Stool softeners are often prescribed to keep the stool soft and to help prevent constipation. They should be taken as ordered by your physician. If the stool becomes too soft, the number of stool softeners should be decreased or
possibly eliminated. If it is necessary to adjust your stool softeners, reduce by one pill per day and allow the adjustment time to work, usually three to four days, before making another adjustment. Common names of stool softeners prescribed are Peri-Colace and Colace.

Bulk-formers or fiber medications help bulk up the stool to increase peristaltic action or movement of the bowels. As with any increase fiber in your diet it is important to drink plenty of water, as your bladder management allows, so the stool can be soft and move through the system. Common names of fiber
medications prescribed are Fiber-Con, and Metamucil. Be sure to drink at least one glass of water with each dose of fiber medication.