Patient was educated on how to take emollient laxatives as follows:

1. Take the liquid form of emollient laxative by measuring it with a proper measuring spoon to avoid overdosing on the medication.
2. Mix the liquid emollient laxative thoroughly in a cup with about one or two oz. of fruit juice before drinking it. This will help contain the unpleasant nauseating sensation of the laxative.
3. Take the pill after food at bedtime with an ounce of fruit juice to avoid any unpleasant nauseating sensation.
4. Take the emollient laxative at the same time every day, usually at bedtime, to avoid forgetting the medication.
5. Emollient laxatives take about 1 to 2 days to help bring on a bowel movement. Report any lack of bowel movement for 3 days.
6. Watch for any diarrhea, exacerbation of constipation, and/or rectal bleed. Discontinue using the emollient laxative immediately and report the findings to your physician.
7. Maintain strict compliance with intake of the medication as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
8. Do not overdose on the emollient laxative to increase the ease of having a bowel movement.
9. Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your doctor.
10. If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose.