Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using emollient laxatives as follows:
- Notify your doctor, if your constipation does not get any better or if it gets worse, while continuing to use the emollient laxatives.
- Do not increase the dose of laxative intake, to derive the desired effect of having a bowel movement, without consulting your doctor.
- These laxatives interfere with the absorption of many prescription medications. So, space the emollient laxatives out by at least 2 hours from other medications. Discuss with your doctor regarding the safety of using emollient laxatives with your other medications.
- 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.
- Report any lack of bowel movement for 3 days, while using emollient laxatives.
