Final answer:
Coloxyl or docusate is a stool softener used to treat constipation by softening the stool in the sigmoid colon, making it easier to pass. It should be used only when needed and not on a continuous basis to avoid dependence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coloxyl or docusate is a medication that is commonly used as a stool softener to treat constipation. It is an over-the-counter drug that belongs to the class of laxatives, specifically known as an emollient laxative or a surfactant laxative, which facilitates bowel movements by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
When a person is constipated, the stool can become hard and difficult to pass. The sigmoid colon is the section of the large intestine that precedes the rectum and is responsible for storing fecal matter before it is expelled during defecation. Docusate works in this region to soften the stool by increasing water and fat penetration, thereby preventing the discomfort and pain often associated with hard stools.
Patients are advised to consume lots of fiber, drink plenty of water, and resort to medications like docusate only if lifestyle adjustments do not help or upon a doctor's recommendation. Continuous use of laxatives like coloxyl can potentially lead to dependence and should be avoided.