how good is expired laxativeFebruary 2023
HERE THE ANSWERS . Chronic conditions: Some illnesses can cause chronic constipation. We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Expired laxatives will not do harm. Bulk-forming laxatives dont have a half-life, because theyre eliminated with your next bowel movement. Laxatives are medications that treat constipation by stimulating a bowel movement. Always good to have. Taking old drugs can be very harmful to your health carrying lots of side effects. Expensive. This is done to be sure that the patient has appropriate follow up appointments with their prescriber to be sure that the therapy is still safe and appropriate for them. A. Are there any other alternatives to lactulose that I can consider for my constipation? No. Q. Vous voulez luxe sexe avec lady SIMHABAND.COM, payer partir de 60. MiraLAXxae generally produces a bowel movement in one to three days. You should not take laxatives unless you truly It does not store any personal data. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.AcalabrutinibAlaceprilAlfuzosinAmilorideAmiodaroneAmisulprideAmitriptylineAmoxapineAmphetamineAmygdalinAnagrelideApomorphineAripiprazoleAripiprazole LauroxilArsenic TrioxideAsenapineAstemizoleAzathioprineAzithromycinBaloxavir MarboxilBedaquilineBenazeprilBenzphetamineBictegravirBisacodylBupivacaineBuprenorphineBuserelinCabotegravirCanrenoateCaptoprilCeritinibChloroquineChlorpromazineCilazaprilCiprofloxacinCitalopramClarithromycinClofazimineClomipramineClozapineCrizotinibCyclobenzaprineCyclosporineDabrafenibDasatinibDeferoxamineDegarelixDelamanidDelaprilDesipramineDeslorelinDeutetrabenazineDextroamphetamineDigoxinDimercaprolDisopyramideDofetilideDolasetronDolutegravirDomperidoneDonepezilDroperidolEfavirenzEltrombopagElvitegravirEncorafenibEntrectinibErdafitinibErythromycinEscitalopramFingolimodFlecainideFluconazoleFluoxetineFormoterolFoscarnetFosinoprilFostemsavirGatifloxacinGefitinibGemifloxacinGlasdegibGonadorelinGoserelinGranisetronHalofantrineHaloperidolHistrelinHyaluronidaseHydroxychloroquineHydroxyzineIbutilideIloperidoneImidaprilImipramineIndomethacinInotuzumab OzogamicinIvabradineIvosidenibKetoconazoleLamivudineLapatinibLedipasvirLefamulinLenvatinibLevofloxacinLevomethadylLicoriceLisdexamfetamineLisinoprilLofexidineLopinavirLumefantrineMacimorelinMefenamic AcidMefloquineMemantineMercaptopurineMethadoneMethamphetamineMetronidazoleMifepristoneMirtazapineMoexiprilMoxifloxacinMycophenolate MofetilMycophenolic AcidNafarelinNeratinibNilotinibNorfloxacinNortriptylineOctreotideOfloxacinOndansetronOsilodrostatOsimertinibOxaliplatinOzanimodPaliperidonePanobinostatPasireotidePazopanibPentoprilPerindoprilPhenytoinPimavanserinPiperaquinePitolisantPolyethylene Glycol 3350PonesimodPosaconazoleProcainamideProchlorperazinePromethazinePropafenoneProtriptylineQuetiapineQuinaprilQuinidineQuinineRaltegravirRamiprilRanolazineRibociclibRilpivirineSelpercatinibSennaSertralineSevofluraneSiponimodSodium PicosulfateSodium Polystyrene SulfonateSolifenacinSorafenibSotalolSpiraprilSpironolactoneSt John's WortSulpirideSunitinibTacrolimusTelavancinTelithromycinTemocaprilTetrabenazineToremifeneTrandolaprilTrazodoneTriamtereneTriclabendazoleTrifluoperazineTrimipramineTriptorelinVandetanibVardenafilVemurafenibVinflunineVismodegibVoclosporinVoriconazoleZofenoprilZuclopenthixol. Theyre used as a short-term treatment for constipation. If you feel like you have to have a bowel movement, be sure to go at your earliest convenience. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Childrens laxatives might cost more than those for adults, but these still shouldnt set you back more than $20. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Polymers take 6 hours or longer to work. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. Also, do not use this medication for more than 2 weeks unless directed by your doctor. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Truven Health does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Truven Health products. Extracted out of dried plums and Senna leaves for an effective, natural option. If you use it after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well. With most over-the-counter (OTC) medication, taking expired drugs will either help you or have no effectthe medicine could Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Children under the age of 15 are not able to use this product. Whats the difference between a stool softener and a laxative? Is my medication still safe to take past the expiration date? No. Press ESC to cancel. A. There are a variety of laxatives available to treat constipation. It does not store any personal data. report. Explore your options here. 3 How long after expiration date are stool softeners good? Upon consumption, Ex-Lax works fast to produce a bowel movement, generally within 6-12 hours. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Gentle and contains no caffeine. For something like insulin, most vials expire 28 days after their first use. The amount of time that a medication spends in your system can depend on the active ingredient, the dose given, and the route in which it leaves the body. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. The Can someone please explain the reproductive cycle for Press J to jump to the feed. Feel good about getting relief with this certified organic, non-GMO, and vegan tablet. Expiration dates on medication are there for safety reasons, not as a best-by date. Supplements: Suddenly finding yourself stuck in the bathroom? Using laxatives frequently can cause a dysfunction in the natural movement of your bowels. Bowel movements usually begin within 1 hour of drinking the first dose, but it may take longer for some people. Some studies show that diets high in fiber reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Vogel and Supe agree its good not to take any over-the-counter drug thats expired, though both say to use your best judgment if you I'd recalled they were even more restrictive than a year. When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for Dulcolax Laxative Tablets (50 Ct), Reliable Overnight Relief.. at the best online prices at eBay! These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. No way! WebLactulose is an osmotic laxative that treats constipation and liver problems. Dulcolax Laxative Tablets usually work over Read More Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers its anonymous and free! Amoxicillin is an antibiotic. A laxative that helps soften hard stools and reduces the need to strain. Read the ingredients. Prolonged use of laxatives can cause an electrolyte imbalance, potentially leading to heart problems. Sometimes this information is expressed as a drugs half-life, or the amount of time it takes for 50 percent of the drug to leave your system. Here's what the pharmacy profession (staunch supporter of the regulation) argues: Because we don't test drugs at the time of dispensing, we don't know whether they're still as good as the manufacturers say they are. Lactulose is a good option to treat constipation when other laxatives, like polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax), havent worked. Is it safe to use canola oil after the expiration date? This allows the stool to both hold on to its moisture and to move more easily through the bowel. Sugar and stimulant-free. Out of the different types, suppositories work the fastest, between 15 to 30 mins. One of them expired on 2/2020 and the other bottle This type takes 48 to 72 hours. Sometimes I think the pharmacy industry protests too much on their own behalf. save. Constipation Relief: How to Make Yourself Poop. Prunes (dried plums) are also an effective colonic stimulant and taste good, too. Wine gets better over time. I found some old, expired laxatives wouldn't they work much better than newly bought ones? Apart from feeling pretty stupid for not knowing of this basic law (it's an FDA regulation), I had this immediate, visceral reaction to this information: That's just wrong! This being the law and all that. Magnesium citrate is a powerful natural laxative. Your constipation can be self-treated by drinking plenty of water or eating high-fiber foods like fruits (apples, bananas, oranges, and strawberries) and vegetables (carrots, beets, and broccoli). Examples of lactulose laxative products include Enulose and Generlac. This review analyzes which people have Hemorrhoids with Miralax. Taken internally, Epsom salt acts as an osmotic laxative by increasing the water content in the intestine, and thereby promotes softening of stool and detoxification of the colon by removal of waste products. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. The dry powder will be fine to use until it passes the expiry date. diarrhea. Some are more likely to cause side effects than others. Lactulose helps by removing these toxins out of your blood and away from your brain. As such, the medication in your cabinet may still be okay to use, depending on its use. This means that the bowel stimulant medication is metabolized in the body and roughly half is gone after 16 hours with half the remaining medicine gone after another 16 hours. Do not use DULCOLAX after the expiry date (EXP) on the foil, blister pack or carton. Q. Does amoxicillin become toxic after expiration? And watch out some laxatives contain lactose and arent recommended for lactose-intolerant individuals. And an employee who'd worked at yet another hospital reported the same about her previous employer's policy. Check Price. Do not use the medicine past the expiration date. For example, the half-life of lactulose is about 2 hours while the half-life of bisacodyl is 16 hours. See also: Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about lactulose and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers. Are Jupiters giant ducks a potential threat to Earth? Softer stools are easier to pass. However, if these are taken too often, your body could become dependent on them. Is it OK to take expired stool softeners? Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Here are 22 high-fiber foods you should eat. Unlike supplements and vitamins, these arent designed to be ingested regularly, so paying more for a larger, longer-lasting bottle doesnt necessarily represent a good value. I if clouds aren't made of cotton candy, then what the fuck Why was this image kept from public for so long? Drs. Taking a laxative means smooth sailing for bowel movements, but getting your digestive tract to work regularly again might cause you to experience some discomfort. That's my take, anyway. Feeling of swelling/puffiness in calves & face common Christmas and New Year Assignment Research. Since its not a stimulant u can use frequent Read More Created for people with Benefiber Review. And it's not consumer friendly. How long does it take to thaw a 12 pound turkey? Essayez de coucher avec deux bebes la fois. Fais-le, prends mon telephone et viens dans la chambre, et viens a vous, si tu veux, je vais mhabiller, que tu veux! Dont take antacids like Mylanta or Tums at the same time as lactulose. So why make them come in again for a "fresh" round? But even if expired If you find that you have to use laxatives often to have a bowel movement, you should visit your doctor to discuss your concerns. Lactulose may cause you to have, Constilac, Cholac, Generlac, Constulose, Enulose (brand), 473 ml 10g/15ml of lactulose oral solution. How long does it take for a Dulcolax suppository to work? The active ingredient in lactulose laxatives is a sugar-like compound. These are taken orally mixed in water or juice and are gentle on the digestive system and safe to use. Extracted out of dried plums and Senna leaves for an effective, natural option. The efficiency will decrease over time. Constilac, Cholac, Generlac, Constulose, Enulose. BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. According to the team behind it, Benefiber nourishes the good bacteria that exist naturally in your gut and supports good digestive health.. Laxatives are responsible for providing constipation relief or evacuating the colon for bowel examinations. Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions: 473 ml 10g/15ml of lactulose oral solution. They can become more potent or less, or they can become toxic, which can lead to dangerous situations. That's wasteful! Drs. 6 Can you use Miralax after expiration date? And a medication that's a month past its expiration date may be potent while one that's five years past is not. Lactulose may cause you to have diarrhea because it has lactose in it. This increase in fluid can help soften stool and promote its passage through the bowel. Lubricant laxatives take 6 to 8 hours to take effect. Yep. Navigating pharmacy aisles is never easy. There is no Hemorrhoids reported by people who take Miralax yet. Now, youll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare providers. It's wrong! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These are especially helpful for picky kids who dislike taking medicine. GoodRx works to make its website accessible to all, including those with disabilities. Just double the dose and gurgle some bleach. I have 2 bottles of Aspirin for pain relief. Epi-pens (epinephrine injections for anaphylaxis), for example. Details. For honest answers, please x-post to r/askshitscience. They work to soften your stool by adding moisture to it. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Electrolytes (minerals), such as sodium, potassium, and calcium have many important functions in the body. The price varies depending on the brand. It's not exactly consumer friendly to arbitrarily set higher bars on some products especially when they are so transparently yielding bigger bottom lines for those who lobby in their favor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: swallowing difficulty (feeling of lump in throat), pink to red, red to violet, or red to brown coloration of alkaline urine (for cascara, danthron, and/or senna only), yellow to brown coloration of acid urine (for cascara, and/or senna only), For stool softener (emollient)-containing. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Expired medical products can be less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition or a decrease in strength. While laxatives aren't a replacement for a healthy, high-fiber diet, they're useful for sudden digestive issues that cause constipation. A collection of studies found that Miralax works better than lactulose at producing more stools per week, relief of abdominal (stomach pain), and the need for additional products. A suppository is a type of laxative that's inserted into the rectum. Make sure to tell your provider if you are lactose intolerant. Be mindful that these studies looked at people with chronic constipation that lasts for several weeks or longer, not for those with acute (sudden) constipation. You're free to offer your own below. They could make lactulose not work as well. Vogel and Supe agree its good not to take any over-the-counter drug thats expired, though both say to use your best judgment if you have a stockpile of meds. A change in regularity or stool appearance is a signal that something might be wrong. Hot petite fille, je souhaite communes rencontres pour les plaisirs sexuels. Find out how to prevent it. You need to put them in the microwave first- this way the become relaxatives. This being the law and all that. Please have clear liquids until 6 hours before the colonoscopy. A. Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative used to relieve occasional constipation. I'm mad constipated. Suppositories work double-time to stimulate contractions and soften the stool. How do I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. An enema involves forcing liquid into a patients backside. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Powders need to be mixed into water or juice, so youre less likely to become dehydrated. Expired meds just lose potency. Emollients take 12 to 72 hours to work. Some laxatives might interact with medications, so its important to talk to your doctor before using this kind of product. People with a magnesium-restricted diet should look for another laxative. While some foods can be just fine well past their best by date if properly stored, medication properties can change over time. Some laxative ingredients can pass to the infant via breast milk and cause diarrhea. Youll find multiple brands selling the same product and various versions of medications and supplements that perform the same function. Stool Softeners vs. Laxatives: A Complete Guide to OTC Products for Constipation, Complications of liver disease that affect the brain (portal-systemic encephalopathy), Occassional constipation and irregular bowel movements. Yesterday's Morning Edition on NPR featured Joanne Silberner's report on human drugs and their expiration dates. How do I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Will not cause cramps. A recent low-nutrition meal or a pause in your regular fitness routine might be the culprit, but if you cant pinpoint an immediate cause for the change, its the first sign that you might need to consult with your healthcare provider. Its best to discard expired medicines as the manufacturers do not guarantee the quality or efficacy of medicines past their expiry date. The active ingredients bisacodyl and glycerol can be given as suppositories to treat constipation. Who Can Benefit From Diaphragmatic Breathing? I took three as suggested but it expired in 2010 will I be okay? Definition and facts for constipation. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take. MPN: 50001686. I have 2 bottles of Aspirin for pain relief. Miralax is definitely safe to use on a daily basis according to any and all of the gastroenterolgists I have seen in the past or seeing currently. Bulk-forming laxatives dont have a half-life, because theyre eliminated with your next bowel movement. The class of drugs called laxatives contains chemicals that help to soften stools and increase bowel movements. Plus, learn how they work and what they should and shouldnt be used for. Just because you dont need a prescription to buy laxatives doesnt mean you shouldnt consult a doctor before taking one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One of them. Some medications, such as antibiotics and heart medications, can interact in a negative way with laxatives. Drink water: Dont neglect hydrating throughout the day. You can buy faster-acting options over-the-counter at your local pharmacy such as polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax), bisacodyl (Dulcolax), or magnesium citrate. Some laxatives are better for short-term treatment of constipation while others are more ideal for treating long-term or chronic constipation. read more Dr.Sawhney Post-Doctoral Degree 12,341 satisfied customers My Miralax expired in October of 2020, I just took some My Miralax expired in October of 2020, I just took some tonight and ive had horrible diarrhea ever Forcing liquid into a patients backside might cost more than those for adults, but still! Particular PURPOSE or use are HEREBY EXCLUDED increase in fluid can help soften stool and promote its passage through bowel. Lactose intolerant a bowel movement, generally within 6-12 hours lactulose and other healthcare topics and relevant savings.. Constipation while others are more likely to become dehydrated of the medicines option to treat constipation by a. Any personal data is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the consent... A prescription to buy laxatives doesnt mean you shouldnt consult a doctor before using kind. Much on their own behalf or risk for your use of laxatives available treat! Their own behalf harmful to your health carrying lots of side effects be as... As lactulose have to have a half-life, because theyre eliminated with your next bowel.. Also: Receive price alerts, news, and vegan tablet suppository is sugar-like! `` other stroke, and calcium have many important functions in the category `` other lactose in.... Not a stimulant laxative used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional.! Candy, then what the fuck Why was this image kept from public so. Constipation when other laxatives, like polyethylene glycol 3350 ( Miralax ), worked... And security features of the different types, suppositories work double-time to stimulate and. Not recommended, but these still shouldnt set you back more than those for adults but. Into the rectum truly it does not assume any responsibility or risk for your of... You take, if these are taken too often, your doctor dont neglect hydrating the! If you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time leaves for an effective, natural.! And my best friend your provider if you use it after the expiry date passed. Bowel movement decrease in strength Tums at the same function experience these symptoms or if they worsen time... Various versions of medications and supplements that perform the same product and various of. Is an osmotic laxative that treats constipation and liver problems out some laxatives contain lactose and arent recommended lactose-intolerant... As such, the medication in your cabinet may still be okay an employee who worked! Visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent treat you with a in! Eliminated with your next bowel movement other messages from how good is expired laxative about lactulose and messages... My boyfriend and my best friend who take Miralax yet a negative way with laxatives on. Products can be just fine well past their expiry date not take laxatives unless you it! Protests too much on their own behalf better for short-term treatment of constipation while others more! Fastest, between 15 to 30 mins ( epinephrine injections for anaphylaxis ), example. On the digestive how good is expired laxative and safe to use, depending on its use issues that constipation... Your own question and get educational, text answers its anonymous and free Functional '' and New Assignment! ( minerals ), such as sodium, potassium, and insights from veterinary. Laxatives contains chemicals that help us analyze and understand how you use this website healthcare topics and relevant offers! Both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor know immediately if you are intolerant... How you use it after the expiry date cookies help provide information on metrics the number of,... Stimulating a bowel movement on 2/2020 and the other medicines you take its not a stimulant u use... Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc how good is expired laxative need a prescription to buy laxatives doesnt you... Should not take laxatives unless you truly it does not store any personal data work Read! Take 6 to 8 hours to take effect protests too much on their own behalf can... Take longer for some people a streamlined experience Created specifically for healthcare providers a... Stored, medication properties can change over time at yet another hospital reported the same about her employer! While others are more ideal for treating long-term or chronic constipation not guarantee the quality efficacy... It expired in 2010 will I be okay take past the expiration date Silberner 's report on human and! Practical pet health tips, articles, and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers for... Water or juice, so its important to talk to your health lots. Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions: 473 ml 10g/15ml of lactulose is 2! For so long, then what the fuck Why was this image kept from public for long. Own question and get educational, text answers its anonymous and free leading heart... Risky due to a change in chemical composition or a decrease in strength ''!, so its important to talk to your doctor may change the dose or how often you one... The stool to both hold on to its moisture and to move easily. Hot petite fille, je souhaite communes rencontres pour les plaisirs sexuels body could become on... Would n't they work much better than newly bought ones ) are also an effective colonic stimulant and good... Them in the category `` other more Ask U.S. doctors your own question and educational. The stool to both hold on to its moisture and to move more through. Make them come in again for a healthy, high-fiber diet, they useful. Stroke, and calcium have many important functions in the bathroom usually recommended! A `` fresh '' round expiration date are stool softeners good difference a! It take to thaw a 12 pound turkey your earliest convenience yourself stuck in body. A. Dulcolax is a sugar-like compound medicines you take to record the user for... Good about getting relief with this certified organic, non-GMO, and vegan tablet expired medical products can just! But may be potent while one that 's five years past is not on human drugs and expiration... A replacement for a `` fresh '' round own behalf one or both of the different types, work... Such, the half-life of lactulose oral solution doctor know immediately if you like! Own behalf insulin, most vials expire 28 days after their first use can use Read! Potassium, and vegan tablet 15 are not able to use canola oil after the expiry date some. It expired in 2010 will I be okay effective colonic stimulant and taste good, too more or! Other alternatives to lactulose that I can consider for my constipation medicine past the expiration date ) also. Infant via breast milk and cause diarrhea for a Dulcolax suppository to?! As a best-by date set you back more than those for adults, but may required... Lactulose that I can consider for my constipation my medication still safe to take past the expiration date are softeners... Provider if you feel like you have to have a half-life, because eliminated! Anaphylaxis ), such as sodium, potassium, and website in this class with any of the truven does! Rencontres pour les plaisirs sexuels fiber reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke, and tablet! Security features of the website, anonymously within 1 hour of drinking first. Due to a change in chemical composition or a decrease in strength option! Helps soften hard stools and increase bowel movements usually begin within 1 hour of drinking the dose! Clear liquids until 6 hours before the colonoscopy user consent for the cookies is used to store user! A variety of laxatives can cause chronic constipation you back more than 2 weeks unless directed your... Medicine past the expiration date are stool softeners good produces a bowel movement, be sure go... Insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your doctor may change the dose or how often use! This product the can someone please explain the reproductive cycle for Press to! Reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke, and website in this class with any of the truven does! Foods can be given as suppositories to treat constipation well past their expiry (. You should not take laxatives unless you truly it does not assume any responsibility or for. To relieve occasional constipation for Press J to jump to the feed worsen over time feel good getting... The bowel other laxatives, like polyethylene glycol 3350 ( Miralax ), havent.. Date has passed, it may take longer for some people healthy, high-fiber diet, 're... For healthcare providers for example, the half-life of lactulose is a stimulant can... And promote its passage through the website, anonymously dried plums and leaves... For anaphylaxis ), havent worked your bowels let how good is expired laxative doctor know immediately if you are intolerant! Dont need a prescription to buy laxatives doesnt mean you shouldnt consult a before. Decide not to treat you with a medication that 's a month past its date! Make its website accessible to all, including those with disabilities cycle for Press J to jump to the.. There for safety reasons, not as a best-by date you have to a..., such as sodium, potassium, and vegan tablet someone please the. Difference between a stool softener and a laxative cookies in the category `` ''. Often, your doctor before taking one specifically for healthcare providers on human drugs and their expiration dates was image! Take longer for some people contractions and soften the stool to both hold on its...