Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Colace vs. Movantik

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Docusate (Colace) and Movantik (naloxegol) are both used to treat constipation, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of constipation. Docusate is an over-the-counter stool softener that helps with occasional constipation by drawing water and fat into your stool, making it easier to pass. It comes in various forms, including capsules and liquid, and can be used by both adults and children. On the other hand, Movantik is a prescription-only medication specifically designed to treat constipation caused by opioid pain medications in adults. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the intestines, which helps to counteract the constipation effects of opioids. Movantik is taken as a tablet once daily on an empty stomach and does not have a generic version available. While docusate is generally safe for short-term use, Movantik may cause more severe side effects like stomach pain, diarrhea, and even opioid withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, Movantik requires careful timing around meals and has more specific usage instructions compared to docusate.

  • Docusate (Colace)
    Movantik (naloxegol)
  • Docusate (Colace)
    Movantik (naloxegol)

  • Summary of Colace vs. Movantik

    Summary for Stool softener

    Docusate, often known by the brand name Colace, is a stool softener that you can find over the counter (OTC). It helps relieve constipation in adults and children. You take this medication by mouth, and it comes as capsules, tablets, and a liquid. The dosage depends on the formulation you have and your age. Side effects aren't common, but some people might have stomach cramps. Even though Colace is a popular brand name, docusate is also sold under many other brand names and as a generic.

    Summary for Opioid antagonist
    Prescription only

    Movantik (naloxegol) is an opioid antagonist that's used to treat opioid-induced constipation, or constipation from opioid medications, in adults. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth once every morning on an empty stomach. The dosage is typically 25 mg, but it can be lowered to lessen side effects or risks from interactions with other medications. Common side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Movantik (naloxegol) is available as a brand-name medication only; there's no lower-cost generic version yet.

  • Indications of Colace vs. Movantik

    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation
    Indications for
    •Constipation from opioid pain medications in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Colace vs. Movantik

    Pros and Const for Stool softener
    Pros
    •Softens your stool so you don't have to strain
    •Available OTC at local pharmacies so you don't need a prescription
    •Okay for children of certain ages to take
    Cons
    •Can take hours to a few days to have a bowel movement
    •Should only be used short term (less than 7 days)
    •Not a first-choice treatment option for chronic constipation
    Pros and Const for Opioid antagonist
    Pros
    •A good option to help with constipation from opioids
    •Taken by mouth once a day
    •Tablets can be crushed and mixed with water for people who have trouble swallowing them whole
    Cons
    •Must take on an empty stomach
    •Might have opioid withdrawal symptoms
    •Might not work as well if you've been taking opioids for less than 1 month

  • Common Side Effects of Colace vs. Movantik

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach cramping
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain (up to 21%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 9%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)

  • Warnings of Colace vs. Movantik

    Common Side Effects for
    Common Side Effects for
    •Opioid withdrawal
    •Severe stomach pain or diarrhea
    •Gastrointestinal (stomach or intestinal) injury
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Colace vs. Movantik

    Learn more about Docusate
    Learn more about Movantik

Compare other Constipation drugs

Colace vs MovantikColace vs SymproicMiralax vs ColaceRelistor vs ColaceFibercon vs Dok PlusFibercon vs SennaGolytely vs MiralaxLactulose vs AmitizaLactulose vs FiberconLactulose vs MetamucilLactulose vs MiralaxLactulose vs SennaLactulose vs Senna SLinzess vs MovantikMagnesium Citrate vs MiralaxMiralax vs Dok PlusMiralax vs KristaloseMiralax vs LinzessMiralax vs SennaMovantik vs DulcolaxMovantik vs Magnesium CitrateMovantik vs MiralaxMovantik vs SennaMovantik vs Senna SMoviprep vs MiralaxRelistor vs MovantikRelistor vs SymproicSenna S vs SennaSuprep vs MiralaxTrilyte vs Miralax
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.