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.
