Compare Miralax vs. Colace

Polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax) and docusate sodium (Colace) are both over-the-counter medications used to treat constipation, but they work differently. Miralax is an osmotic laxative that draws water into your colon to soften your stool, making it easier to pass. It usually takes 1 to 3 days to work and is taken once a day. On the other hand, Colace is a stool softener that draws water and fat into your stool to make it softer, which helps it move through your gut more easily. Colace typically works within 12 to 72 hours and can be taken in multiple doses throughout the day. Miralax is available as a powder that you mix with a beverage, while Colace comes in capsules and liquid forms. Both medications should only be used for short-term relief of constipation, and you should consult your healthcare provider if you need to use them for more than a week. Common side effects of Miralax include nausea, bloating, and gas, whereas Colace can cause stomach cramping and, less commonly, throat irritation if taken in liquid form.