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Compare Movantik vs. Dulcolax

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

Key takeaways

Movantik (naloxegol) and bisacodyl (Dulcolax) are both used to treat constipation, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of constipation. Movantik is an opioid antagonist that specifically treats constipation caused by opioid medications. It blocks opioid receptors in the intestines, helping you go to the bathroom more easily. You take it once daily on an empty stomach, and it is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. On the other hand, bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative used for occasional constipation and irregular bowel movements. It works by stimulating the muscles in your intestines and preventing your body from drawing too much water away from your guts, which helps soften the stool. Bisacodyl is available over-the-counter and comes in both tablet and suppository forms. It typically starts working within 6 to 12 hours, and common side effects include belly discomfort and cramps. Unlike Movantik, bisacodyl should not be taken for more than a week without consulting a healthcare provider.

  • Movantik (naloxegol)
    Bisacodyl tablet
  • Movantik (naloxegol)
    Bisacodyl tablet

  • Summary of Movantik vs. Dulcolax

    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.

    Summary for Stimulant laxative

    Bisacodyl tablet is found over-the-counter (OTC) and used as a laxative for occasional constipation. Typically, you take bisacodyl tablet by mouth once a day. It usually starts working within 6 to 12 hours after the dose. The most common side effects of bisacodyl tablet are belly discomfort and cramps.

  • Indications of Movantik vs. Dulcolax

    Indications for
    •Constipation from opioid pain medications in adults
    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation and irregular bowel movements

  • Pros and Cons of Movantik vs. Dulcolax

    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
    Pros and Const for Stimulant laxative
    Pros
    •Available over the counter
    •Generally well-tolerated if taken as directed
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Only taken once a day
    Cons
    •Typically takes 6 to 12 hours to relieve constipation
    •Must ask provider first if pregnant, breastfeeding, or for children under 6 years old
    •Shouldn't take with antacids and milk
    •Should only be taken short-term (less than 7 days) unless otherwise directed by your provider

  • Common Side Effects of Movantik vs. Dulcolax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach pain (up to 21%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 9%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Belly discomfort
    •Feeling faint
    •Cramps

  • Warnings of Movantik vs. Dulcolax

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Movantik vs. Dulcolax

    Learn more about Movantik
    Learn more about Bisacodyl tablet

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