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Compare Movantik vs. Miralax

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

Key takeaways

Movantik (naloxegol) and MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) 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 have a bowel movement. Movantik is a prescription-only medication and does not have a generic version. On the other hand, MiraLAX is an over-the-counter osmotic laxative that treats occasional constipation by drawing water into the colon to soften the stool. MiraLAX is available in generic forms like GaviLAX and Clearlax. Movantik is taken as a tablet on an empty stomach, while MiraLAX is a powder mixed with a beverage. Movantik can cause side effects like stomach pain and diarrhea, whereas MiraLAX may cause nausea, bloating, and gas.

  • Movantik (naloxegol)
    Polyethylene glycol (Miralax)
  • Movantik (naloxegol)
    Polyethylene glycol (Miralax)

  • Summary of Movantik vs. Miralax

    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 Osmotic laxative

    Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used for occasional constipation. It comes as a powder that you need to mix with a beverage and then drink. Typically, you take a dose of polyethylene glycol (Miralax) once a day, for up to a week. Most people will experience a bowl movement in 1 to 3 days. Some side effects that polyethylene glycol (Miralax) can cause include nausea, bloating, and passing gas.

  • Indications of Movantik vs. Miralax

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

  • Pros and Cons of Movantik vs. Miralax

    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 Osmotic laxative
    Pros
    •Available OTC, so you don't need a prescription from your provider
    •Causes less cramping, bloating, gas, or feelings of "having to go right now" compared to other laxatives
    •A possible option during pregnancy, if provider says it's safe for you to take
    Cons
    •Can take a few days before you have a bowel movement
    •Only for short-term relief of constipation
    •Might cause loose, watery stools

  • Common Side Effects of Movantik vs. Miralax

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

  • Warnings of Movantik vs. Miralax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Opioid withdrawal
    •Severe stomach pain or diarrhea
    •Gastrointestinal (stomach or intestinal) injury
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Complete or partial blockage of intestines

  • Prices with our coupons for Movantik vs. Miralax

    Learn more about Movantik
    Learn more about Polyethylene glycol

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