Key takeaways
Movantik (naloxegol) and Senna-S (docusate/senna) 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 specifically designed to treat constipation caused by opioid medications in adults. It blocks opioid receptors in the intestines, helping to move waste through the gut more easily. You take it once daily on an empty stomach, and it requires a prescription. Common side effects include stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. On the other hand, Senna-S is a combination of a stool softener and a stimulant laxative, used for occasional constipation. Docusate draws water into the intestines to soften the stool, while senna stimulates the intestines to push the stool out. It is available over-the-counter and can be taken daily, usually at bedtime, to produce a bowel movement by morning. Common side effects include stomach cramps and loose stools. Unlike Movantik, Senna-S should only be used short-term, typically less than 7 days.
