Key takeaways
Movantik (naloxegol) and senna (Senakot, Ex-Lax) are both used to treat constipation, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of constipation. Movantik is a prescription medication specifically for constipation caused by opioid pain medications. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the intestines, helping to move waste through the gut. You take it once daily on an empty stomach, and it can cause side effects like stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. On the other hand, senna is an over-the-counter stimulant laxative used for occasional constipation. It works by stimulating the muscles in your intestines to help you have a bowel movement. Senna can be taken once or twice a day and may cause stomach cramps. Unlike Movantik, senna is available in both brand-name and lower-cost generic versions. Movantik can be used long-term, while senna should not be used for more than a week without consulting a healthcare professional.
