Colace vs Miralax: Complete Comparison (2024)

Key Takeaways

• Colace and Miralax are orally administered laxatives that can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC). And are used to alleviate constipation. Colace, which contains the active ingredient docusate, functions as more of a stool softener. In contrast to that, Miralax, which contains the active ingredient polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG3350), is classified as an osmotic laxative.

• Use of both drugs while pregnant or after pregnancy don’t seem to have any special precautions with them. Similarly, patients who use the drugs after surgery usually follow the identical precautions than those who don’t have any surgical precautions.

• Stool softeners like Colace (Docusate Sodium) are usually not very effective when you’re already constipated. While Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350) is more effective at dealing with the signs of constipation once they’re already prevalent.

General Comparison of Colace and Miralax

Here is a general comparison of Colace (Docusate Sodium) and Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350).

Comparing Colace and Mirala Use While Pregnant

When comparing which drug you may want to take for issues of constipation while pregnant, here is what you might want to know:

Colace (Docusate Sodium)

Safety During Pregnancy:

• Colace is classified as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA. This means that risk to the fetus cannot be ruled out. There are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women, so Colace should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.

Precautions and Instructions:

• Dosage Amount: Follow the recommended dosage and avoid prolonged use unless directed by a healthcare provider.

• Common Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects such as throat irritation, mild cramps, and diarrhea.

• Hydration Issues: Ensure adequate fluid intake to support the medication’s function and prevent dehydration.

Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350)

Safety During Pregnancy:

• Very similar to Colace, Miralax is also classified as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Miralax should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Precautions and Instructions:

• Dosage Amount: Use the recommended dose and avoid exceeding it without medical advice.

• Common Side Effects: Watch for possible side effects like bloating, gas, cramping, and diarrhea.

• Hydration Issues: Maintain proper hydration to help the medication work effectively and to prevent dehydration.

General Recommendations

• Always consult a Healthcare Provider: As a general precaution, it’s always helpful to discuss with a primary care physician before starting any new medication during pregnancy.

• Follow the instructions: Always adhere to the dosage and administration instructions provided by the healthcare provider or as indicated on the packaging when you pick up your medication.

• Monitor for Side Effects: Pay close attention to any adverse effects and report them to your healthcare provider as soon as you start experiencing them.

• Adequate Hydration: Ensure sufficient fluid intake to aid the effectiveness of the laxatives and to prevent dehydration.

After Birth and Postpartum

Generally speaking, due to the nature of both of these medications, the precautions listed above will also serve as your postpartum instructions for taking any of the medications.

Milk of Magnesia vs. Colace and Miralax

Milk of Magnesia is not an uncommon choice for those experiencing issues of constipation. Here’s how it stacks up against both Colace and Miralax.

What Patients are Saying about Colace and Miralax

In the Reddit thread discussing Colace and Miralax, users are comparing the two medications for alleviating constipation. The discussion has gone into the following directions:

• Effectiveness and Speed: There are some Users in the threat that note that Miralax tends to work faster and is more effective for severe constipation issues. While Colace is gentler and works more slowly, making it better for mild cases or for those who need to avoid straining.

• Side Effects: There are mentions of the different side effects associated with each medication. Miralax can cause bloating and gas, whereas Colace is more likely to cause mild cramps and throat irritation.

• Usage Recommendations: A number of Users in the thread said that Miralax is more for immediate relief and Colace for longer-term use or as a preventative measure. They also suggest consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

The experiences described in the thread happen to line up fairly well with what can be seen in clinical trials and on the FDA labels for both medications.