Miralax vs Dulcolax vs Colace: Which Constipation Relief is Best?
Table of Contents
Choosing the right over-the-counter laxative can be confusing. When comparing Miralax vs Dulcolax vs Colace, it's important to know that each works in a completely different way. Miralax is a gentle osmotic laxative for gradual relief, Dulcolax is a fast-acting stimulant for quicker results, and Colace is a stool softener designed to prevent straining. This comprehensive guide breaks down the key differences to help you choose the best option for your specific needs.
Quick Comparison: Miralax vs Dulcolax vs Colace
| Medication | Type | Time to Work | Main Use | Side Effects | Dependency Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miralax | Osmotic Laxative | 1–3 days | Regularity, gentle relief | Gas, bloating | None |
| Dulcolax | Stimulant Laxative | 6–12 hours | Quick relief | Cramping, urgency | Possible with long-term use |
| Colace | Stool Softener | 12–72 hours | Prevent straining | Mild nausea, diarrhea (rare) | Low |
Key Differences: Miralax vs Dulcolax vs Colace
Understanding how each product works is the key to choosing the right one.
How They Work
Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350) is an osmotic laxative. It works by gently drawing water into your colon, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass. Because it comes as a powder, many users ask about its taste. For tips, see our guide on how to make Miralax taste better.
Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) is a stimulant laxative. It works by stimulating the nerves in your intestinal walls, causing them to contract and push stool through the colon more quickly.
Colace (Docusate Sodium) is a stool softener. It works by allowing water and fats to mix into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. It does not stimulate a bowel movement but makes it more comfortable when it happens.
Which Works Faster?
Dulcolax is the fastest, typically providing relief in 6 to 12 hours. Colace can take 12 to 72 hours, while Miralax is the most gradual, working over 1 to 3 days.
Which is Gentler? (Side Effects)
Miralax and Colace are the gentlest options. Miralax may cause some gas or bloating, and Colace has a rare chance of mild nausea. Dulcolax is more likely to cause side effects like stomach cramping and a sudden sense of urgency due to its stimulant action.
Which is Safer for Long-Term Use?
Miralax is widely considered the safest for long-term use for chronic constipation, as it is non-habit-forming. Colace is also gentle and has a low dependency risk. Dulcolax should only be used for short-term, occasional relief, as prolonged use can lead to dependency.
Save Money with Generic Alternatives
All three of these popular brands have high-quality, FDA-approved generic versions that can save you a significant amount of money. While you can explore all the specific options in our Guide to Miralax Generic Alternatives, it's also helpful to understand that not all generics are the same. Learn how we categorize them in our guide to Premium vs. Value Generic Drugs.
- Compare to Miralax: GoodSense ClearLax (Premium Generic) or Rugby PEG 3350 (Value Generic)
- Compare to Dulcolax: Major Bisacodyl 5 mg Tablets
- Compare to Colace: Rugby Docusate Sodium 250 mg Softgels
Miralax vs Dulcolax vs Colace: The Final Word
Choosing between these laxatives comes down to your specific need:
- For gentle and consistent relief from chronic constipation, choose Miralax.
- For fast, urgent relief from occasional backup, choose Dulcolax.
- To prevent straining and make bowel movements more comfortable (especially after surgery), choose Colace.
Important: If you're using these for colonoscopy prep, always follow your doctor's specific advice.
Related Comparisons
- Miralax vs. Dulcolax: A Head-to-Head Comparison
- Miralax vs. Colace: Osmotic Laxative vs. Stool Softener
- Dulcolax vs. Colace: Stimulant vs. Stool Softener
GoodSense ClearLax Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Powder Osmotic Laxative - 17.9 oz | Miralax
$19.99
GoodSense® ClearLax Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Powder Osmotic Laxative – 17.9 oz | MiraLAX Compare to MiraLAX® active ingredient. GoodSense® ClearLax® provides effective, gentle relief from...… read more
GoodSense ClearLax Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Powder Osmotic Laxative - 17.9 oz | Miralax (2 Pack)
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Rugby PEG Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Powder Osmotic Laxative - 17.9 oz | Miralax
$19.99
Rugby PEG 3350 Powder – 17.9 oz (30 Doses) | Compare to Miralax Rugby PEG 3350 Powder is a trusted, unflavored osmotic laxative that provides...… read more
Rugby PEG 3350 Osmotic Laxative Powder - 30 Doses | Miralax (2 Pack)
$34.98
Rugby PEG 3350 Polyethylene Glycol Osmotic Laxative Powder – 17.9 oz (2 Pack) | Compare to Miralax Double the supply, double the savings. The Rugby...… read more
Major Bisacodyl 5 mg Stimulant Laxative - 1000 Tablets | Dulcolax
$11.99
Major Bisacodyl Stimulant Laxative 5 mg – 1000 Tablets | Compare to Dulcolax Major Bisacodyl 5 mg tablets offer a fast-acting, affordable solution for occasional...… read more
Major Bisacodyl Stimulant Laxative 5mg - 1000 Tablets | Dulcolax (3 Pack)
$27.99
Major Bisacodyl 5 mg – Stimulant Laxative Tablets | 3,000 Count (3 Pack) Stock up and save with our high-value 3-pack of Major Bisacodyl 5...… read more
Major Bisacodyl Stimulant Laxative 5mg - 1000 Tablets | Dulcolax (6 Pack)
$49.99
Major Bisacodyl 5 mg – 6,000 Tablets | Stimulant Laxative | Compare to Dulcolax® Get maximum savings with our 6-pack of Major Bisacodyl 5 mg...… read more
About Xeteor
xeteor.com, founded in Las Vegas in 2018, is a trusted online guide and curated retailer for generic over-the-counter (OTC) medications. We operate like a family-owned business, thoughtfully selecting and offering a portfolio of brands that includes premium generics like GoodSense and Foster & Thrive, as well as trusted options such as Major Pharmaceuticals, Rugby Laboratories, Oncor Pharmaceuticals, and CareSens. Recognized as a Top Rated seller on Trustpilot, Google, eBay, Amazon, and Walmart, we're a trusted authority focused on building brand trust and earning consumer loyalty. Our mission is to empower you with reliable products and educational content, all backed by a U.S.-based team that offers real human support and secure, senior-preferred payment options.
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or treatment.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Miralax, Dulcolax, and Colace?
The main difference is how they work. Miralax is a gentle osmotic laxative that draws water into the stool over 1-3 days. Dulcolax is a fast-acting stimulant laxative that causes intestinal contractions to force a bowel movement in 6-12 hours. Colace is a stool softener that adds moisture to the stool to make it easier to pass without stimulating a movement.
How do I choose between Miralax, Dulcolax, and Colace?
Choose based on your specific need. Use Miralax for gentle, consistent relief from chronic constipation. Use Dulcolax when you need fast, urgent relief from an occasional backup. Use Colace to prevent straining and make bowel movements more comfortable, especially after surgery or for those with hemorrhoids.
Which laxative is the gentlest?
Miralax and Colace are considered the gentlest options. Miralax works gradually with your body's water, and Colace simply softens existing stool. Dulcolax is the strongest of the three and is most likely to cause side effects like cramping.
Which laxative works the fastest?
Dulcolax is the fastest-acting, typically working within 6 to 12 hours. Both Miralax and Colace are much slower, usually taking 1 to 3 days to produce a result.
Can you take these laxatives together?
It is generally not recommended to combine these laxatives without specific instructions from a doctor. Taking multiple laxatives, especially a stimulant like Dulcolax with an osmotic like Miralax, can increase the risk of diarrhea, dehydration, and other side effects.
Which one is safest for long-term use?
Miralax is widely considered safe for long-term, regular use to manage chronic constipation. Colace is also often used for extended periods. Dulcolax is designed only for short-term, occasional use due to the risk of the bowels becoming dependent on it.
Are the generic versions of Miralax, Dulcolax, and Colace the same as the brands?
Yes. Generic versions are medically identical to their brand-name counterparts. They contain the same active ingredient, at the same dosage, and must meet the same strict FDA standards for safety and effectiveness, often at a lower cost.
