Difference Between Miralax and Colace
Main difference
The main difference between Miralax and Colace is that Miralax is the brand name for polyethylene glycol and Colace is the brand name for docusate sodium.
Miralax vs. Colace
Miralax is the trade name for polyethylene glycol; on the other hand, Colace is the trade name for docusate. Miralax is an osmotic laxative, while Colace is a stool softener. Miralax cannot be administered to patients from one month to 16 years of age; on the other hand, Colace can be administered to patients under two years of age. Miralax has an onset of action of 2-4 days after oral administration, on the other hand, Colace has an onset of action of 5 days after oral administration.
Comparison chart
| Miralax | colace |
| Miralax contains polyethylene glycol and is used to treat constipation. | Colace contains Docusate and is used for constipation. |
| drug group | |
| osmotic laxative | stool softener |
| active therapeutic agent | |
| polyethylene glycol | docusate sodium |
| start of action | |
| 2-4 days | It can take up to five full days |
| Use in children | |
| Miralax is not used in patients under 16 years of age. | Colace can be used in patients under 2 years of age. |
| Administration route | |
| Oral | Colace can be administered orally and rectally. |
What is Miralax?
Miralax relieves constipation and contains polyethylene glycol, which is the basis for many laxatives. Polyethylene glycol is hydrophilic in nature so it retains water in the stool, softening it and causing increased bowel movements. Miralax is classified as the osmotic laxative. Miralax does not cause cramps and makes Miralax different from all other cramp-producing laxatives available. Miralax is the most prescribed drug for constipation. The most important feature of Miralax is that it does not contain sugar or gluten. Miralax can be dissolved in your favorite beverages and is easy to take instead of swallowing a pill in case of constipation. Miralax is not given to children or those 16 years of age and younger. Miralax is not quick in his action; rather 2 to 4 days are needed to show their pharmacological actions. The use of Miralax after seven days is not recommended and in case the constipation is not relieved after seven days, the patient should stop taking Miralax and inform the doctor or pharmacist. Miralax is prescribed in a single daily dose, but a doctor may adjust its dose according to the severity of the constipation or the patient’s condition. Taking Miralax by mouth may cause nausea or gas problems as a side effect or, rarely, a mild abdominal cramp. If the patient is allergic to polyethylene glycol, inform the doctor. but a doctor can adjust your dose depending on the severity of the constipation or the patient’s condition. Taking Miralax by mouth may cause nausea or gas problems as a side effect or, rarely, a mild abdominal cramp. If the patient is allergic to polyethylene glycol, inform the doctor. but a doctor can adjust your dose depending on the severity of the constipation or the patient’s condition. Taking Miralax by mouth may cause nausea or gas problems as a side effect or, rarely, a mild abdominal cramp. If the patient is allergic to polyethylene glycol, inform the doctor.
What is Colace?
Colace contains docusate and softens stool, but it does not increase bowel movement as quickly as a laxative does. Colace is considered safer than laxatives. Colace is used in constipation because it softens the stool. Colace is a good option to prescribe for patients suffering from constipation due to hard stools. Colace can be used safely in patients under two years of age. Colace can be taken orally or rectally. When Colace is taken by mouth, bowel movement occurs within 1-3 days, while when Colace is taken rectally, it shows its therapeutic action within 20 minutes. Colace is the over-the-counter medication and can be purchased without a prescription. Colace is used in cases of occasional constipation. Colace is mainly prescribed in cases of constipation after heart surgery to prevent straining when passing stool. Colace side effects are rarely seen and include diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Some patients are allergic to docusate, so its use in these patients is risky. Long-term use of Colace is not recommended because long-term use of Colace renders the drug ineffective. Colace is safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Colace is not prescribed in patients with appendicitis. Colace interacts with dantron and increases dantron reabsorption. Long-term use of Colace is not recommended because long-term use of Colace renders the drug ineffective. Colace is safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Colace is not prescribed in patients with appendicitis. Colace interacts with dantron and increases dantron reabsorption. Long-term use of Colace is not recommended because long-term use of Colace renders the drug ineffective. Colace is safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Colace is not prescribed in patients with appendicitis. Colace interacts with dantron and increases dantron reabsorption.
Key differences
- Miralax contains polyethylene glycol, on the other hand, Colace contains docusate.
- Miralax is an osmotic laxative, while Colace is a stool softener.
- Miralax is not prescribed to patients 16 years of age or younger than 16, on the other hand, Colace can be prescribed to patients less than 2 years of age.
- Miralax starts to show its pharmacological action in 2-4 days after oral administration while Colace starts to show its pharmacological action in or after five days when taken orally.
Final Thought
The main takeaway from the above discussion is that both Miralax and Colace are used in constipation where Miralax is used in adults and Colace is the best option to prescribe in children especially under two years of age.