Compare Movantik vs. senna

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Movantik (naloxegol)

Prescription only

Senokot (senna)

Over-the-counter
Relieves constipation caused by opioid pain relievers.

Movantik (naloxegol) is a good option for treating constipation due to the use of opioids. However, it can cause side effects that make you feel like you are going through opioid withdrawal.

Relieves occasional constipation.

Senokot (senna) is gentle and effective for occasional constipation, but it can't be used as a long-term treatment.

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3.4/ 5 average rating with 69 reviewsforsenna
Upsides
  • Is a good option if traditional laxatives have not worked for you.
  • Take Movantik (naloxegol) only once a day.
  • Compared to alternatives, this medicine doesn't affect your heart.
  • Senokot (senna) is tolerated well and has few side effects.
  • Approved for children as young as 2 years old.
Downsides
  • Side effects of Movantik (naloxegol), including withdrawal and loss of pain control, may be worse in people taking certain opiates, such as methadone.
  • More expensive than traditional laxatives. There is no generic available.
  • Need to take this medicine on an empty stomach or it won't work as well.
  • You may have to take a lower dose of Movantik (naloxegol) if you have kidney problems, which may be less effective or cause more side effects.
  • Using Senokot (senna) often or for a long period of time can increase the risk of dehydration, especially if you are older or also taking diuretics.
  • Might take a few days to work which is slower than some of its alternatives.
  • Can only be used as a short-term treatment.
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Used for
  • Opioid induced constipation
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Chewable tablet
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$351.17
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Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
69 reviews so far
58%
saidit'sworth it
35%
saiditworked well
10%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
7possible side effects
  • Abdominal pain
    21%
  • Diarrhea
    9%
  • Nausea
    8%
  • Gas
    6%
  • Vomiting
    5%
  • Headache
    4%
  • Excess sweating
    3%
See more detailed side effects
The Senokot (senna) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Opioid withdrawal & reduced pain relief
    • Methadone use
  • Severe abdominal pain and/or diarrhea
    • Movantik 25mg
  • Stomach or intestinal holes
    • Crohns disease
    • Peptic ulcer disease
    • Diverticular disease
    • Stomach malignancies
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Bowel blockage
  • Laxative dependence
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Movantik (naloxegol)
Learn more about Senokot (senna)