{"id":12408,"date":"2020-07-06T13:48:19","date_gmt":"2020-07-06T17:48:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=12408"},"modified":"2026-03-17T16:35:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T20:35:22","slug":"dulcolax-vs-miralax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dulcolax-vs-miralax\/","title":{"rendered":"Dulcolax vs. Miralax: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drug overview & main differences<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> |\u00a0Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | Which is right for me?<\/a> |\u00a0FAQ<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Dulcolax and Miralax are two popular, FDA-approved over-the-counter laxatives used to treat occasional constipation and irregularity. While both help relieve constipation, they are different types of laxatives\u2014Dulcolax can provide fast relief, while Miralax takes longer to work. Continue reading to learn more about Dulcolax and Miralax.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Dulcolax and Miralax?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you struggle with hard stools, stools that are difficult to pass, or have less than three bowel movements per week, you are likely experiencing constipation. Constipation is a <\/span>very common<\/span><\/a> problem in the United States, affecting 16 out of 100 adults, and 33 out of 100 adults aged 60 and older.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dulcolax<\/span><\/a> is a stimulant laxative that contains the active ingredient bisacodyl. It works by increasing the activity of the intestines to cause a bowel movement. Dulcolax, as a brand name, is also available in various other formulations that do not contain bisacodyl, such as liquid and soft chews (which contain magnesium) and a stool softener (which contains docusate sodium). For the purpose of this review, we will focus on the Dulcolax laxative, which contains bisacodyl.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Miralax<\/span><\/a> is an osmotic laxative containing the ingredient polyethylene glycol 3350. Miralax works by attracting water in the colon, softening stools, and making them easier to pass.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Dulcolax vs. Miralax<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nDulcolax<\/b><\/td>\nMiralax<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nStimulant laxative<\/span><\/td>\nOsmotic laxative<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nBisacodyl<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nPolyethylene glycol 3350 powder; <\/span>Gavilax<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablet, rectal suppository<\/span><\/td>\nPowder, powder packets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nFor constipation:<\/b><\/p>\n

Oral tablet:\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

1 to 3 tablets by mouth in a single daily dose for adults and children 12 years and older.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1 tablet by mouth in a single daily dose for children ages 6 to under 12 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rectal suppository:\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

1 suppository inserted rectally in a single daily dose for adults and children 12 years and older.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One-half suppository inserted rectally in a single daily dose for children ages 6 to under 12 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

For bowel prep:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Your healthcare provider will provide instructions.<\/span><\/td>\n

For constipation:<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

17 grams (or contents of 1 packet, if using the packet) mixed into 4 to 8 ounces of beverage. Stir and dissolve, and drink once daily for up to 7 days.<\/span><\/p>\n

For bowel prep:<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your healthcare provider can provide instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Miralax dosage guide<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nUp to 7 days, occasional use<\/span><\/td>\nUp to 7 days, occasional use<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and children 6 years and older<\/span><\/td>\nAdults 17 years and older; children and adolescents under the recommendation of a healthcare provider only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Dulcolax and Miralax<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dulcolax tablets and suppositories are used for the temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. The tablets produce a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours, and the suppositories work quicker, producing a bowel movement in 15-60 minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Miralax is also indicated for the relief of occasional constipation and irregularity and produces a bowel movement in one to three days.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dulcolax or Miralax are often used in bowel preparation for a procedure, such as a colonoscopy. Before you prepare for your procedure, your surgeon will give you instructions for use, as well as a list of foods and drinks you can consume on a clear liquid diet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nDulcolax<\/b><\/td>\nMiralax<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Temporary relief of occasional constipation and irregularity<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bowel prep for a procedure<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Dulcolax vs. Miralax<\/span><\/h2>\n

Because you can get them over-the-counter, Dulcolax and Miralax are usually not covered by insurance or Medicare Part D. Some exceptions may apply, for example, a state <\/span>Medicaid plan<\/span><\/a>. Also, you may be able to use your health savings account card to pay for these OTC medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The typical out-of-pocket price for a bottle of generic Dulcolax tablets is about $9, and a box of suppositories is also about $17. The out-of-pocket price for a bottle of generic Miralax is about $23.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can save money on Dulcolax or Miralax with a SingleCare card. (Note: Although both drugs are OTC, a prescription is needed to apply the SingleCare discount. Simply follow these steps <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dulcolax coupons<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Miralax coupons<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Dulcolax vs. Miralax cost and coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nDulcolax<\/b><\/td>\nMiralax<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard quantity<\/b><\/td>\nBox of 4, 5 mg oral tablets or box of 12, 10 mg rectal suppositories<\/span><\/td>\n1 bottle, containing 30 doses\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\nTablets: $6 at Costco<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Suppositories: $12 at Food Lion<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n

$10 at Walgreens<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Jan. 30, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Dulcolax vs. Miralax<\/span><\/h2>\n

With either drug, rare but serious allergic reactions may occur. If you experience hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, seek immediate medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dulcolax side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n

Common side effects of Dulcolax include:<\/span><\/p>\n