Laxsol vs Molaxole

Docusate sodium + sennoside B

Also known as Laxsol or

coloxyl & senna or solax

Molaxole

Note on names

From December 2025 the funded brand of docusate and senna changed from Laxsol to Solax

Active ingredients

Docusate sodium + senna

Macrogol (polyethylene glycol) + electrolytes

Type of laxative

Stool softener (coloxyl) + stimulant laxative (senna)

Osmotic laxative

How it works

Softens stool and stimulates bowel contractions

Draws water into the bowel to soften stool and increase stool volume

Onset of action

Usually overnight (8–12 hours)

Usually 1–3 days

Common use

Short-term constipation needing a bowel movement relatively quickly

Chronic constipation and ongoing bowel management

Cramping risk

Higher due to stimulant effect

Lower, though bloating can occur

Long-term use

Generally not recommended without medical supervision

Often suitable for longer-term use under guidance

Opioid-induced constipation

Commonly used when regular opioids are charted, often combined with other laxatives

Frequently used as first-line treatment

Advantages

Faster effect.

Useful when constipation is due to sluggish bowel activity.

Generally gentler.

Effective for hard stools and faecal impaction

Can be used long term in many patients.

Disadvantage

May cause abdominal cramps or urgency.

Less suitable as a sole long-term treatment

May turn urine orange / brown / pink – this is harmless

Requires adequate fluid intake and may cause bloating initially.

Tends to be better tolerated than lactulose