Miralax: Tablet Or Powder?

Miralax is a medication used to treat occasional constipation and irregular bowel movements. It is available over the counter and by prescription. Miralax comes in powder form and is typically mixed with a beverage before consumption. However, it does not come in pill or tablet form.

Miralax is an osmotic laxative

The active ingredient in Miralax is polyethylene glycol 3350. It is typically taken once a day, for up to a week, and most people will experience a bowel movement in 1 to 3 days. It is important to note that Miralax should not be used for more than 2 weeks unless directed by a doctor. The powder is mixed with 4 to 8 fl oz of liquid, which can be any temperature and any drink, including water, tea, coffee, or juice. It is recommended to stir the mixture until the powder is completely dissolved before drinking.

Miralax is generally well-tolerated, but some possible side effects include nausea, bloating, and passing gas. More serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include allergic reactions, such as skin rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking Miralax, especially for those with a history of irritable bowel syndrome or kidney problems.

While Miralax does not come in tablet form, there are other brands of osmotic laxatives available in different forms, such as RestoraLAX and ClearLax. These can be found in the form of pills, gummies, or powder, depending on the brand and your location. It is always a good idea to discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider, who can help determine the most suitable option based on individual needs and preferences.

Miralax is available over the counter

Miralax is available in single-dose packets or jars, which are to be mixed with a beverage and then drunk. The powder is tasteless and can be mixed with any drink, including water, tea, coffee, or juice. The liquid can be of any temperature. The standard dose for adults and children aged 17 and older is 17 grams (one packet or one capful) mixed with 4 to 8 ounces of liquid.

Miralax is a good option for those who want gentle, overnight relief from constipation. It is also suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider before use. Miralax is generally well-tolerated, but some possible side effects include nausea, bloating, and passing gas. It is important to note that Miralax should not be used for more than two weeks unless directed by a doctor.

Miralax is not suitable for long-term use

Miralax is a brand-name, over-the-counter powder used to treat constipation. It is not available in tablet form. It is typically used for short-term treatment, but in some cases, it can be used long-term to treat chronic constipation. However, long-term use of Miralax is not recommended due to the risk of side effects and developing a dependency on laxatives. Here are some reasons why Miralax is not suitable for long-term use:

Development of Laxative Dependency

Prolonged use of laxatives like Miralax can lead to laxative dependency, where the body becomes reliant on the medication to have a bowel movement. This can result in severe constipation when the medication is stopped. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and duration of use specified by your doctor or the product instructions.

Side Effects

Miralax may cause mild to severe side effects, especially with long-term use. Some common side effects include diarrhea, loose stools, bloating, nausea, abdominal cramping, and allergic reactions. More severe side effects may include dehydration, mineral imbalance, and rectal bleeding. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and consult a doctor if they occur or if your condition worsens.

Interaction with Other Medications

Miralax may interact with certain medications, increasing the risk of side effects. For example, it should not be taken with Linzess, Trintellix, or Fetzima as these combinations can increase the risk of dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. It is crucial to discuss all the medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist to identify any potential drug interactions.

Masking of Underlying Conditions

Chronic constipation could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Prolonged use of Miralax without addressing the root cause may mask or delay the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. It is important to consult a doctor to determine the cause of chronic constipation and receive appropriate treatment.

Alternative Treatments

For long-term management of constipation, it is generally recommended to make lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, exercising regularly, and staying hydrated. These approaches are typically preferred over long-term laxative use. Additionally, there are alternative laxative options available, both over-the-counter and prescription, that may be more suitable for long-term use. Consulting a doctor or healthcare provider can help determine the best treatment option for your specific needs.

Miralax is safe for pregnant women if approved by a doctor

Miralax is a polyethylene glycol 3350 powder laxative medication used to treat constipation. It is available over the counter or by prescription. It is not available in pill form.

Miralax is considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy. It is often a first-choice medication for doctors to ease constipation in pregnant women. However, there haven't been many studies on its use in pregnant women, so some doctors may suggest other drugs with more research supporting their use during pregnancy, such as stimulant laxatives like bisacodyl (Dulcolax) or senna (Fletcher's Laxative).

Before taking any medication for constipation during pregnancy, it is important to consult your doctor, especially if your constipation is severe, to ensure there isn't another problem causing your symptoms. While Miralax is generally considered safe, it can cause side effects such as gas, bloating, nausea, cramping, diarrhoea, and hives. It is also important to note that prolonged use of laxatives can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Alternative Treatments for Constipation During Pregnancy

It is recommended that pregnant women first try non-medication measures to relieve constipation, such as:

• Increasing fluid intake
• Increasing dietary fibre intake
• Getting regular exercise
• Reducing iron intake

If these strategies are ineffective, Miralax can be used as a safe and effective treatment for constipation during pregnancy. However, be sure to consult your doctor before taking Miralax, especially if you are taking other medications.

Miralax is suitable for children if approved by a doctor

Miralax is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) laxative medication used to treat constipation. It is available in most pharmacies, drug stores, grocery stores, and big-box stores. The product is commonly mixed with water before taking, but it can also be mixed with juice or milk. The active ingredient in Miralax is polyethylene glycol or PEG 3350, which works by pulling water into the colon, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass.

While Miralax is labelled as being for adults aged 17 and older, and children aged 16 and younger are advised to consult a doctor before using it, the medication is regularly prescribed to treat constipation in children. This is known as off-label prescribing, where a drug is prescribed for a condition or patient that it is not approved for. Many doctors believe that Miralax is safe for children as young as six months, and it is often one of the first treatments recommended for children due to being well-tolerated, easy to use, and having a neutral taste. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) supports the use of Miralax in children.

However, Miralax is not without controversy. There have been reports from parents and the media of behavioural side effects in children, including anxiety, mood swings, aggression, and paranoia. These side effects led to a petition to the FDA in 2012, and an FDA-funded study in 2014. The FDA found trace amounts of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol (ingredients found in antifreeze) in Miralax, as well as 167 cases of adverse side effects in children, including 37 cases of neurological or psychiatric symptoms. As of 2023, the FDA has not updated its stance on the use of PEG 3350 in children, and there is still no FDA-approved product to treat constipation in this age group.

In summary, while Miralax is suitable for children if approved by a doctor, further research is needed to determine its safety profile in this age group. Parents who are concerned about the potential side effects of Miralax can consider alternative treatments for their child's constipation, such as ensuring their child stays hydrated and consumes high-fibre foods, or asking their healthcare provider about enemas or physical therapy.

Frequently asked questions