Miralax: Friend Or Foe For Your Stomach?

does miralax hurt your stomach

Miralax is an over-the-counter medication used to treat constipation. It is an osmotic laxative that works by retaining water in the stool, resulting in softer stools and more frequent bowel movements. While Miralax is considered safe, it can cause some side effects, including nausea, abdominal cramping, gas, and diarrhoea. More serious side effects may include severe or bloody diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, and severe and worsening stomach pain. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist if any of these side effects occur and persist.

Characteristics Values
Drug form Powder
Generic available? Yes
Prescription required? No
Controlled substance? No
Dosage 17 grams
How to use Mix powder with 4-8 ounces of liquid (water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea)
Frequency Once daily
Side effects Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramping, gas, dehydration, mineral imbalance, allergic reaction
Drug interactions Liquid thickeners
Precautions Do not use for more than 2 weeks without consulting a doctor, do not use if allergic to polyethylene glycol, do not use if you have kidney disease

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Miralax's effect on bowel movements

Miralax is an over-the-counter medication that is used to treat constipation. It is an osmotic laxative, which means it works by drawing water into the colon, softening the stool, and stimulating the colon to contract. This helps to ease bowel movements.

Miralax typically takes 1 to 3 days to work and is taken once a day. It is recommended to mix the powder with 4 to 8 ounces of liquid such as water, juice, or coffee. It is important to drink enough water while taking Miralax as this will help it to be more effective. It is also recommended to take Miralax in the morning to avoid having to go to the bathroom during the night.

Common side effects of Miralax include diarrhoea, nausea, stomach cramps, and gas. These side effects are often less intense than with other laxatives. However, more serious side effects are also possible, such as severe diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, and severe and worsening stomach pain. It is important to consult a doctor if you experience any of these serious side effects.

Miralax is generally safe for adults and children, but it is always recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication. It is also important to follow the directions on the product package or those provided by a doctor.

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Miralax and the risk of dehydration

Miralax is a brand-name, over-the-counter powder that is used to treat constipation. It is an osmotic-type laxative that works by holding water in the stool to soften it and increase the number of bowel movements. It is typically used for short-term treatment but can also be used long-term to treat chronic constipation.

While Miralax is considered safe and effective, with mild side effects such as nausea, abdominal cramping, or gas, it can cause dehydration if overused or in certain at-risk groups.

Risk Factors for Dehydration

  • Age: Older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing diarrhea and dehydration from using Miralax.
  • Duration of Use: Extended use or overuse of Miralax may result in dehydration. It is recommended for short-term use, and it should not be used for more than 2 weeks unless directed by a doctor.
  • Underlying Health Conditions: Those with kidney disease, heart problems, bowel obstructions, or inflamed colons may be at a higher risk of dehydration when using Miralax.
  • Medications: Certain medications, including diuretics and ibuprofen, may increase the risk of dehydration when combined with Miralax.
  • Dosage: Taking more than the recommended dosage of Miralax can lead to diarrhea and dehydration.
  • Age: Young children are among those who are most at risk of dehydration when using Miralax.

It is important to follow the recommended dosage and duration of use for Miralax to avoid the risk of dehydration. If you experience any signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output, dizziness, or severe diarrhea, discontinue use and seek medical advice.

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Miralax and mineral imbalance

Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat constipation. It is an osmotic-type laxative that works by holding water in the stool, softening it, and increasing the number of bowel movements.

While Miralax is generally well-tolerated, extended use or overuse may lead to mineral imbalance in the body, specifically low sodium levels. This can occur alongside other side effects such as dehydration and diarrhoea. It is important to note that these issues are more common in older adults.

The recommended dose for adults is 17 grams, mixed with 4 to 8 ounces of water or another beverage, and consumed once daily. It is advised that you do not take Miralax for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor, who will be able to evaluate the cause of your constipation and recommend other treatments if necessary.

If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, such as severe or worsening stomach pain, it is important to seek medical advice promptly.

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Miralax and allergic reactions

Miralax (polyethylene glycol) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat constipation. It is also used for colonoscopy bowel preparation. It is known as an osmotic-type laxative as it works by holding water in the stool, resulting in softer stools and more frequent bowel movements.

Although rare, a very serious allergic reaction to this drug is possible. Get immediate medical help if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • Rash
  • Itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing

Other side effects of Miralax include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Blood in the stool
  • Severe and worsening stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Gas

If you are using Miralax for self-treatment, carefully read the manufacturer's package instructions to know when to consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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Miralax and pregnancy

During pregnancy, constipation is a common issue, affecting 11% to 38% of pregnant women. This is due to various factors, such as increased hormone levels, reduced motilin hormone levels, and iron and calcium supplementation. While Miralax is generally considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before taking any medication, especially during pregnancy.

Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat occasional constipation. It is an osmotic laxative, which works by drawing water into the colon, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. It is typically taken orally once daily and mixed with water or other liquids.

The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recommends Miralax as a laxative for use during pregnancy. It is considered safe because only a small amount of the drug is absorbed by the body, reducing the likelihood of any impact on the fetus. This recommendation is supported by studies on pregnant animals, which showed no harm to the fetus. However, there is a lack of human studies on the use of Miralax during pregnancy, so some doctors may suggest alternative treatments with more research backing their safety during pregnancy, such as stimulant laxatives.

Side Effects and Precautions:

While Miralax is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects such as abdominal cramping, diarrhoea, nausea, gas, and bloating, which are common during pregnancy and may be exacerbated. It is important to note that overuse of Miralax can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous during pregnancy. Additionally, rare allergic reactions to polyethylene glycol, the active ingredient in Miralax, have been reported. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before taking Miralax or any other medication during pregnancy, especially if your constipation is severe.

Alternative Treatments:

Before resorting to medication, it is recommended to try lifestyle changes and dietary modifications to relieve constipation during pregnancy. These include increasing fluid intake, consuming high-fibre foods, and regular exercise. If these measures are ineffective, there are other over-the-counter laxative options considered safe during pregnancy, such as dietary supplements like Benefiber or FiberChoice, bulk-forming agents, stool softeners, and stimulant laxatives.

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Frequently asked questions

Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat constipation. It is an osmotic laxative that works by retaining water in the stool, resulting in softer stools and more frequent bowel movements.

The common side effects of Miralax include nausea, abdominal cramping, gas, and diarrhoea or loose stools.

Yes, the serious side effects of Miralax include severe or bloody diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, and severe and worsening stomach pain.

Miralax is not known to interact with most medications. However, it is always a good idea to consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

People with inflammatory bowel disease, a perforated bowel, or a previous allergic reaction to any ingredient in Miralax should avoid taking it. People with kidney disease should also be cautious when using this medication.

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