
MiraLAX is an over-the-counter medication used to treat constipation. It is an osmotic laxative, which means it works by drawing water into the colon, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. It is flavourless and comes in powder form. It is typically used for short-term treatment, but in some cases, it can be used long-term to treat chronic constipation. It is also used for colonoscopy bowel preparation.
MiraLAX is considered a safe and effective medication. It is the number one doctor-recommended choice and is FDA-approved. It usually takes 1 to 3 days to work, and its effects last for about a day. It is recommended to take it once a day, and it can be mixed with 4 to 8 ounces of water or another beverage.
While MiraLAX is generally well-tolerated, it can cause some side effects such as diarrhoea, bloating, nausea, and allergic reactions. It is important to consult a doctor if these side effects persist or become more severe.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Drug form | Powder |
Dosage | 17 grams |
Mix with | 4 to 8 ounces of water, juice, or other liquid |
Generic available | Yes |
Prescription required | No |
Controlled substance | No |
Year of FDA approval | 2006 |
Time to work | 1 to 3 days |
Side effects | Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramping, gas, bloating, dehydration, mineral imbalance, allergic reaction |
What You'll Learn
- Miralax is an osmotic laxative that works by pulling water into the stool
- It is a non-stimulant laxative that works with the water in the body
- It is available over the counter without a prescription
- It is safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
- It is suitable for children, but only under medical supervision
Miralax is an osmotic laxative that works by pulling water into the stool
MiraLAX is a non-stimulant osmotic laxative that works by pulling water into the colon, hydrating and softening the stool, and unblocking the system. It is a gentle and effective way to relieve constipation without the harsh side effects of stimulant laxatives, such as cramping or sudden urgency.
As an osmotic laxative, MiraLAX attracts water and keeps it in the colon. This helps to hydrate and soften stools, making them easier to pass. Unlike stimulant laxatives, which forcefully stimulate the nerves in the colon, MiraLAX works with the water in the body to provide gentle relief. This means that it can be taken at any time of day without the risk of sudden urgency.
MiraLAX is typically mixed with 4 to 8 ounces of water, juice, or another liquid, and taken once a day. It generally produces a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days. It is important to follow the directions on the package or consult a doctor for the correct dosage.
MiraLAX is safe and effective for both short-term and long-term treatment of constipation and is recommended by doctors, gastroenterologists, and pharmacists. It is also used for colonoscopy bowel preparation and is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Overall, MiraLAX is an effective osmotic laxative that works by pulling water into the colon, softening the stool, and providing gentle relief from constipation without harsh side effects.
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It is a non-stimulant laxative that works with the water in the body
MiraLAX is a non-stimulant laxative that works with the water in the body to provide gentle, effective relief from constipation without causing harsh side effects. It is an osmotic laxative that attracts water and keeps it in the colon, allowing it to hydrate and soften stools, unblocking the system. This is in contrast to stimulant laxatives, which may cause harsh side effects like cramping or sudden urgency by forcefully stimulating the nerves in the colon.
MiraLAX has a triple mechanism of action: it binds and retains water in the colon through the formation of hydrogen bonds, incorporates its molecules and water into the stool to soften and increase its volume, and promotes gentle peristalsis without harsh side effects. It does not forcefully stimulate colonic nerves or cause bloating and gas buildup, as seen with some fibre supplements. It also does not cause stomach discomfort and cramps like some stool softeners.
MiraLAX is the only over-the-counter osmotic laxative with a prescription heritage and is the number one doctor-recommended brand for effective relief of occasional constipation. It is easily accessible at drug stores, mass merchandisers, online retailers, and club stores. It is available in a variety of dosing sizes, including travel-size packets.
MiraLAX is typically used for the short-term treatment of constipation but can also be used long-term in some cases of chronic constipation. It is also used for colonoscopy bowel preparation. It is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is important to note that MiraLAX should not be used for more than two weeks unless directed by a doctor, as extended use or overuse may result in dependence on laxatives and chronic constipation.
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It is available over the counter without a prescription
MiraLAX is an over-the-counter medication that can be purchased without a prescription. It is available in pharmacies, drug stores, and online retailers. It is a brand-name powder that is mixed with water, juice, or other liquids and is used to treat constipation. It is FDA-approved and is the number one doctor-recommended choice for treating constipation. It is also recommended for colonoscopy bowel preparation.
MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative, which means it works by drawing water into the colon, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. It does not stimulate the nerves in the colon like stimulant laxatives, which can cause harsh side effects such as cramping or sudden urgency. Instead, it provides gentle, effective relief from constipation without these side effects. It is safe for adults and adolescents aged 17 and older, as well as younger children, including babies under 2 years of age. However, it is important to consult a doctor before giving MiraLAX to children.
MiraLAX typically takes 1 to 3 days to work, and it is recommended to take it once a day. It is important not to take more than the recommended dose, as this can increase the risk of side effects. Some common side effects of MiraLAX include diarrhoea, loose stools, nausea, cramping, and bloating. However, these side effects are often less intense compared to other laxatives. It is also important to note that MiraLAX should not be used for more than a week without consulting a healthcare provider, as there could be a more serious issue, such as a blockage in the intestines.
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It is safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
MiraLAX is considered safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. However, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
MiraLAX is an over-the-counter laxative that is often recommended by doctors to ease constipation during pregnancy. It is generally considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy as only a small amount of the drug is absorbed by the body. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recommends MiraLAX for laxative use during pregnancy. Although there haven't been many studies on the use of MiraLAX in pregnant women, it is still considered a safe option.
MiraLAX is also considered safe for breastfeeding mothers as the active ingredient, polyethylene glycol 3350, is minimally absorbed by the body. This means that very little of the medication will pass into breast milk and is unlikely to cause side effects in the nursing infant. According to a 2005 literature review from the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), MiraLAX is considered low-risk for use during breastfeeding.
While MiraLAX is a safe option for pregnant and breastfeeding women, there are also natural remedies that can be tried first to ease constipation. These include increasing water intake, consuming high-fiber foods, and regular exercise. It is important to note that if you are breastfeeding, intense exercise should be avoided as it can cause a build-up of lactic acid in the muscles, which can alter the taste of breast milk.
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It is suitable for children, but only under medical supervision
Miralax is a brand-name, over-the-counter powder used to treat constipation. It is suitable for children aged six months and older, but only under medical supervision.
The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) supports the use of Miralax in children. It is well-tolerated, easy to use, and doesn't taste bad, so it is often one of the first treatments recommended for children aged 16 and younger. However, it is not FDA-approved for use in children, and there are mixed opinions about its safety. While healthcare providers say it is safe, some parents believe it causes unexpected behaviour-related side effects.
Miralax is not recommended for children without the direction of a doctor. The manufacturer advises that it is for adults and children aged 17 and older, and to consult a doctor for children aged 16 and younger. The correct dosage for children will depend on several factors, including how constipated they are, how often they are taking Miralax, and how much water and other fluids they are consuming. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours for Miralax to start working, and it typically works within 24 to 72 hours.
Miralax is an osmotic laxative, which means it works by drawing water into the colon, softening the stool, and may naturally stimulate the colon to contract. It is flavourless and mixes with 4 to 8 ounces of water, juice, or other liquid. It is the only OTC osmotic laxative with a prescription heritage and is recommended by gastroenterologists, doctors, and pharmacists. It has been proven safe and effective, with no harsh side effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Miralax is an osmotic laxative that works with the water in your body to gently relieve constipation without causing harsh side effects. It typically takes 1 to 3 days to work, and it is recommended to take it once a day.
The common side effects of Miralax include nausea, abdominal cramping, and gas. However, these side effects are often less intense compared to other laxatives. More serious side effects may include severe diarrhea, bowel obstruction, and allergic reactions.
Miralax is typically recommended for short-term use, up to about a week. If you need to take it for a longer period, consult your healthcare provider.