Miralax: Stimulant-Free Solution?

MiraLAX is a stimulant-free, over-the-counter powder medication used to treat constipation. It is an osmotic laxative that works by holding water in the stool to soften it and increase bowel movements. It is available without a prescription and can be taken orally once a day. It is typically used for short-term treatment but can also be used long-term for chronic constipation. It is also sometimes used for colonoscopy bowel preparation.

MiraLAX is different from stimulant laxatives, which work by stimulating the nerves to move stool through the colon immediately. It is known for providing gentle relief without harsh side effects and is recommended by doctors as an effective treatment for constipation.

How does Miralax work?

Miralax is a non-stimulant, osmotic laxative that works with the water in your body to provide gentle, effective relief from occasional constipation. It is the number one doctor-recommended choice.

Osmotic laxatives attract water and keep it in your colon, allowing them to hydrate and soften stools, unblocking your system without causing harsh side effects. They work by drawing water into the colon, which softens the stool and may naturally stimulate the colon to contract. These actions help ease bowel movements.

Miralax is an over-the-counter medication that can be taken once a day for up to a week. It usually takes 1 to 3 days to work, but this can vary. It is available in powder form and should be mixed with 4 to 8 ounces of liquid such as water, juice, or coffee. It has no added taste or grit and generally produces a bowel movement in 1 to 3 days.

The active ingredient in Miralax is polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350). It is important to follow the directions on the product package or consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. It may be taken with or without food and at any time of the day. However, it is recommended to avoid taking it at bedtime to prevent having to go to the bathroom during the night.

Common side effects of Miralax include nausea, cramping, and bloating. However, these side effects are often less intense compared to other laxatives. It is important to note that Miralax should not be used for more than 2 weeks unless directed by a doctor. Extended use or overuse may result in dependence on laxatives and chronic constipation.

Is Miralax safe for children?

Miralax is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) laxative medication used to treat occasional constipation. It is available as a powder that is mixed with water or other liquids. 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 commonly prescribed to treat constipation in children, there are concerns about its safety in this age group.

The label on Miralax states that it is intended for adults and children aged 17 and older, and children under 16 should consult a healthcare provider before using it. However, many doctors believe that Miralax is safe for children as young as six months and prescribe it through a method called off-labelling. Off-labelling refers to the practice of prescribing a drug for a use or age group that is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

There are mixed opinions about the safety of Miralax for children. Healthcare providers say it is safe and continue to recommend it for paediatric patients. However, some parents and media reports have raised concerns about potential side effects, including behavioural issues, speech problems, anxiety, and depression. These side effects are not mentioned on the Miralax label, which only lists abdominal-related side effects such as bloating, stomach pain, and swelling in the stomach area.

In response to these concerns, the FDA funded a study in 2014 to investigate the safety of Miralax in children. This study has not yet been completed, and as of 2023, the FDA has not updated its stance on the use of Miralax in children under 17. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) supports the use of Miralax in children, citing its ease of use, tolerability, and lack of bad taste.

While Miralax has been used to treat constipation in children for many years, it is important to note that there are currently no FDA-approved products for treating constipation in this age group. Therefore, if your child is experiencing constipation, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before using Miralax or any other laxative medication.

Miralax dosage

Miralax is a brand-name, over-the-counter powder that treats constipation. The powder comes in bottles or single-serve packets and is mixed with 4 to 8 ounces of water, juice, or other liquids. The active ingredient in Miralax is polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) and it belongs to the osmotic laxatives drug class.

Dosage

The dosage of Miralax will depend on several factors, including the reason for taking it. Typically, the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect should be used. The product comes with a measuring cap or device to help determine the correct dose.

The typical dosage for adults is 17 grams. The powder should be mixed and dissolved in 4 to 8 ounces of water or another beverage and consumed once daily. It is important to ensure that the powder is fully dissolved before drinking. It is also recommended not to combine Miralax with starch-based thickeners used for difficulty swallowing.

For children, it is important to talk to a doctor before administering Miralax as the manufacturer does not provide dosage information for children. The doctor can recommend the most appropriate dosage and evaluate the cause of constipation to determine if other treatments are needed.

Miralax should not be used for more than 7 days unless directed by a doctor. Extended use or overuse may result in dependence on laxatives and chronic constipation. It is also important to note that Miralax may cause certain liquid thickeners to not work well, which can increase the risk of choking.

Missed Dose

If a dose of Miralax is missed, it can be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed. It is important not to try to catch up by taking two doses at once.

Miralax side effects

Miralax is a stimulant-free, osmotic-type laxative that works by holding water in the stool to soften it and increase the number of bowel movements. It is used to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements. It is available without a prescription, but it is important to read the manufacturer's package instructions carefully and to consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Common side effects

According to Drugs.com, common Miralax side effects may include bloating, gas, and an upset stomach. However, WebMD lists nausea, abdominal cramping, and gas as possible side effects. It is important to note that these effects are typically mild and usually do not require medical attention.

Serious side effects

Although rare, Miralax may cause serious side effects in some individuals. It is important to seek emergency medical help if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Additionally, stop taking Miralax and call your doctor if you experience severe or bloody diarrhea, blood in your stools, or severe and worsening stomach pain.

Long-term side effects

According to Drugs.com, long-term use of Miralax may result in dependence on laxatives and chronic constipation. Overuse may also lead to diarrhea, dehydration, and mineral imbalance, such as low sodium levels in the body. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and not use Miralax for more than two weeks unless directed by a doctor.

Miralax alternatives

Miralax (polyethylene glycol) is an osmotic laxative that treats occasional constipation by attracting water into the colon to ease, hydrate, and soften the stool. However, it may not work for everyone. Here are some alternative treatments for occasional constipation:

Citroma (magnesium citrate)

Citroma is an osmotic laxative that works similarly to Miralax by increasing fluid in the intestines. It comes as a liquid in a ten-ounce bottle, and it is recommended to chill it before drinking to improve the taste. The typical dosage for occasional constipation is one bottle as a single dose or in divided doses within 24 hours. Drinking a full glass of water after taking it is recommended to prevent dehydration.

Milk of Magnesia

Milk of Magnesia is another osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the intestines. It may also be used to treat heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion by lowering stomach acid. It comes in several dosage forms: a liquid suspension, tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid-filled gel capsules. A full glass of water should be taken after each dose. Since it is a saline laxative, a bowel movement can be expected within 30 minutes to six hours.

Dulcolax (bisacodyl)

Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative that has a dual action by hydrating the intestine to soften the stool and stimulating bowel muscles to move the stool through the colon. It is available as an oral tablet, and the dosage for those twelve and older is one to three tablets with a full glass of water. Children six to under twelve can take one tablet daily with a full glass of water. Bowel movements typically occur within six to twelve hours.

Citrucel (methylcellulose)

Citrucel is a bulk-forming fiber laxative that increases the bulk of the stool and the movement of the intestines. It also increases the water content of the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. It is available as a water-soluble powder or a tablet. The recommended dosage for those twelve and older is to start with two tablets or one heaping tablespoon mixed with at least eight ounces of water or another liquid. This dose can be repeated up to three times a day.

Colace (docusate)

Colace is an emollient laxative, also known as a stool softener, which allows water and fats to be absorbed into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. It is often the first medication recommended by healthcare professionals for treating occasional constipation. The recommended dosage for those twelve and older is one to three regular-strength tablets or one to six capsules taken as a single dose, usually at bedtime, or in divided doses with a full glass of water or juice. Bowel movements usually occur within one to three days.

Natural alternatives

Natural laxatives and lifestyle changes can also help improve digestive health and increase stool frequency and consistency. Some natural alternatives include:

• Drinking more water
• Increasing fiber intake
• Drinking coffee, especially caffeinated coffee
• Eating probiotic foods, such as yogurt or sauerkraut, or taking probiotic supplements
• Eating prunes, which contain the sugar alcohol sorbitol, which has a laxative effect
• Taking aloe vera juice, which contains compounds known to act as laxatives

Frequently asked questions