
Smooth-Lax and MiraLAX are both over-the-counter laxatives that contain the same active ingredient, polyethylene glycol 3350, and are used to treat constipation. Polyethylene glycol 3350 works by increasing the amount of water the intestines absorb, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. Smooth-Lax is the Walgreens brand version of MiraLAX and is marketed as a generic alternative. Both products are available in powder form and are typically mixed with water or another beverage before consumption.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Active Ingredient | Polyethylene Glycol 3350 |
Purpose | Treat occasional constipation |
Mechanism | Holds water in stool to soften it and increase bowel movements |
Dosage | 17g once daily |
Side Effects | Nausea, abdominal cramping, gas, bloating, diarrhoea, dehydration, mineral imbalance |
Allergy Alert | Do not use if allergic to polyethylene glycol |
Precautions | Do not use if you have kidney disease, except under medical advice and supervision |
Precautions | Consult a doctor if you have nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, sudden change in bowel habits, or irritable bowel syndrome |
Precautions | Consult a doctor or pharmacist if taking prescription drugs |
Precautions | Do not use for more than 7 days unless directed by a doctor |
Precautions | Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a health professional |
What You'll Learn
SmoothLax and MiraLax have the same active ingredient
SmoothLax and MiraLax are both used to treat occasional constipation and are available without a prescription. They are safe to use daily, but it is recommended that you consult a doctor if you need to use a laxative for longer than a week. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is also used to treat fecal impaction or chronic constipation.
The recommended dosage for adults and adolescents 17 years and older is 17 grams once daily, mixed with 4 to 8 ounces of water or another beverage. It should not be combined with starch-based thickeners. It may take 2 to 4 days after starting this medication to have a bowel movement.
Common side effects of polyethylene glycol 3350 include gas, bloating, and nausea. It is important to note that overuse of laxatives can lead to dependence and chronic constipation. Extended use may also cause diarrhea, dehydration, and mineral imbalance.
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SmoothLax is a generic version of MiraLax
SmoothLax and MiraLax are available in powder form and can be mixed with water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea. The recommended dosage for adults and children 17 years of age and older is 17 grams mixed with 4 to 8 ounces of liquid. It is advised not to use either product for more than seven days unless directed by a doctor.
Both SmoothLax and MiraLax can cause side effects such as loose, watery, and more frequent stools. It is important to stop using these products and consult a doctor if you experience rectal bleeding, worsening nausea, bloating, cramping, or abdominal pain, as these may be signs of a serious condition.
If you are experiencing constipation, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment option for you.
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Both laxatives treat constipation
SmoothLax and MiraLAX are both laxatives that treat constipation. They both contain the same active ingredient, polyethylene glycol 3350, which is an osmotic laxative. This means that it works by increasing the amount of water the intestines absorb, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is also used to treat fecal impaction or chronic constipation.
SmoothLax and MiraLAX are available in powder form and can be mixed with water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea. They are usually taken once a day and generally produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days. It is recommended that they are not taken for more than 7 consecutive days without consulting a doctor.
Both laxatives may cause side effects such as loose, watery, and more frequent stools, as well as nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating. It is important to consult a doctor if these side effects worsen or if rectal bleeding occurs.
While SmoothLax and MiraLAX share the same active ingredient and mechanism of action, there may be differences in their effectiveness and side effects for individual users. It is always important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication, including laxatives, to ensure safe and appropriate use.
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Both laxatives are osmotic laxatives
Smoothlax and Miralax are both osmotic laxatives that contain the same active ingredient, polyethylene glycol 3350, and are used to treat occasional constipation. Polyethylene glycol 3350 works by increasing the amount of water the intestines absorb, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. It also increases pressure, which prompts the muscles in the intestines to move the stool.
Smoothlax and Miralax are available in powder form and are usually taken once a day. They are dissolved in water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea and drunk. It may take up to three days for the laxatives to take effect, and they should not be used for more than seven consecutive days without medical advice.
Both laxatives are generally safe and well-tolerated, but some side effects may include loose stools, diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence, nausea, and abdominal cramps. It is important to follow the instructions on the package or consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
While Smoothlax and Miralax share the same active ingredient and mechanism of action, there may be differences in their inactive ingredients, so it is essential to review the product information before use. Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or irritable bowel syndrome, should consult a doctor before using these laxatives.
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Both laxatives are available without a prescription
SmoothLax and MiraLAX are both laxatives that are available without a prescription. They are both used to treat occasional constipation and are suitable for adults and children aged 17 years and older. They are also safe for pregnant women to use, although it is recommended that you consult a health professional before use.
SmoothLax and MiraLAX contain the same active ingredient, polyethylene glycol 3350, and they work in the same way. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is an osmotic laxative that increases the amount of water the intestines absorb, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. It also increases pressure, which prompts the muscles in the intestines to move the stool.
SmoothLax and MiraLAX are available in powder form and can be mixed with water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea. They usually produce a bowel movement within one to three days, and it is recommended that they are not used for more than seven consecutive days.
Both laxatives are generally safe, but they may cause side effects such as loose stools, diarrhoea, and dehydration, especially in elderly or debilitated patients. It is important to follow the directions on the product package and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Smooth Lax is a laxative medication used to treat occasional constipation. It contains polyethylene glycol 3350, which works by increasing the amount of water the intestine absorbs, softening the stool and making it easier to pass.
Miralax is an osmotic laxative that also contains polyethylene glycol 3350. It is used to treat constipation and is available over the counter.
Yes, Smooth Lax is the generic version of Miralax. They both have the same active ingredient, polyethylene glycol 3350, and work in the same way to treat constipation.