
Miralax is a brand-name, over-the-counter powder used to treat constipation. It is FDA-approved and 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.
The powder comes in bottles or single-serve packets and is mixed with 4 to 8 ounces of water, juice, or other liquids. The recommended dosage for adults is 17 grams, which can be measured using the provided cap or device. It is intended to be taken once daily and can be mixed with water or another beverage.
One of the common side effects of Miralax is diarrhoea or loose stools. This side effect may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. However, if it persists or becomes more severe, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Miralax works by drawing water into the colon, softening the stool, and stimulating the colon to contract, which helps ease bowel movements. It usually takes 1 to 3 days for Miralax to cause a bowel movement.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Consistency | Watery, soft, thin, loose |
Appearance | Pebbles, pellets, small balls |
Colour | Black |
What You'll Learn
- Miralax is a brand-name, over-the-counter powder used to treat constipation
- Miralax is FDA-approved to treat constipation and is typically used for short-term treatment
- Miralax is also used for colonoscopy bowel preparation
- Miralax can cause mild or serious side effects such as diarrhoea, dehydration, allergic reactions, bloating, nausea, and headaches
- Miralax is approved for over-the-counter use in adults and adolescents aged 17 and older
Miralax is a brand-name, over-the-counter powder used to treat constipation
Miralax is a laxative solution that increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements. It contains the active ingredient polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) and belongs to the osmotic laxatives drug class. It is not to be used by those with a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage, as it could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects. It is also not recommended for people with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia without a doctor's advice.
The typical dosage of Miralax for adults is 17 grams, which comes with a measuring cap or device to help determine the correct dose. It is mixed and dissolved in 4 to 8 ounces of water or another beverage and consumed once daily. It usually takes 1 to 3 days to cause a bowel movement. It is important to note that Miralax should not be used more than once per day, and if constipation persists after 7 days of use, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Miralax can cause mild or serious side effects, including diarrhea or loose stools, dehydration, allergic reactions, bloating, nausea, and headaches. It is important to follow the instructions on the package or consult a doctor for the correct dosage and usage.
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Miralax is FDA-approved to treat constipation and is typically used for short-term treatment
Miralax is an FDA-approved over-the-counter medication for treating constipation and is typically used for short-term treatment. It is a brand-name powder that contains the active ingredient polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) and belongs to the osmotic laxatives drug class. It works by drawing water into the colon, softening the stool, and stimulating bowel movements. The usual adult dosage is 17 grams mixed with 8 fluid ounces of water, juice, or another beverage, taken once daily. It is important to note that Miralax is intended for short-term treatment, and chronic constipation may require evaluation by a doctor, who can determine the best course of treatment.
The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) recommends Miralax for the short- and long-term treatment of constipation in children. However, it is important to consult a doctor before administering Miralax to children, as the manufacturer does not provide dosage information for this age group. The dosage for children will depend on their age and weight, and a doctor can provide specific instructions. It is worth noting that Miralax is approved for over-the-counter use in adults and adolescents aged 17 years and older.
Miralax is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause mild to severe side effects. The more common side effects include diarrhea, loose stools, bloating, gas, and upset stomach. These side effects typically go away within a few days or weeks and can be managed by adjusting the dosage. However, it is important to contact a doctor if these side effects persist or become severe.
Additionally, in rare cases, Miralax can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and it may also lead to dehydration, especially in older adults. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed it, as taking more than the recommended amount can increase the risk of side effects. If any severe side effects occur, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
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Miralax is also used for colonoscopy bowel preparation
Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) is a brand-name, over-the-counter powder that is FDA-approved to treat constipation. It is also used for colonoscopy bowel preparation. Colonoscopies are tests that allow doctors to see inside a patient's colon (large intestine) using a colonoscope, which is a flexible tube with a camera on the end. The images are displayed on a video monitor.
To prepare for a colonoscopy using Miralax, patients are advised to follow a low-fibre diet three days before the procedure. This means avoiding foods such as popcorn, nuts, fresh fruits, raw vegetables, or products containing whole wheat or bran. On the day before the colonoscopy, patients should not eat any solid foods and should only consume clear liquids.
On the morning of the day before the procedure, patients should mix 238 grams of Miralax powder with 64 ounces of a room-temperature clear liquid. This mixture should be consumed in 8-ounce cups every 15 minutes until half of it is finished. The remaining half should be consumed on the day of the colonoscopy, a few hours before the procedure.
It is important to note that bowel prep procedures will cause diarrhoea, so patients should stay near a toilet during the procedure. Additionally, patients should follow their doctor's specific instructions for using Miralax and may need to take other medications as part of the colonoscopy preparation.
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Miralax can cause mild or serious side effects such as diarrhoea, dehydration, allergic reactions, bloating, nausea, and headaches
Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) is an over-the-counter powder medication used to treat constipation. It is typically used for short-term treatment but can also be used long-term to treat chronic constipation. It is also used for colonoscopy bowel preparation.
Mild Side Effects
Miralax can cause mild side effects, including:
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Headaches
These side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they're more severe or don't go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
Miralax can also cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:
- Dehydration: Diarrhoea caused by Miralax can lead to fluid loss and dehydration, especially in older adults. Symptoms of dehydration include no tears when crying (in children) and no wet diapers for several hours (in children).
- Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may have an allergic reaction to Miralax, which can include anaphylaxis. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and swollen lips, tongue, or throat.
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Miralax is approved for over-the-counter use in adults and adolescents aged 17 and older
Miralax is a brand-name, over-the-counter powder used to treat constipation. It is FDA-approved for short-term treatment and, in some cases, long-term treatment of chronic constipation. It is approved for over-the-counter use in adults and adolescents aged 17 and older. It is also effective for treating constipation in younger children, including babies younger than 2 years of age. However, it should only be given to young children under the direction of a doctor.
The active ingredient in Miralax is polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350), which belongs to the osmotic laxatives drug class. Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the colon, softening the stool, and stimulating the colon to contract, thereby easing bowel movements.
The typical dosage of Miralax for adults is 17 grams, which comes with a measuring cap or device to help determine the correct dose. It is mixed with 4 to 8 ounces of water or another beverage and consumed once daily. It usually takes 1 to 3 days for Miralax to produce a bowel movement.
It is important to note that Miralax should not be used for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor. Additionally, it should not be used by individuals with a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage, as it could lead to dangerous or life-threatening side effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Miralax is a brand-name, over-the-counter powder that is used to treat constipation. It is typically used for short-term treatment but can also be used long-term in some cases.
Miralax 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.
The texture of your poop can vary depending on your overall health, diet, and lifestyle. However, healthy stool is typically soft and formed, making it easier to move out of the rectum.
Miralax can cause diarrhea or loose stools, which may be watery and thin. This is because it absorbs water within the intestine, resulting in liquid-quality stools.