What is miralax

Taking Citrucel without adequate liquid can cause choking. Be sure to take Citrucel with at least eight ounces of liquid. MiraLAX and Citrucel are both effective for constipation. Both products usually take one to three days to cause a bowel movement. Guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommend increasing dietary fiber or using fiber supplements such as Citrucel as a first-choice option to prevent and treat constipation, including chronic constipation.

The guidelines also recommend osmotic laxatives such as MiraLAX for treating constipation, including chronic constipation. PediaLax magnesium hydroxide reduces acid levels in the stomach. It also works like an osmotic laxative. It draws water into the colon, which softens the stool and can naturally stimulate the colon to contract. These effects help produce a bowel movement. This comparison addresses only the chewable tablet form of PediaLax.

MiraLAX is approved for over-the-counter use in adults and children aged 17 years and older. When recommended or prescribed by a doctor, it may also be used in younger children with ages ranging from under 2 years to 16 years. PediaLax is used for short-term treatment of constipation. If your child has kidney problems, they should not use PediaLax. This product can cause high magnesium levels in the body, which can cause dangerous side effects such as:.

Products that contain magnesium hydroxide, such as PediaLax, are recommended as second-choice options. Another difference between the two products is how long they take to work. PediaLax, on the other hand, usually causes a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours. They may want to evaluate your child to determine the cause of constipation.

Drinking alcohol, especially excessive drinking, can cause stomach problems and might worsen side effects caused by MiraLAX, such as:. MiraLAX can interact with several other medications. You may also wonder how it might interact with fiber and certain foods.

Below is a list of medications that can interact with MiraLAX. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with MiraLAX. Different drug interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects. Before taking MiraLAX, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take.

Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

MiraLAX and other laxatives can sometimes cause electrolyte imbalances. Certain diuretics can also cause these problems. Taking laxatives with diuretics might increase the risk of serious side effects caused by electrolyte imbalances, such as muscle weakness and heart rhythm problems.

Certain medications prolong your QT interval, which means they might affect the rhythm of your heartbeat.

These imbalances can increase the risk of a serious heart arrhythmia in people who have a prolonged QT interval. If you have electrolyte imbalances caused by MiraLAX or other laxatives, you should not take medications that prolong the QT interval. MiraLAX bowel prep procedures may decrease the amount of these drugs that your body absorbs. Many people take daily fiber products to prevent constipation or for general digestive health. Fiber products are usually a first choice for preventing and treating constipation.

MiraLAX powder should be added to four to eight ounces of water or other liquids. These other liquids can include milk or coffee. MiraLAX can be mixed with and consumed in milk. Be sure to mix it with at least four to eight ounces of milk. MiraLAX can be mixed with and consumed in coffee. Be sure to mix it with at least four to eight ounces of coffee.

MiraLAX is classified as an osmotic laxative, not a stool softener. However, both products do soften the stool. Osmotic laxatives do this by drawing water into the colon large intestine. Stool softeners do it by drawing water into the stool itself. Yes, MiraLAX is a laxative. This means it works by drawing water into the colon. Yes, you can take MiraLAX with fiber. Many people take fiber daily to prevent constipation and for general digestive health. Over-the-counter MiraLAX and other laxatives are usually only recommended for short-term use, up to a week.

If your constipation lasts longer than a week, you should see your doctor. Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend long-term use of MiraLAX or other treatments.

MiraLAX is not available in prescription form. Similar products such as GoLytely are available by prescription from a doctor. MiraLAX is sometimes used after surgery to prevent and treat constipation. Your doctor may want to evaluate the cause of your symptoms. Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend MiraLAX or other treatments. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Before taking MiraLAX, talk with your doctor about your health history. MiraLAX may not be appropriate for you if you have certain medical conditions.

Each MiraLAX package is given an expiration date by the manufacturer of the product. This date is printed on the package. The purpose of the expiration date is to guarantee the effectiveness of the medication during this time.

However, an FDA study showed that many medications may still be good beyond the expiration date listed on the bottle. How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where the medication is stored.

MiraLAX should be stored at room temperature in its original container. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk to your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it. In the gastrointestinal tract, it retains water in the colon and within the stool.

The increased water in the colon may also naturally stimulate contraction. MiraLAX increases stool weight, softens the stool, and increases stool frequency.

When taken orally, less than 0. The remainder of the oral dose is recovered in the stool. MiraLAX is not fermented or metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract. Swipe to learn more about constipation, which can include things like: 1 1 T.

No bowel movements in the past 24 hours. Fewer than three bowel movements in a week. Loose stools are rarely present without the use of laxatives. Learn More. Step 2 Mix into anything from water to your favorite smoothie. Read More Reviews.

Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. To use the powder form of this medicine, measure your dose with the medicine cap on the bottle.

This cap should contain dose marks on the inside of it. Pour the powder into 4 to 8 ounces of a cold or hot beverage such as water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea.

Stir this mixture and drink it right away. Do not save for later use. Polyethylene glycol should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using the medication. Polyethylene glycol normally causes loose or even watery stools. Do not use polyethylene glycol more than once per day. Call your doctor if you are still constipated or irregular after using this medication for 7 days in a row.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Safety of polyethylene glycol solution in chronic constipation: randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Clin Exp Gastroenterol. Cleveland Clinic. Polyethylene glycol powder. Updated July Polyethylene Glycol Medline Plus. Chapman R, et. American Journal of Gastroenterology. Ford A, et. Liu, L. Chronic constipation: Current treatment options. Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

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