Miralax

Common use

Miralax is used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements. Miralax is a laxative solution that increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements.

Dosage and direction

To use Miralax powder, 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. Miralax should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using the medication. Polyethylene glycol 3350 normally causes loose or even watery stools.
Do not use Miralax 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.

Precautions

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain; ulcerative colitis; irritable bowel syndrome; kidney disease; or if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer.
It is not known whether Miralax will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Contraindications

You should not use Miralax if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, or if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have any of these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from polyethylene glycol 3350.
People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor.

Possible side effect

Common Miralax side effects may include: bloating, gas, upset stomach; dizziness; or increased sweating.

Drug interaction

Other drugs may interact with Miralax, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children and pets.