MiraLax

Generic Name: polyethylene glycol 3350 (pol ee ETH il een GLYE kol)
Brand Name: GlycoLax, MiraLax

What is MiraLax?

MiraLax (polyethylene glycol 3350) is a laxative solution that increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements.

MiraLax is used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements.

MiraLax may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about MiraLax

Do not use MiraLax if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, or if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have any these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from MiraLax.

People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use MiraLax without the advice of a doctor.

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Before taking MiraLax, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney disease, nausea or vomiting with severe stomach pain, or if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer.

MiraLax should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using the medication. MiraLax 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.

Before taking MiraLax

Do not use MiraLax if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, or if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have any these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from MiraLax.

People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use MiraLax without the advice of a doctor.

Before taking MiraLax, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or 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.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take MiraLax.

FDA pregnancy category C. MiraLax may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

See also: MiraLax pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use MiraLax without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take MiraLax?

Use MiraLax exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

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. MiraLax 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.

Store MiraLax at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

MiraLax Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose of MiraLax for Constipation:

17 g (diluted in 8 fluid ounces water, juice, soda or coffee) orally once a day

Usual Pediatric Dose of MiraLax for Bowel Preparation:

Occasional constipation:
Children greater than 6 months of age: 0.5 to 1.5 g/kg daily (initial dose 0.5 g/kg; titrate to effect)
Maximum dose: 17 g/day

Fecal impaction:
Children greater than 3 years of age: 1 to 1.5 g/kg daily for 3 days
Maximum dose: 100 g daily

Bowel preparation:
Children greater than 2 years of age: 1.5 g/kg/day
Maximum dose: 100 g daily

Usual Pediatric Dose of MiraLax for Constipation -- Acute:

Occasional constipation:
Children greater than 6 months of age: 0.5 to 1.5 g/kg daily (initial dose 0.5 g/kg; titrate to effect)
Maximum dose: 17 g/day

Fecal impaction:
Children greater than 3 years of age: 1 to 1.5 g/kg daily for 3 days
Maximum dose: 100 g daily

Bowel preparation:
Children greater than 2 years of age: 1.5 g/kg/day
Maximum dose: 100 g daily

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, flushing, low blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, drowsiness, coma, and death.

What should I avoid while taking MiraLax?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using MiraLax.

MiraLax side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to MiraLax: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking MiraLax and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe or bloody diarrhea;

• bleeding from your rectum;

• blood in your stools; or

• severe and worsening stomach pain, cramping, or bloating.

Less serious MiraLax side effects may include:

• bloating, gas, upset stomach;

• dizziness; or

• increased sweating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: MiraLax side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect MiraLax?

There may be other drugs that can interact with polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about MiraLax.