For colonoscopy prep my MD wants me to use Miralax 2x per day for 5 days before using the big purge. Is this safe?
My bowel prep instructiions require Miralax 2x per day 5 days. OK?
Question posted by calimd on 7 Sep 2011
Last updated on 9 January 2018
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Answers
sideways
9 Sep 2011
Yes, I take 3x per day every day with no problems.
Inactive
10 Sep 2011
Wow Sideways - that is a lot of a powerful laxative to take on an ongoing basis. This laxative contains either propylene or polyethylene glycol (can't remember which but I am allergic to all glycols, which is how I know). Glycols are industrial waste that are used as preservatives and stabilizers in a lot of things. Ethylene glycol is antifreeze, polyethylene glycol is used, in a large concentration, in this laxative. Just as ethylene glycol is poisonous to your body, so is the polyethylene glycol and your bowel tries to rid you of it, thus giving you a bowel movement. Taking it for 5 days will cause the author of this question to get really cleaned out, which is what they need for a colonoscopy. But by taking this laxative every day you are, in Essence, poisoning yourself and causing your bowel to be completely dependent on it. I say this to caution you and make you aware of this.
I understand that those of us on opiates for chronic pain or other meds sometimes have no other choice. Just be sure my friend that you know what you are in for which, at the least, is a bowel that will not function without an incredibly large dose of an irritant. The toxic effects of glycols are terrible, but are usually taken in very small amounts and are "generally recognized as safe" according to the FDA, other than the rapidly increasing amount of people that are having life-threatening reactions to them. Go see a gastroenterologist - see if there is any other way - I would hate to see you poisioned by this, or have a nonfunctioning bowel. I send you this message in all sincerity - if you want me to just mind my own business I will but I feel i need to make you aware. Take care -
FG2ROSIE
9 Jan 2018
my doctor told me to take miralax 2-3 times a day
Inactive
9 Jan 2018
It’s your body that is being poisoned - your choice. I use Vit C and magnesium for constipation - it works. My GI docs approve, but I had to bring it up.
Inactive
9 Sep 2011
For a colonoscopy, the colon and bowel have to be completely clear of feces, otherwise the doctor cannot observe the wall of the colon to check for abnormalities. Normally the prep for a colonoscopy is to severely irritate the colon so that all feces will be evacuated. You could not do this regime on an ongoing basis but for a short period of time, such as this time prepping for the colonoscopy, it is alright. Be certain to drink lots and lots of liquids so you don't get dehydrated. Your body will revert back to normal soon enough. If you are greatly concerned, by all means contact your doctor to confirm this. Best wishes -
Related topics
miralax, purge, bowel preparation, colonoscopy
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