MiraLAX (Polyethylene Glycol 3350 - OTC) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

MiraLAX

Constipation »

Constipation facts

Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week.
Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon.
There are many causes of constipation including medications, poor bowel habits, low fiber diets, abuse of laxatives, hormonal disorders, and diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon.
The two disorders limited to the colon that cause constipation are colonic inertia and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Medical evaluation for the cause of constipation should be done when constipation is of sudden onset, severe, worsening, associated with other worrisome symptoms such as loss of weight, or is not responding to simple, safe treatments.
Medical evaluation of constipation may include a history, physical examinatio...

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MiraLAX User Reviews >>

MiraLAX

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MiraLAX Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX)?

Do not use this medication 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 polyethylene glycol 3350.

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

Before taking polyethylene glycol 3350, 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 this medication.

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

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

How should I take polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX)?

Use this medication 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 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 3350 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 polyethylene glycol 3350 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 polyethylene glycol 3350 at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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