MiraLAX (Polyethylene Glycol 3350 - OTC) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images 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 Side Effects

Brand Names: GlycoLax, MiraLax

Generic Name: polyethylene glycol 3350 (Pronunciation: pol ee ETH il een GLYE kol)

What is polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX)?

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

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX)?

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

Stop taking polyethylene glycol 3350 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 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.

What is the most important information I should know about 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 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.

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.

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