Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements. Constipation occurs when your bowel movements become less frequent, and you find it difficult to pass stools. It can also result from not eating enough dietary fiber, not drinking enough fluids, or from blockages in the colon or rectum. The active ingredient in Miralax is Polyethylene Glycol 3350. Polyethylene Glycol 3350 belongs to a class of drugs called osmotic laxatives. It works by holding water in the stool to soften it and increase the number of bowel movements.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Miralax from Canada manufactured by Schering in the strength of 10 sachet packs and 7, 14, and 30 doses. The generic Polyethylene Glycol 3350 is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Miralax. The most common side effects of Miralax may include the following:
• Abdominal cramps;
• Gas;
• Increased sweating;
• Nausea
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Bloody stools;
• Rectal bleeding;
• Severe diarrhea;
• Severe stomach pain
These are not all of the side effects of Miralax. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Miralax if you are allergic to Polyethylene Glycol 3350 or any ingredient in Miralax. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia;
• Have had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted two weeks or longer;
• Have irritable bowel syndrome;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have nausea or vomiting that doesn’t go away;
• Have ulcerative colitis
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Miralax and other medicines, like albuterol, furosemide, prednisone, trazodone, tramadol, Zofran, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Miralax will harm your unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is unknown if Polyethylene Glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it may affect a nursing infant. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Miralax comes as a powder. Measure your recommended dose with the medicine cap on the bottle and pour a cold or hot beverage into 4 to 8 ounces (120 to 240 milliliters). You can use water, juice, coffee, soda, or tea. Stir the mixture until it completely dissolves, and drink immediately. Do not save it for later. You should experience a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using Polyethylene glycol 3350. Do not use this drug more than once per day. If you still feel constipated or have irregular bowel movements after using this drug for seven days in a row, contact your doctor. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.