Miralax/ Gycolax/ Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Polyethylene glycol is a non-absorbable and non-digestible laxative sold under the trade name of Miralax, or as the generic alternative Glycolax. It is used to treat or prevent constipation. It is available over the counter.
- Miralax increases the water content of stool.
- The standard dose is 17 grams (metered capful that comes with the container).
- Miralax is typically taken once a day by mouth, although the dose may be adjusted higher.
- It comes as a powder which is dissolved in 8 ounces of fluid.
- You can take this medication on a full or empty stomach.
- Although Miralax doesn’t have any known drug interactions, other medications should not be taken at the same time as Miralax .Other medication may not be digested and absorbed as well.
- Miralax should produce a bowel movement in 2 to 4 days.
Dosing Instructions
The bottle has a measuring cap that is marked with a line. Pour the powder into the cap up to the marked line (the dose is about 1 heaping tablespoon). Add the powder in the cap to a full glass (8 ounces) of water, juice, soda, coffee or tea. Mix powder well and drink the solution.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next does on the normal schedule. Do not take double or extra doses without consulting your healthcare provider.
Some side effects may occur which should be reported to your health care provider immediately are; Diarrhea, difficulty breathing, itching of the skin, hives, skin rash, severe bloating, pain distension of the stomach, or vomiting
Some side effects that usually do not require immediate medical attention are; bloating , lower abdominal discomfort, cramps, nausea, or passing extra gas. Some of these symptoms will decrease over time. Please contact your healthcare professional if symptoms do not improve or become worst.
After starting on Miralax, it can take from 2-4 days to have a bowel movement or experience improvement in constipation. If it has been 3 or more days since having a bowel movement, you should clean your bowels out first before starting Miralax.
Always drink plenty of decaffeinated fluid with this medication.
Information provided by the Michigan Bowel Control Program, April 2007
