{"id":627818,"date":"2024-05-07T09:30:48","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T13:30:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627818"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:58:34","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:58:34","slug":"best-time-to-take-miralax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-time-to-take-miralax\/","title":{"rendered":"When is the best time to take MiraLAX?"},"content":{"rendered":"

MiraLAX (<\/span>polyethylene glycol 3350<\/span><\/a>) is a brand-name laxative used to treat occasional constipation. It is an osmotic stool-softening medication, which means it works by drawing water into the colon to soften stool and ease bowel movement naturally. It acts differently from stimulant laxatives like <\/span>Senokot (senna)<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Dulcolax (bisacodyl)<\/span><\/a>, which <\/span>act on the inner lining of the intestinal tract<\/span><\/a>, causing contractions that help push out stool. This over-the-counter medication may also be used for <\/span>bowel preparation and cleansing<\/span><\/a> in patients preparing for a colonoscopy, a procedure to examine the large intestine.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is <\/span>no one best time to take MiraLAX<\/span><\/a>; morning or evening works. However, it is <\/span>designed to be taken in one dose daily<\/span><\/a>. Keep reading to learn more about how to use MiraLAX safely and effectively to minimize side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

When is the best time to take MiraLax?<\/span><\/h2>\n

“<\/span>MiraLAX<\/span><\/a> is a once-a-day laxative; take it either in the morning or evening, with or without food, following your doctor’s advice,” says <\/span>Raj Dasgupta, MD<\/span><\/a>, internist and associate professor of clinical medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Pick a time of day that suits your routine and stick to it. Consistency, or taking the medication at the same time each day, is important.<\/span><\/p>\n

“MiraLAX is intended for the short-term treatment of <\/span>constipation<\/span><\/a>,” says Dr. Dasgupta. You can use it for up to seven days, although the active ingredient in MiraLAX typically produces a bowel movement within <\/span>1-3 days<\/span><\/a>. If your constipation lasts longer than one week, you should be evaluated by your healthcare provider to determine other treatment options.<\/span><\/p>\n

How much MiraLAX can I take?<\/span><\/h2>\n

“It is not recommended to take MiraLAX more than once per day, as it can come with some side effects, including diarrhea, bloating, and nausea,” says <\/span>Jordan Calabrese, MD<\/span><\/a>, medical director of <\/span>Sana Lake Recovery<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each dose of MiraLAX contains <\/span>17 grams of powdered<\/span><\/a> polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 that should be dissolved in four to eight ounces of liquid before drinking. <\/span>Do not mix with starch-based thickeners<\/span><\/a> used for difficulty swallowing.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Overdosing on MiraLAX is highly unlikely, but if you overstep the recommended dosage, you can experience some side effects like diarrhea, which could lead to dehydration,” Dr. Calabrese adds. Other <\/span>symptoms of an overdose<\/span><\/a> may include thirst, seizures, and confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can I take MiraLAX with my other medications?<\/span><\/h2>\n

MiraLAX powder does not <\/span><\/a>contain inactive ingredients, is gluten-free, and doesn’t contain sugar or preservatives. Polyethylene glycol has <\/span>no significant interactions<\/span><\/a> at doses used for constipation. It should not be taken at the same time as other supplements or prescription drugs because it may affect their absorption.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the side effects of MiraLAX?<\/span><\/h2>\n

MiraLAX is generally <\/span>safe and well-tolerated<\/span><\/a> when used correctly. It is FDA approved for treating constipation in children and adults aged 17 years and older. Ask a healthcare provider for children younger than 17 years of age. However, it can cause common side effects <\/span>like<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n