Pharmacist's Verdict
Miralax is a highly effective and generally gentle laxative, making it a good choice for both occasional constipation and longer-term use when directed by a doctor.
Ingredient Analysis
Polyethylene Glycol 3350
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very effective at relieving constipation by softening stools and making them easier to pass.
- Generally well-tolerated and less likely to cause sudden cramping or urgency compared to stimulant laxatives.
- Mixes easily into various liquids (like water, juice, coffee) without changing taste or texture.
- Considered safe for long-term use under a doctor's guidance, unlike some other laxatives.
- Widely recommended by doctors and pharmacists as a first-line treatment for constipation.
Cons
- May take 1 to 3 days to fully work, so it's not for immediate relief of constipation.
- Can cause side effects like gas, bloating, nausea, and stomach cramps in some people.
- Should not be used if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol.
- Requires speaking to a doctor before use if you have kidney disease, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, a sudden change in bowel habits lasting over two weeks, or irritable bowel syndrome.
- It's always wise to check with a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other prescription medications to avoid potential interactions, although Miralax typically has few.
Safety Information
Warnings
Warnings Allergy alert Do not use if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol Do not use if you have kidney disease, except under the advice and supervision of a doctor Ask a doctor before use if you have nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over 2 weeks irritable bowel syndrome Ask a doctor of pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug When using this product you may have loose, watery, more frequent stools Stop use and ask a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or you nausea, bloating or cramping or abdominal pain gets worse. These may be signs of a serious condition. you get diarrhea you need to use a laxative for longer than 1 week If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of the reach of childre…
Is Miralax safe for you?
See pregnancy, interactions, and common concerns answered in our pharmacist safety FAQ.
Read safety review →References
- 1.FDA Drug Label — purelax
FDA DailyMed: purelax · FDA
- 2.FDA Drug Label — MiraLAX Orange Flavor
FDA DailyMed: MiraLAX Orange Flavor · FDA
- 3.Over-the-counter laxative polyethylene glycol 3350: an evidence-based appraisal.
Zurad EG, Johanson JF, Current medical research and opinion, 2011 · PubMed
- 4.OTC polyethylene glycol 3350 and pharmacists' role in managing constipation.
Horn JR, Mantione MM, Johanson JF, Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA, 2012 · PubMed
- 5.Pediatric constipation therapy using guidelines and polyethylene glycol 3350.
Bell EA, Wall GC, The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 2004 · PubMed
- 6.PubMed article
Gartlehner G, Jonas DE, Morgan LC, et al., , 2007 · PubMed