Some Side Effects Can Be Serious The Following Symptoms Are Uncommon But If You Experience Either Of Them Call Your Doctor Immediately:
- diarrhea
- hives
Polyethylene glycol 3350 may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .
What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Common Causes Of Constipation In Older Adults
Like many problems that affect older adults, constipation is often multifactorial, or due to multiple causes and risk factors.
To have a normal bowel movement, the body needs to do the following:
- Move fecal material through the colon without excess delay .
- Coordinate a defecation response when stool moves down to the rectum, which requires properly working nerves and pelvic muscles.
As people get older, it becomes increasingly common to develop difficulties with one or both of these physical processes. Such problems can be caused or worsened by:
- Medication side-effects
- Insufficient dietary fiber
- Psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, or even fear of pain during the bowel movement
- Very low levels of physical activity
- Mechanical obstruction, which means that the colon or rectum or their proper function is impaired by some kind of mass, lump, narrowing, or another physical factor
- A tumor can cause this problem, but there are also non-cancerous reasons that a person can develop a mechanical obstruction affecting the bowels.
Recommended Reading: Can I Get Dog Antibiotics Over The Counter
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Miralax
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, or if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have any of these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from polyethylene glycol 3350.
People with eating disorders should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain
- ulcerative colitis
- irritable bowel syndrome
- kidney disease or
- if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Miralax: Ingredients Uses Dosage Side Effects Warnings
MiraLAX is a brand of polyethylene glycol 3350, a laxative used to treat occasional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome . MiraLax is manufactured by Bayer, and was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in February 1999.
Basically, osmotic agents, such as polyethylene glycol found in MiraLAX, work naturally with the water in the colon to unblock a personâs system. Soluble, non-absorbable PEG 3350 hydrates, softens and eases stools by gently attracting water in the colon through a process known as osmosis. The water increases stool volume and stretches the wall of the bowel, triggering the defecation reflex so the digestive system can be unblocked naturally.
How long does it take for miralax to work?
MiraLAX should start working within one to four days after commencement of treatment. Osmotic laxatives like MiraLAX contain substances that are poorly absorbable and draw water into the lumen of the bowel. Polyethylene glycol functions as an osmotic laxative that causes increased water retention in the lumen of the colon by binding to water molecules, thereby producing loose stools. Because it works naturally with the water in your body without causing harsh side effects, you do not need to worry about sudden urgency.
What is the most important information I should know about MiraLAX?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking MiraLAX?
Recommended Reading: Antibiotic For Ibs Treatment Shows Promise
Does Miralax Cause Side Effects
Miralax is an osmotic laxative used to treat occasional constipation and for bowel preparation prior to procedures.
Miralax works by retaining water in the stool, resulting in softer stools and more frequent bowel movements. Miralax does not affect glucose and electrolytes in the body.
Common side effects of Miralax include
- severe and worsening stomach pain.
No drug interactions have been established with Miralax.
It is unknown if Miralax will harm a fetus. It is unknown if Miralax enters breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Miralax Side Effects List For Healthcare Professionals
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
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 need to use a laxative for longer than 1 week
If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.
Keep out of the reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Also Check: Best Antibiotic For Cough With Phlegm
Why Does Constipation Happen
Opioid pain medications, like hydrocodone/acetaminophen and acetaminophen/codeine , are a common cause of medication-induced constipation. Thats because they can affect certain nerves in the gastrointestinal tract. This results in the slowing of peristaltic movements that normally move food along.
Opioids also cause the body to absorb more water from the intestines, making stool drier and harder. Plus, they can affect the muscle that keeps stool inside the rectum, making it harder to poop.
Some OTC pain relievers can also cause constipation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are one example. Theyre commonly linked to GI problems, but constipation is a lesser-known side effect. If youre occasionally taking NSAIDs for pain, this may not be an issue. However, if youre taking them almost every day, constipation is more likely to be an issue.
Anticholinergic medications can affect the muscle movements that help food move along your GI tract. So they also carry the risk of constipation. These include tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and overactive bladder medications, to name a few. Like NSAIDs, constipation may not be an issue if youre taking antihistamines occasionally. But this risk may go up with daily use.
What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture .
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Recommended Reading: What Oral Antibiotics Treat Bv
Taking Miralaxinterfering With Other Drugs Esp B/c
- #1 09-14-2009 01:56 PM by Daises28I take Miralax generally everyday at night…I take my meds at night too but most important my birth control. I took my meds about an hour after taking my Miralax, will that do anything to the absorption process of my medications??? I’m on meds for anxiety as well so I am just as concerned. Also laying down afer taking a medication does that do anything to the absorption process too???? Thank you
- #2 09-14-2009 02:57 PM by pmassieRe: Miralax and drug interactionQuote:Originally Posted by Daises28I take Miralax generally everyday at night…I take my meds at night too but most important my birth control. I took my meds about an hour after taking my Miralax, will that do anything to the absorption process of my medications??? I’m on meds for anxiety as well so I am just as concerned. Also laying down afer taking a medication does that do anything to the absorption process too???? Thank you Try to remain sitting, standing at least 20min before lying down.
- #3 09-15-2009 09:51 AM by ibake& prayRe: Taking Miralax..interfering with other drugs esp b/c?I take Miralax every day also. But I take it in the morning about 30 minutes after I have taken my pills. I’m a CP and take heavy duty meds and I don’t notice any problem with taking the Miralax that close to my pills. If it bothers you, take it in the morning instead of at night. It won’t affect you any differently, and it should take away your worry about absortion with your pills.
Miralax For Colonoscopy Prep
Your doctor may recommend MiraLAX for colonoscopy bowel preparation. This is a procedure thats used to clear out the contents of your gastrointestinal tract before you have a colonoscopy. For this purpose, MiraLAX is sometimes used by itself or in combination with other laxatives.
If your doctor would like you to use MiraLAX for bowel prep, theyll recommend a specific way to use it. Be sure to follow your doctors instructions. To give you an idea of what they might be like, heres an example of bowel prep instructions:
- The day before your colonoscopy:
- Begin a clear liquid diet.
- At 12 pm , take two laxative tablets such as Dulcolax. Also at this time, mix 8.3 ounces of MiraLAX in 64 ounces of a liquid such as Gatorade. This mixture should be refrigerated.
- At 5:00 pm, drink an 8-ounce glass of the MiraLAX-Gatorade mixture. Do this every 15 minutes until youve consumed a total of four 8-ounce glasses of the mixture .
- The day of your colonoscopy:
- Five hours before the procedure, drink the remaining 32 ounces of the MiraLAX-Gatorade mixture.
- Two hours before the procedure, stop all eating and drinking.
Bowel prep procedures will cause diarrhea. Therefore, you should stay near a toilet as you conduct the procedure.
MiraLAX is classified as an osmotic laxative. This means that it works by drawing water into the colon. The water softens the stool and may naturally stimulate the colon to contract. These actions help ease bowel movements.
You May Like: Can I Take Old Antibiotics
Mechanism Of Action As A Laxative
Macrogol is an osmotically acting laxative that is, an inert substance that passes through the gut without being absorbed into the body. It relieves constipation because it causes water to be retained in the bowel instead of being absorbed into the body. This increases the water content and volume of the stools in the bowel, making them softer and easier to pass, as well as improving gut motility.
This Commonly Prescribed Drug Comes With A Long List Of Potential Interactions We Asked The Experts What To Steer Clear Of While Taking The Antibiotic
by Health Writer
Every drug has the potential to interact with something else youre ingesting , and the antibiotic cephalexin is no different. Thats the reason your physician should ask you what else youre taking before prescribing it .
If youve never heard of cephalexin, it is whats called a cephalosporin antibiotic. These commonly prescribed antibiotics are used to treat respiratory infections , urinary tract infections, skin infections, and more. Cephalexin is considered a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, which means it targets only specific strains of bacteria.
If you do a quick internet search on the drug, youll see a laundry list of potentially problematic medications and supplements that cause negative health issues when taken with cephalexin. But experts say many of these side effects are unlikely, and some are more common than others.
A big one to be aware of: If youre taking the , which lowers blood sugar levels, cephalexin can be a problem, says Alia Aaeedy, the director of pharmacy at Texas Surgical Hospital in Plano, Texas. Cephalexin is known to increase the serum levels of metformin, she says. If you take the two drugs together, you will need blood monitoring since metformin serum levels that are too high can cause your blood sugar to dip dangerously low.
Cephalexin Overview: The Mayo Clinic. . Drug and Supplements: Cephalexin.
Also Check: Can You Beat Strep Throat Without Antibiotics
Miralax For Kids And Babies
MiraLAX is approved for over-the-counter use in adults and adolescents aged 17 years and older. Its also effective for treating constipation in younger children, including babies younger than 2 years of age.
According to the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, MiraLAX is a first-choice medication for treating and preventing constipation in children. However, it shouldnt be used in young children without the direction of your childs doctor.
MiraLAX dosage will depend on several factors. These include:
- the reason MiraLAX is being used
- the age of the person using MiraLAX
Typically, you should use the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. If youre unsure about what dosage to use, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Examples Of Osmotic Laxatives Include:
Theyre all effective at treating medication-induced constipation. Glycerin suppositories work the fastest, while certain oral laxatives, like PEG, can take a few days. But, if youre concerned about side effects, PEG works well and causes less feelings of urgency and cramping compared to other options. If you have kidney problems, check with your healthcare provider before using an osmotic laxative.
Read Also: How To Get Gut Health Back After Antibiotics
Medications That Interact With Alcohol
There are hundreds of medications that interact with alcohol. Here is a short list of the most common prescription and OTC drugs that can pose a risk to your health if mixed with alcohol, as well as what can happen if the substances are combined.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive and may not include every medication you are taking. If you are not sure if you can safely drink alcohol while taking a certain medication, read the label carefully and consult with your pharmacist or doctor.
Common Signs And Symptoms
Constipation can generally be diagnosed when people experience two or more of the following signs, related to at least 25% of their bowel movements:
- straining
- hard or lumpy stools
- a sense of incomplete evacuation
- the need for manual maneuvers
- fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
People often want to know what is considered normal or ideal, when it comes to bowel movements. Although its probably ideal to have a bowel movement every day, its generally considered acceptable to have them every 2-3 days, provided they arent hard, painful, or difficult to pass.
The handy Bristol Stool Scale can be used to describe the consistency of a bowel movement, with Type 4 stool often being considered the ideal .
Constipation is pretty common in the general population and becomes even more so as people get older. Experts estimate that over 65% of people over age 65 experience constipation, with straining being an especially common symptom.
Don’t Miss: What Are Broad Spectrum Antibiotics
Should I Use A Laxative To Treat Constipation
Most of the time, constipation doesnt require treatment with laxatives. It will usually go away on its own. Or you can make changes in your diet and other habits. You can prevent or treat constipation by:
- Eating foods rich in soluble and insoluble fiber .
- Drinking enough fluids.
- Getting enough exercise.
You may try all of these things and still be constipated. That is when taking a laxative may help you.
Medications That Interfere With Birth Control
Birth control failure is much more serious than a Tylenol that hasnt quite cured your headache. If your birth control doesnt work, then you risk an unwanted pregnancy. So, its important to be aware of any medications that may interfere with your contraceptions effectiveness.
Before you take any new medication consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to see if the medication could interfere with your birth control pills.
Don’t Miss: How Much Are Pet Antibiotics
Interaction With Other Medications
Among other medications, laxatives can interact with certain heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications.
This information is often on the label. But to be safe, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the laxative youre considering and how it might interact with the other medications youve been prescribed.
Three Types Of Laxative That Work
There are basically four categories of oral over-the-counter laxative available. Three of them are proven to work. A fourth type is commonly used but actually does not appear to be very effective. Each has a different main mechanism of action.
The three types of OTC laxative that work are:
- Osmotic agents: These include polyethylene glycol , sorbitol, and lactulose. Magnesium-based laxatives also mostly work through this mechanism.
- These work by drawing extra water into the stool, which keeps it softer and easier to move through the bowel.
- Studies have shown osmotic agents to be effective, even for 6-24 months. Research suggests that polyethylene glycol tends to be better tolerated than the other agents.
- Magnesium-based agents should be used with caution in older adults, mainly because its possible to build up risky levels of magnesium if one has decreased kidney function, and mild-to-moderately decreased kidney function is quite common in older adults.
- Stimulant agents: These include senna and bisacodyl .
- These work by stimulating the colon to squeeze and move things along more quickly.
- Studies have shown stimulant laxatives to be effective. They can be used as rescue agents or daily, if needed.
- Bisacodyl is also available in suppository form, and can be used this way as a rescue agent.
And now, lets address the type of OTC laxative that is least likely to work.
The type of OTC laxative that isnt really effective is a stool softener, such as docusate sodium .
Also Check: Antibiotics For Sinus Infection Pregnant
