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MiraLAX® OTC is a laxative that, until fairly recently, has only been available to patients with a prescription. MiraLAX® OTC is a powdered form of a substance called polyethylene glycol 3350. It has many advantages over other OTC laxatives and should be very beneficial to patients now that it's available as an over-the-counter product.
Constipation is something that few people would like to talk about, but many people are affected by it. About one out of every four Americans is affected by constipation, so it's not a rare condition by any means. Being constipated does not necessarily mean you have a serious condition. In fact, constipation can be caused by simple changes in your lifestyle including changes in diet, not drinking enough fluids, or too much stress and/or anxiety. Constipation can even be caused by many different medications including opioids used for pain, or antihistamines that are commonly used for allergies. Constipation doesn't just mean that you can't have a bowel movement. You could also just be going less frequently than normal, which is generally referred to as being "irregular."
MiraLAX® OTC works by bringing water into the bowel making the stool softer and easier to pass. It doesn't stimulate the bowel like some of the other medications, so there are fewer incidences of side effects like bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.
The usual dose of MiraLAX® OTC is 17 grams (1 capful) once daily. It can be
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mixed with a variety of drinks including water, tea, coffee, soda, or your favorite juice or sports drink. MiraLAX® OTC is tasteless and mixes completely with whatever drink you choose. It is not gritty like some of the other common powders that are used to relieve constipation. The dose can be taken any time of day, with or without food, but should probably be taken in the morning to decrease the chances of having to get up in the night to use the restroom. MiraLAX® OTC can also be used to prepare the bowel for an examination, such as a colonoscopy, but this use should be discussed with your physician.
While MiraLAX® OTC has fewer or less frequent side effects, they can still occur. Common side effects include: mild bloating, cramping, flatulence, nausea, and diarrhea. Itching may be a sign of an allergic reaction, so if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, do not use MiraLAX® OTC. It can take about 3-4 days for MiraLAX® OTC to work, and it shouldn't be used longer than one or two weeks. Contact your physician if symptoms don't improve after use.
MiraLAX® OTC is available in three different package sizes: 119 gram, 238 gram, and 510 gram bottles. In general, it is less expensive as an over-the-counter product than even the generic prescription form of MiraLAX®. MiraLAX® OTC can be stored at room temperature. The bottle does not have to be refrigerated after opening, however, once you've mixed your dose, you should take the entire dose all at one time.
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There are no documented drug interactions with MiraLAX® OTC. Using other laxatives with MiraLAX® OTC, however, may increase the risk of diarrhea and other unwanted side effects. If you are pregnant or are breast-feeding, contact your physician before using MiraLAX® OTC. It should only be used in children after contacting your physician as well. Do not use MiraLAX® OTC if you have kidney disease except under the direct supervision of your doctor. The elderly may be at higher risk for dehydration, so monitor use in older patients.
MiraLAX® OTC has many advantages over other over-the-counter laxative products including fewer side effects and practically no food or drug interactions. The cap serves as the measuring device, so it's very easy to get the correct dose. Now that it's available over-the-counter, it offers a more convenient and readily available solution for those patients affected by constipation. For additional information talk with your pharmacist or physician or visit www.miralax.com.
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