Miralax

(Polyethylene Glycol)

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4.0/ 5 average rating with 226 reviewsforMiralax
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Helps get things moving.

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Our bottom line

Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) provides effective relief of constipation without "cramping" your style.

Quick facts about Miralax
  • Drug class: Gastrointestinal
  • Rx status: Over-the-counter
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (polyethylene glycol)

Upsides

  • Miralax is the most recommended laxative by pharmacists and doctors.
  • Most people felt it was worth the hassle.
  • It's gluten and sugar free.
  • It causes little to no cramping, bloating, gas, or feelings like you "have to go right now" compared to some other medicines to treat constipation.
  • Works differently than other over-the-counter laxatives so it's a great alternative if other medicines haven't worked.
People’s experience with Miralax

226reviews so far. What do you think?

Downsides

  • You have to dissolve Miralax in a beverage and drink it versus taking a pill.
  • It's not for children 16 years or younger.
  • Miralax doesn't work overnight. It can take up to 2-4 days to have a bowel movement.
  • It's not recommended that you take it for more than a week, so it you haven't had any success, you'll need to call your doctor for other laxative options.
How it works

Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) is an osmotic laxative. It uses osmosis to keep more water in your intestine, which softens your stool and makes it easier to pass.

Quick facts about Miralax
  • Drug class: Gastrointestinal
  • Rx status: Over-the-counter
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (polyethylene glycol)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Liquid
People’s experience with Miralax

226reviews so far. What do you think?

Prices and coupons

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Side effect rates for Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol)

Risks and Warnings for Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › Taking with medications that cause electrolyte imbalance
    • › Age 60 or older

    Taking too much Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) or taking it for too long can cause changes in your electrolytes. Electrolytes help your body function properly. Make sure you take Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) as directed on the product label or by your doctor or pharmacist.

Common concerns from people taking Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol)

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Pregnancy

Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.

See the FDA package insertSee pregnancy safe medications
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.
FDA pregnancy category for Miralax
CWeigh risks vs. benefits
Food
  • Talk to you doctor about eating certain foods and getting more exercise to help prevent your constipation.
Weight
  • Doesn't cause as much bloating, cramping or feelings like you "have to go right now" as other medicines to treat constipation.
  • It causes little to no cramping, bloating, gas, or feelings like you "have to go right now" compared to some other medicines to treat constipation.
  • Not worth it
    Reviewed Polyethylene glycolon 10/7/2017It made me lose weight that I needed to keep.
    65
    Woman
    A year or so
    Chronic constipation