Question 1

i have not had a bm in 7 days. i have the pressure to go but when trying...nothing!!  i have taken 2 otc laxatives (correctol) and miralax yesterday and still nothing!! what can i do at this point?? even went to chiropractor for sciatic pressure and he as

Accepted Answer

Evaluation needed: You may have a fecal impaction which may need manual removal. Suggest you seek evaluation at Urgent Care or Emergency department. Thanks for trusting HealthTap!

Question 2

is miralax (polyethylene glycol) safe to use everyday? why doe it require a prescription to buy at boots? and will it give instant relief like an enema?

Accepted Answer

YEs and OTC: Miralax (polyethylene glycol) is a laxative with high fiber content. Can be used daily if one has constipation problem without other GI pathology. Drink plenty of water with it. Can cause Diarrhea if used excessively. It is available OTC,does not require Rx. 
 No it does not give instant relief like enema.

Question 3

good evening doctors. i am a 62 year-old male who gets occasional constipation. my colorectal surgeon suggested that i take miralax. i do not have any left. i will buy more, but i have dulcolax tablets in the house..can i it use the dulcolax instead?

Accepted Answer

: Dulcolax should work fine for occasional constipation. Adding more fiber (plus fluids) to your diet also helps. If you consume a lot of cheese, increased fiber should help. If you're taking any constipating medicines (narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxers, incontinence meds, iron supplements, etc.), consult with your doctor whether non-constipating alternatives are available.

Question 4

i have ibs. what are some otc meds that aid in alleviating constipation? i already take miralax (polyethylene glycol) and benefiber, but am looking for immediate relief.

Accepted Answer

Fleet enemas (sodium bisphosphate) : If you haven't tried it. Lots of fluids and fibers, fruits and veges.

Question 5

is it ok to continue taking metformin even if i don't have polycystic ovaries anymore? is it true it counters the effect of otc pills (weight gain)

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you have Insulin resistance or even diabetes metformin is fine to take.  Some people have lost weight on metformin, perhaps due to GI side effects.  I haven't heard that it can interfere with diet pills but those can be dangerous on their own.

Question 6

can miralax be mixed in milk?

Accepted Answer

YES: However, dissolvs best in water.

Question 7

are prunes and miralax compatible?

Accepted Answer

: Yes.  However, they basically do the same thing.  They both cause the bowels to add water to the stool in order to soften it.  Used in combination, it could lead to diarrhea.

Question 8

does miralax work better if you drink it quickly?

Accepted Answer

Basics: this is a product that works by binding water molecules to its material &amp; not allowing the intestines to extract them as they move through the gut.By mixing with the other digestive debris it keeps poop soft &amp; plyable so you can pass softer stools. How fast you drink it makes no difference in how it works. It often takes 3-4 days for a dose to work through &amp; out of your gut.

Question 9

is it okay to take miralax and exlax at the same time?

Accepted Answer

:  No, it is not ok to take these two laxatives together.  When taken simultaneously the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as ischemic (lack of blood) colitis and ulceration of the colon , though rare, may occur. 
It is always wise the first examine your diet as a cause of constipation.  If this is not effective, contact your physician before self treatment

Question 10

can you take miralax & amitiza together? if so, what would be a safe dose of each. the amitiza i have is the 8 mcg?

Accepted Answer

: Go to drugs.com and enter both into interaction checker and then decide and discuss with your Dr.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Can you buy miralax over the counter

A member asked:

I have not had a bm in 7 days. i have the pressure to go but when trying...nothing!! i have taken 2 otc laxatives (correctol) and miralax yesterday and still nothing!! what can i do at this point?? even went to chiropractor for sciatic pressure and he as

A member asked:

Is miralax (polyethylene glycol) safe to use everyday? why doe it require a prescription to buy at boots? and will it give instant relief like an enema?

A member asked:

Good evening doctors. i am a 62 year-old male who gets occasional constipation. my colorectal surgeon suggested that i take miralax. i do not have any left. i will buy more, but i have dulcolax tablets in the house..can i it use the dulcolax instead?

A member asked:

I have ibs. what are some otc meds that aid in alleviating constipation? i already take miralax (polyethylene glycol) and benefiber, but am looking for immediate relief.

A member asked:

Is it ok to continue taking metformin even if i don't have polycystic ovaries anymore? is it true it counters the effect of otc pills (weight gain)

A member asked:

Can miralax be mixed in milk?

A member asked:

Are prunes and miralax compatible?

A member asked:

Does miralax work better if you drink it quickly?

A member asked:

Is it okay to take miralax and exlax at the same time?

A member asked:

Can you take miralax & amitiza together? if so, what would be a safe dose of each. the amitiza i have is the 8 mcg?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?