Question 1

hi doctors. i have been taking miralax for ""slowed"" ""inconsistent"" bms. the directions on the bottle say that i should get a bm in 1 to 3 days--i usually get a bm within 1 hour or so after taking miralax..is that strange? unusual? dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Not usual: Possibly due to MiraLax taken day before or due to so called gastrocoloc reflex. Latter occurs because large bowel and rectum contracts as reflex due to rapid stomach filling. In any case it isn't dangerous and certainly safer than using powerful laxatives.

Question 2

hi. my dr suggested that i take miralax every other day bc of no bm..i get a bm around 1 hour later, but on the directions it says to expect a bm in 1 to 3 days. why do i get bm in such a shorter period of time..is this odd? when do i stop taking it?

Accepted Answer

Some basics: Miralax works in a different way surrounding itself with water that it does not allow the intestines to extract. In doing so it keeps poop soft when you do go. If you went soon after you took it, it was unlikely do the med. It usually takes 2-3 days to move far enough down the gut to do anything. I would take it daily until you are sure you stay regular. Wean off when it suits you.

Question 3

no bm last 5/6 days. taking miralax every other  day for about the last 5/6 days. on the days that i take miralax, i have a bm, but only on those days. is this odd? i'm very nervous something is wrong?

Accepted Answer

Probably OK: If you see your provider annually, you’re most likely OK. If you haven’t yet, go ahead and make an appointment so the provider can review your medication list, check some blood tests (CBC chemistries thyroid) and if necessary , refer to have your intestines checked. But again, if you see your provider regularly everything will probably be fine.

Question 4

what happens if i eat miralax like pixy stix?

Accepted Answer

: It should work that way-it may get absorbed a little differently but it will have the desired effect since the capsule breaks open in your stomach/intestine after you swallow it. If you need help with constipation treatment, see GI. Good luck!

Question 5

have not had a bm in 4 days. will miralax work? is this dangerous?

Accepted Answer

: Miralax is polyethylene glycol, otherwise used as an antifreeze.  Used as directed it is very safe.  If after 48 hours you have not had a BM, consider seeing your physician.

Question 6

should i stop taking miralax if i get diarrhea?

Accepted Answer

: Miralax is a laxative. It stimulates the intestines and bowel to move the stool faster through your system. It should not be taken daily, but only occasionally for the relief of constipation that is resistant to diet and fluid intake changes. If you have diarrhea, do not take a laxative as it can cause electrolyte depletion.

Question 7

how long after you stop taking miralax will the diarrhea stop?

Accepted Answer

: If it is miralax that is causing the diarrhea, it should stop in a day or so.

Question 8

very good afternoon doctors. can you take miralax every day even if you feel fine? is it safe to do this? when should you stop taking it?

Accepted Answer

: I find it safe and effective when used long term (year plus). You can try to wean off dropping a dose every 3rd day, for a week/every other for a week then off if you wish. If it keeps you soft and regular I see no medical reason to stop using it.

Question 9

i am taking miralax every 3 days because of no bm..assuming that the miralax will work, how do i know when to stop or to reduce taking the miralax? should i also take benefiber or metamucil, or should miralax be enough for now?

Accepted Answer

MiraLAX : Adding fiber to your diet along with using supplements like Benefiber or Metamucil are very good for general colon health. In addition MiraLAX can be used on a daily basis until bowel movements are restored and then you can use it less frequently. B sure that you were having your regular colon cancer screening tests through your primary doctor. Daily probiotics over-the-counter also help.

Question 10

the last several times that i have taken miralax i had a bm within one hour, not within 1 to 3 days as bottle says. not for colonoscopy prep..just for occasional not having bm over several days. is having bm only after 1 hour after taking miralax bad?

Accepted Answer

Not bad, good: If you are constipated and get fast relief, this is very good! Celebrate that you can get such a robust response, increase your fluid intake regularly to avoid repeat bouts.  Keep on keeping on

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Doctor answers about:

Directions for taking miralax

A member asked:

Hi doctors. i have been taking miralax for ""slowed"" ""inconsistent"" bms. the directions on the bottle say that i should get a bm in 1 to 3 days--i usually get a bm within 1 hour or so after taking miralax..is that strange? unusual? dangerous?

A member asked:

Hi. my dr suggested that i take miralax every other day bc of no bm..i get a bm around 1 hour later, but on the directions it says to expect a bm in 1 to 3 days. why do i get bm in such a shorter period of time..is this odd? when do i stop taking it?

A member asked:

No bm last 5/6 days. taking miralax every other day for about the last 5/6 days. on the days that i take miralax, i have a bm, but only on those days. is this odd? i'm very nervous something is wrong?

A member asked:

What happens if i eat miralax like pixy stix?

A member asked:

Have not had a bm in 4 days. will miralax work? is this dangerous?

A member asked:

Should i stop taking miralax if i get diarrhea?

A member asked:

How long after you stop taking miralax will the diarrhea stop?

A member asked:

Very good afternoon doctors. can you take miralax every day even if you feel fine? is it safe to do this? when should you stop taking it?

A member asked:

I am taking miralax every 3 days because of no bm..assuming that the miralax will work, how do i know when to stop or to reduce taking the miralax? should i also take benefiber or metamucil, or should miralax be enough for now?

A member asked:

The last several times that i have taken miralax i had a bm within one hour, not within 1 to 3 days as bottle says. not for colonoscopy prep..just for occasional not having bm over several days. is having bm only after 1 hour after taking miralax bad?

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