Sons on miralax, (polyethylene glycol)2 cap fills a day since he 2 yo,now he's 7. recently ex-lax has been added every other day for constipation. long term side affects?

Constipation: Long term use of Miralax (polyethylene glycol) is not associated with any long term side effects. The same can not be said for ex lax. I do not want to counter the advice given by his doctor as I do not know his medical history and how severe his constipation is. The problem with laxatives when they are used long term is the body gets used to them and then we can't go without them, but if he isn't anyway no problem.

Functional chronic : constipation requires bowel "clean-out" with GoLYTELY or NuLYTELY on a weekend, then daily Miralax (polyethylene glycol) titrated till he has a soft BM at least every other day for 6 mos. or > & bowel re-training: sitting on the toilet with feet on a stool so knees are flexed at > than a 90 degree angle for 15 min., 15 min. after a meal. Seek referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist for evaluation & treatment.