Constipation is a common yet troublesome issue that can plague the young and the old. It can make you feel uncomfortable and lethargic as toilet trips become longer and more painful with the irregularity you experience. Prolonged constipation can result in serious health issues such as piles, anal fissures, colonic conditions, fecal incontinence and urologic conditions. Addressing the problem in time is essential to restore comfort in daily life as well as prevent the health issues associated with chronic constipation. While changing your diet and lifestyle can be helpful, it may not be enough to resolve the problem completely. The best option in such cases is to resort to laxatives that are meant to unblock the system naturally and normalize the bowel function. Miralax is a widely recommended laxative which has shown proven efficacy for relieving occasional constipation as well as irregular bowel movements. If you are planning to start using the product, here are a few questions that we can answer for you. 
Q1: How should I use Miralax?
Miralax comes as a powder which can be mixed with water, soda, juice, tea or coffee. You just need to stir it in the desired liquid and drink immediately. The dosage should be taken according to the doctor’s prescription as larger or smaller amounts may be harmful. It softens the stool and clears the bowel within 1-3 days of use. The laxative should not be taken for more than one day. If you do not get relief even after using it for 7 days in a row, consult the doctor about taking it further.
Q2: When is it not recommended?
The laxative is not recommended for patients suffering from intestinal blockage or bowel obstructions as it can have dangerous side effects for them. Those suffering from eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia should not take it without medical supervision. You should also inform your doctor about specific allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and kidney disease while consulting him for the initiating of Miralax for constipation.
Q3: Does it have any side effects?
Miralax is acclaimed for providing gentle relief from constipation. However, it may cause loose, watery and frequent stools, which you may actually expect from a laxative. Common side effects include bloating, dizziness and increased sweating. You should immediately report to the doctor if you experience more serious side effects such as severe stomach pain, bloody stools, rectal bleeding or severe diarrhea. Such side effects occur in rare cases.
Q4: What happens if I miss a dose?
If you have missed a dose, there is nothing to worry. You can take the missed dose whenever you remember. But you should skip it if you remember it only close to the next scheduled dose. There is no need to take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Q5: Is Miralax safe?
Several clinical studies have validated the efficacy and safety of Miralax for relieving occasional constipation. It acts gently on your system, by hydrating, softening and easing the bowel so that it gets cleared naturally without any harsh side effects. However, you need to take the right dosage for the right time span under expert medical guidance. Also, you need to be vigilant about any side effects and report then to your doctor immediately.
Q6: Can children and pregnant women take it safely?
Miralax is considered safe for treating constipation in children, provided it is administered in recommended doses as directed by a specialist. Even young children can be treated with the laxative under medical supervision. Since constipation is a common concern during pregnancy, gynecologists look for safe laxative options and Miralax is one of them. Since only a very small amount of it gets absorbed by the body, it can be recommended safely for short-term use during pregnancy. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should take this laxative only after consulting a doctor.
Q7: Is Miralax expensive?
Since Miralax can be a relatively expensive laxative, it may not be affordable for everyone. Yet its efficacy and safety make it a preferred choice for doctors and patients alike. If you do not want to be dissuaded by Miralax cost and still want to try it as a treatment option, you can use some discount coupons to economize the purchase.
These questions would be enough to address all the concerns that you may have before starting this medication for constipation relief. Besides using laxatives for short term, you should take a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and embrace an active lifestyle to keep your bowel regular in the long run.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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