There are 285 ratings for the drug: MIRALAX in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for miralax: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

Page: 1  2 3    Results are sorted by length of time drug was taken from longest to shortest.

Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken and Dosage		Date Added
				F  M
Change sort order by clicking arrow under column heading.
5	Chronic constipation + post surgery	After constipation issues all my life, it was a relief to have predictable bowel movements. However, in the last 8 mo. I've had two uncontrollable, explosive "happenings". I've never thought about lowering the dosage, I'll consult with my MD. Just grateful something works. I've always been a water drinker, so that wasn't the issue re: constipation. I think IBS, Crohns, and lifestyle were more the problem.		F	75	18 years		12/5/2006
5	Hirshbrungs		It was a GREAT thing for me. I have a condition where for my entire life, I will ALWAYS have constipation. And even though it will never completely go away. This made it alot easier!! I've been taking it almost my entire life!	F	24	18 years		6/24/2007
5	chronic constipation	none	I have been using polyethlene glycol since 1993(I am 52 now). Used to get it in jugs (go-litely or some such name). It was only used for bowel cleansing but my gastroenterologist let me try it. Had normal bowel movements for the first time in my life, felt like a normal person after being impacted since age 17 and always treated like just another neurotic, hysterical female. After 14 years have had no bad side effects and had good colonscopy, colon looks really healthy, but I do eat a very hi fiber diet of course and lots of water (shouldn't everyone if they can?). I hope this helps others feel better about this drug that is truly a miracle for people like myself. I would rather risk side effects than live the way I did before using this stuff, but after 14 years - hey, I'm better than ever!! The only problem is it seems to work best when first opened and then looses some of its efficiency. Most generics work fine except for one made by TEVA - tastes bad, doesn't work right. Over all,	F	52	14 years		2/8/2007 Email
5	constipation	gas	I have been taking it now for about 10 years so far no side effects.	M		10 years		11/18/2007
5	colonic inertia	NO side effects, even after 10 years!	GREAT New Information! My daughter works as a pharmacy tech and she found a new supplier for the generic Miralax. You can get it by prescription now again! It is called "Polyethylene Glycol 3350 NF." It is made by Breckenfridge Pharmaceutical, Inc. Ask your doctor to prescribe it as it is way cheaper than OTC Miralax! The bottle holds 527 grams and the Miralax is 510 grams.	F	54	10 years		1/14/2008 Email
5	chronic constipation	None	I swear by it.....have had no side effects whatsoever	F	66	8 years		3/6/2008
5	Chronic Colonic Pseudo Obstruction	Bloating and increased urination	This is an update to a report submitted 11/22/09. I had previously been taking Miralax upon awakening; but have now switched to taking my daily dose in the evening. This product causes temporary diarrhea and bloating, relieved by administration of a dilute Fleet enema. It also causes increased urination, which became a challenge when driving to work. My daily weekday regimen (with the full knowledge of my family physician and gastroenterologist) now usually consists of 1-2 glasses of warm water and a dilute Fleet or 1500 mL enema - followed by 20 or more minutes of exercising to cover a minimum of 2 miles - each morning. On Saturday and/or Sunday, I start the morning with a dose of Miralax (after first drinking a bottle of Magnesium Citrate every other or third weekend); followed 1 to 2 hours later by a series of enemas, and lastly my exercise routine. Exercising has been found to increase the peristalsis, making the laxatives and enemas more effective; besides exerting a positive impact on the cardiovascular system (blood pressure, etc). The regimen, though time-consuming and not common for distance runners (who often seem to have just the opposite concerns when they compete), enabled me to complete (in under 2 1/2 hours) my first half marathon in May 2010. This product has enabled me to live a close to "normal" life and possibly prevented removal of my colon.	M	55	7 years 17 g 1X D		6/28/2010 Email
5	constipation after liver transplant	none	I could not function without it. I was able to keep working and just retired last month. I cannot say enough good things about it. As far as long term, I have been taking it since November of 2003, 6 years and counting. I take it every evening.	M	66	6 years		1/28/2010 Email
5	IBS - C	ABSOLUTELY NONE	I suffered from chronic constipation since birth..My constipation was so bad it was almost disabling at times, never knowing if I could fit into my clothing from one day to the next, it was like I had a ten pound bag of potatoes in my abdomen.. I tried everything from increasing fiber (in massive amounts) in my diet, to suppositories, enemas, herbal teas and concoctions, nothing ever worked, I thought I'd never be "normal" until I finally found a caring GI doc (after years & years of going) who prescribed Miralax.. I've been "regular" ever since.. no more bloating, cramping, flatulence or panicing when I have to go somewhere or fit into something! I too change dosages according to how my body feels and usually take weekend "drug holidays" where I don't take it.. I've also been taking a pro-biotic (Natrol Bio Beads) which seem to help my digestion and keep things moving.. I couldn't live without Miralax!! This stuff has literally improved my life ten	F	46	6 years		3/10/2008
5	Chronic Colonic Pseudo Obstruction	Bloating and increased urination	I have been taking Miralax (single dose on a daily basis) since 2003. I take it upon awakening and then follow up with an enema (usually a dilute Fleet enema during the week, and a larger enema on weekends or before travelling), since my GI doctor diagnosed my condition as caused by slow colon motility (due in part to life-saving abdominal surgery -treatment of volvulus which resulted in temporary colostomy - performed in 1981). When first prescribed by my GI Specialist, I found Miralax to be a good laxative; but noted that it also caused extensive and uncomfortable bloating. My GI Specialist suggested that those side effects might be offset by an enema. As I write this in November 2009 (after a visit to my GI Specialist in Sept 2009) - Miralax (along with 2-3 additional glasses of water), followed up with an enema, than by 20-30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise (which increases peristalsis) has dramatically improved my quality of life. The above comments have been shared with doctors, nurses, paramedics, PA's and other medical professionals; who all concur with my strict daily regimen. This regimen (according to my GI Specialist) has prevented the need for decompression or to remove my colon.	M	55	6 years		11/22/2009
4	My son has chronic constipation	My son has used Miralax since he was a baby, he is now 6 years old. I worry for so long that he would become dependent on it, in which he has. Although it works well, taking it consistently is sometimes a task. It takes patience to get my son to drink plenty of water daily, but he does well on this medication.	Initially, his Gastroenterologist advised that he would not become dependent on Miralax. Sometimes bloating occurs. Usually, he takes 1 capful, then I decrease it 1/2 cap, then 1-tsp, then 1/2 tsp daily. Just depends if you're consistent.	M	6	6 years		4/20/2006
5	Chronic constipation	None.	A very affective and mild treatment for chronic constipation. I've tried generic brands but find them gritty and don't dissolve as well as Miralax.	M	55	5 years 1 capfull 1X D		7/2/2010
5	Constipation	No side effects except "skinny" stool.	For those of you who are interested, Costco sells the big bottle of Miralax in a 2-pack at a lower price than the other stores, including Walmart. If you use their coupon mailer, it's even cheaper.	M	60	5 years		12/4/2009 Email
4	8 Year Old Son Cronic Constipation	none to speak of... yet.	My son is 8 yrs old. He has been diagnosed with a lazy colon. We went through celiac treatment and the possibilities of Hirschprungs disease. He has been on a daily dose of Miralax (17grams), Fletchers (2 teaspoons), and one tablet of Prevacid (15 MG Solutab). He has had chronic constipation since he was 3 months old. He is not showing signs of improvement. Today he had a BM after a stretch of 12 days. It is extremely painful to see him go through this cycle. Can anyone tell me if he will out grow this condition? Rick	M	8	5 years		8/28/2009 Email
4	Severe constipation after menopause	Pretty severe upper abdominal bloating and discomfort	I had very normal bowel movements until my last menstrual period 8 years ago. Then everything intestinal just seemed to stop. Went to GI Doctor, had a colonscopy to see what the problem was, and everything was fine. He prescribed Miralax, and what a difference! I had my first gentle bowel movement only three days after the first dose (capful). Here is something you may not know - Eating is the trigger for Miralax to really work. Put it in your morning orange juice, eat something and then wait - it won't be long before you go. Now if that Glycolax didn't cause so much bloating, it really would be a miracle. I do have some concern about the chemical polyethylene glycol and hope it won't cause serious problems with long term use.	M	57	5 years		11/28/2007 Email
4	IBS with Constipation	Unpleasant smelling gas and loose stool if you take too much; no BM if you take too little	Miralax (and its generic) help me. I've had constipation issues my whole life, and found out at age 17 that it was due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Miralax can produce soft stools, but you must drink plenty of fluids and have a healthy diet. I take about 10grams/day with coffee (a natural laxative) and a bottle of water for success. The drug helps, but if you overeat or eat IBS trigger foods (high fat, etc), your system can get backed up regardless of the drug's presence. Although Miralax is gentler than OTC stool softeners, it is not perfect and I worry about long-term use. These are serious chemicals, and I can't find any long-term studies on it. If you are a life-long IBS sufferer, this drug can help. However, monitoring other elements of IBS that cause constipation (stress, diet, lack of exercise) are just as important to overall health.	F	22	5 years		11/15/2006
4	IBS with constipation	Gas with the generic.	I eat a high fiber diet, take a fiber supplement 2-3 times a day, and drink 8 glasses of water daily. Also exercise daily. Still had chronic constipation with pain and bleeding hemmorhoids. Have had problems since I was a baby. Now my medication for high cholesterol aggravates the problem. The gastroenterologist prescribed Miralax, she said there are no side effects and it was safe for long term usage. It has helped me tremendously. I am interested to read about the problems with wheat. That may be contributing in my case. I know the dairy products do and avoid them.	F	67	4 years		5/10/2007 Email
3	chronic constipation	I will go several months without any side effects, but with the combination I think of heat and humidity in the summer, bloat and gas from birth control pills, and Miralax has given be such severe gas and bloating that I have to stop taking Miralax for a couple months or more.	Miralax works for me, but only with a combination of other things. I would like to add, that NO doctor has helped me, and that I can go 2 weeks without without a BM. I took advice from those who see naturopathic doctors, and what I found through researching by myself. My daily routine is a capful of Miralax each morning mixed with WARM WATER (I very much recommend this) and 500mg of magnesium. I also take 6 enzyme tablets a day split between meals and 2 probiotic capsules before my last meal. Then I also take another 5oomg of magnesium before going to sleep. It sounds like a lot, but enzymes and probiotics already exist naturally in your intestines, and some people don't produce enough of them. So, if Miralax starts causing gas and bloating, I replace it with OTC gas pills without changing the rest of my routine until the gas goes away.	F	24	4 years 18g 1X D		4/7/2010
3	Constipation after TBI	Foul-smelling gas, at times. Too much turns BMs to water.	I have had to take a small amount of a Fleet enema since nerve damage during accident. Doctor told me Miralax can be used daily, but seems like I have to take more as time goes by. Elimination easier with Miralax, but must still use Fleet enema (about 1/6 of a bottle) daily.	M	45	4 years		6/2/2008
1	son was chronically constipated	neurological disorders (ADD, autism dx), tics, psychosis, lethargy, burning/itching skin, burning bowel movements	My son was prescribed this by his pediatric GI - we're supposed to trust docs, right? This medicine is POISON. It is NOT meant for children or long-term use. We mistakenly gave it to him for 4 years - he suffered horribly because of it. We cut him off it cold-turkey and he is slowly healing from all the damage. DO NOT GIVE IT TO YOUR CHILDREN!	F	40	4 years		10/26/2009
5	chronic constipation	Took a couple of days to start working. Really smelly gas just before bowel movement, and really soft stools. Bad hemeroids so hard to clean rectal area.	I've been taking this for over three years, following a colonoscopy and recommended by my gastroenterologist. After years of constipation, this has been a Godsend. I used to take six stool softeners, metamucil, rutin, and was still constipated half the time. Would go days without a movement. I'll gladly put up with a little messiness for regular bowels.	F	64	3 years		8/10/2009
5	Chronic, severe constipation	None I'm aware of. (Gas and cramping were worse with constipation.) I'm currently having some muscular/neurological problems (muscle twitching and weakness in neck). Does anyone think this might be related to Miralax?	I've struggled with constipation since I was a child. It got worse in my thirties and caused sever hemorrhoids. Doctors kept telling me to ingest more fiber, avoid red meat, drink more water - all of which I was already doing. (I even became a vegan.) After a miserable hemorrhoidectomy, I continued to have problems (fissure). I found a new doctor who knew about chronic (genetic) constipation and Miralax, thank goodness. Miralax has probably saved my life, & certainly given me a new lease on it!	F	51	3 years		4/8/2009 Email
5	Chronic Constipation	none	This stuff is a miracle. My 7 year old daughter has been taking for three years for chronic constipation on instructions from a pediatric GI. The thing that concerns me is that we've tried to wean her off Miralax, but everytime we decrease the slighest amount, she starts to have problems again.	F	7	3 years		3/18/2008
5	Constipation, bloating	Bloating, sometimes gas	I've been taking Miralax for three years. I take it regularly once a day and when I stop it basically feels like rocks are passing through my intestines, so I continue to take it. I now have a regular BM every single morning right after breakfast. I occassionaly have bloating and cramps but it's not nearly as severe than when I don't take the medicine. I have a narrowing in my colon (had a colonoscopy and my GI couldn't even get the child-sized scope through) and taking Miralax has been the best way to get my bowels to pass through the narrowing. It took some time to find the correct dosage (I was taking it 3 times a day at one point) and taking it once daily has been the best. I maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly which also helps in my digestion.	F	23	3 years 1 capful 1X D		3/3/2010 Email
5	Gastro Specialist recommended	Gas, loose bowels if I take too much. It's best if you use the same amount every day to train your system.	My Mom died at the young age of 57 and never knew of this drug, she suffered from chronic constipation all her life and so have I. I'm a firm believer in it and recommend it highly!	F	50	3 years		11/30/2005
5	chronic constipation		About a month ago I was told that the manufacture of miralax was no longer making it. I was worried because as I wrote before my son with Autism was having problems with the generic. Today I saw an add on tv saying that Miralax was now sold over the counter. I hope it is exactly the same as before. Does anyone know? This is great if it its!	M	11	3 years		3/22/2007
5	Constipation	Not at all, it is great medication, I am taking it for the past 3 years	Without taking Miralax, I used to have a very hard time and even bleeding. Bleeding stopped magically after Dr. T in Stanford suggested I take 2 X 17g per day. I am afraid for long term effect, but it is better than bleeding and staying in the washroom 2 hours!	M	37	3 years		4/3/2005 Email
5	constipation entire life	none	I am concerned about long time use	F	68	3 years		10/23/2006
4	constipation and fissure		I believe there are big differences between the brand Miralax and the generic brands. My body does not respond, at all, to the polyetheline glycol manufactured by "Par." I am fine with other generic brands such as "Affordable." When people say that they do notice a difference, I am in 100% agreement. My body/colon shut down in a day, and I was in excruciating pain. Walgreens had switched their manufacturer and I just couldn't figure out why my meds. were not working.....Stick to the Miralax/polyetheline glycol that works best for you...this is a must. Always check the manufacturers name on the bottle and ask for that specifically, when ordering. Also, my pharmacist was having trouble filling Miralax for me and after searching a few Walgreens, they told me that the manufacturer of Miralax will no longer be making "Miralax." Do not know if this is true, anyone else hear this?	F	40	3 years		2/25/2007
4	Constipation	Miralax has been very helpful to me but I also have a continuous rash. Can anything be done about it?		F	56	3 years		2/3/2009
4	Chronic Constipation		Miralax helped me. Stopped taking Diltiazem for Hypertension about five months ago. This fixed my Constipation prob. Havn`t taken Miralax at all for months. Couldn`t hardly believe this. New Life.	M	77	3 years		1/5/2010
3	chronic constipation	explosive diarrhea, esophogeal burning, gas, food backing up into my throat	prescribed by the doctor who did my colonoscopy, and it was a miracle for me for almost 3 years, but suddenly I feel like my entire GI track is in revolt. Internist thinks it could be the Miralax. I have stopped using it, and am hoping everything will calm down in few days. I have been struggling with the gas, burning and diarrhea for 3 weeks. I know the constipation will also return, but if I can go back to it, I will go back to half doses more like every other day. I am still not sure this is the result of the Miralax, x-rays and blood tests came back normal I am still wondering if this is not a viral infection of some kind.	F	63	3 years		5/8/2009
1	"functional" constipation	We're still not sure what all it did to our daughter as we were not drawing the parallels then (see next section for web group that we've learned from in hindsight many things we saw then were probably related to it), but we're pretty sure now that it caused behavior issues among others.	For those who have had lifelong issues, have you been checked for celiac disease? ("Classic" has diarrhea but they're finding out many have it who do not have "classic" symptoms.) Do any of you or your children "crave" wheat and related foods? Some people with this tendency break gluten (wheat protein) down incompletely into a relative of morphine, which accounts for their constipation. A week after we took gluten out of our daughter's diet, her "functional" (i.e., supposedly no anatomical and/or physiological reason for it) constipation cleared up (we had already taken milk out of her diet, which many people who don't fully digest gluten in this way also have the same problem with). As far as long-term side effects, there is a whole yahoo group dedicated to discussing these issues: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/miralax/ You have to join to be able to access the archives, but it might make interesting reading regarding what others have	F	9	3 years		5/9/2007 Email
5	chronic constipation	For the first 4 days or so had lots of bloating (similar to that following laparoscopic surgery) but quickly resolved.	This drug is a lifesaver for both me and my son. If I take 17g a day for several days and then skip a day I will be fine, but if I skip more than one day, I will quickly develop an impaction. I am careful to monitor for signs of electrolyte imbalance and make sure I have hydration therapy on hand. My 6-year-old son has never really been potty trained, and I have felt like a failure as a mother until I found out that he has a condition called encopresis (he soils his pants at school because of a lax colon resulting from constipation) and now that summer is here we are trying MiraLax. GI specialist recommended extremely high dosages of several colon cleansing agents. I do not feel right about doing this to him, so I am just giving him 1/4 to 1/2 a capful daily and he is actually requesting to sit on the toilet for the first time ever--It is a miracle! We have a ways to go, but I expect he will be potty trained by first grade.	F	32	2 years		7/3/2007
5	Constipation all my life	Mralax is a wonder drug for me, i have taken certain teas from health food store, they work but with severe cramps. Miralax is the best, mixes well, no taste..	Would recomment lit to any one	F	58	2 years		2/15/2005
5	chronic constipation due to opiods	in the 2 1/2 years of taking Miralax I have never noticed any side effects.	I've had irritable bowel syndrome for most of my life, doctors always told me to drink more water, eat more fiber, take OTC laxatives if I didn't have a bm for 3 days. I had tried every OTC laxative and always had bloating & gas pains and many times had to take the OTC a 2nd and 3rd day before I had any relief, and the relief wasn't pleasant. After finally having a bm, I would be weak for a day. 15 years ago I had to have back surgery that helped with one problem but I was left with chronic back and leg pain. I will be on opiods the rest of my life, and thought I would be constipated forever. About 2 1/2 years ago my doctor gave me a sample of Miralax, I was skeptical but willing to try. After the 3rd day of taking Miralax mixed with anything I wanted, I had the best bm I had in years, it was just like a normal person. I thought maybe this was just a fluke, I had my daily dose of Miralax and was surprised the next day I had another normal bm, and this continued every day. Ab	M	54	2 years		2/3/2007
5	Chronic Constipation	Only side effect has been several bowel movements some days, which is much better than than severe pain my son was in when suffering with constipation.	This prescription has as been our miracle!	M	3	2 years		4/15/2007
5	Constipation	Soft stools, after a colonoscopy and hard stools redeveloping immediately, I was in tears. However, the surgeon told me he had called the makers of the drug and I could stay on it for years without any side effect. I recently had breast cancer and am just beginning on Femara. I wish I could say it is as positive an experience as the Miralax.	I don't worry about dying of colon cancer as my grandmother did because of the daily cleansing this drug provides.	F	58	2 years		9/24/2006
5	IBS			F	38	2 years		7/12/2006
5	constipation , hemorroidectomy	None until used generic cvs brand	This was a godsend. Constipation due to celiac, medications for fibro. I wish I had known about it earlier. May have avoided hemmoriods,surgerys etc. The generic seems too strong though. Regulate dosage by what youve eaten that day.	F	48	2 years 1X D		8/3/2010
5	Constipation		I have been taking Mira-lax for a while now and I'm happy with it. It just makes things easy! Currently I'm pregnant now and I'm sure you all know that pregnancy can come with constipation, Mira-lax has saved me! I want to tell every pregnant woman about it! Lately I've been using the kroger brand, for me it's just about the same the only difference is I have to stop for a day or two cause my bm's can get alittle loose. But I never had that problem with the "brand" Mira-lax. I would fully recommend it to anyone having constipation issues.	F	32	2 years 1X D		7/8/2010
5	Lifetime BM Problems	First couple of weeks, excess gas	This has been a lifesaver for me. Lifetime of hard BM going maybe once a week spending up to 45 minutes in the bathroom. Now it's every day spending less than 10 minutes. ER Physician recommended it after I had bad constipation after back surgery. My family doctor said it's safe for everyday use. Wish this was around years ago.	M	45	2 years 1 capful 1X D		4/27/2010
5	Constipated for 45 years; IBS	A little hard to get regulated on this. Took a period of 2 caps/day to get things "moving," then a period of near-diarrhea for several weeks. Now I can easily regulate the amount I take to have frequent, easy BMs without urgency. Also, periodic realllly smelly gas.	I have had bowel problems ever since I can remember. Began taking laxatives in college and rarely ever had a BM without one. Had been taking senna once or twice a week for years. about 5 years ago, began having disabling cramps from trapped gas, with abdominal distention, and senna was losing its effectivenss. even had an early colonoscopy as GI was concerend about this. I read about Miralax online (Heathers IBS website)and decided what the heck. Not to overstate the issue-but this has dramatically improved my life. As I noted it's a little hard to regulate yoruself on this. You need to find "your" dosage and it can take a month or so to do that. Now I take 1 capful each morning in my coffee-it is undetectable in any way. Sometimes I cut down to every other day, sometimes I take it twice a day, depending on how I'm "going." I usually go every day-sometimes several times a day. This is unheard of in my life! It is always easy to pass. I have not had IBS-like cramping pain for at least a year, which used to put me to bed for days at a time it was so bad. The GI says there is no harm in taking this daily forever. It is not a drug-it just pulls water into your intestines. My granddaughter's pediatrican also recommended it for her and she is only 3. It's very safe. It does sometimes produce reallllly bad gas-a lot of it and very smelly. That doesn't happen all the time and is more likley to happen if you go off it and then go back on. Mirlax will be part of my	F	51	2 years 1 cap/day 1X D		5/13/2010
5	Neck, Back surg. Spine cord dam.	After injury to spine, medications were thought to slow or stop bowel. After colanoscopy and very old Dr. telling me Miralax daily would be my only help. It have allowed me to function and stop taking RX meds used in lab test to work bowel. Being regular stopped gallblader flareup and I have lost 35 lbs.	I wish the family dr would have suggested this years back. Would have saved me pain and suffering. Dr's had me thinking my fix would be a bag or other to live. Spine damage was hampering my bowel working. A cap or two daily and I work like 17 again.	M	47	2 years 30mg 1X D		5/25/2010
5	chronic constipation	None	After a lifetime of suffering with constipation, going for more than a month at times without being able to go, it has been a real trial of treatments that caused pain and suffering and only temporary relief. Then I saw an Ad for Miralax and tried it. I had so much buildup that at first there was a lot of trapped gas that had to come out as well, but after a few weeks, once the years of backup was cleared, I was able to reduce the dosage to a small amount, with no other fiber or laxatives needed. I lost a lot of weight in the first three months, about 30 pounds, and it has stayed off. Love it. Highly recommend it.	F	57	2 years 1/4 capful 1X D		2/7/2010
5	Chronic Constipation	None	Has been a miracle drug for me. Have had lifelong problems with chronic constipation despite healty diet and lots of fluids. Gastroenterologist said it's safe to take daily. I've found that I can take about every other day and it works just fine for me. Wish I would have had this around for years!	F	45	2 years 1 capful 3X W		4/1/2010
5	Severe Constipation, Fissures	Cramps, gas, bloating	I have had chronic constipation for more than eight years now. I've had intestinal blockages, impactions, and fissures. This really is the only thing that helps me. I've tried eating more fiber, less fiber, drinking more water, moving more, etc. Nothing worked and the doctors still can't tell me what's going on. If it wasn't for Miralax, I don't know what I would do.	F	16	2 years		5/16/2009
5	Chronic Constipation	No side effects yet.	I started my son on this when he was two. He had chronic constipation and would cry everytime he had to poop. It was horrible. After repeated trips to his physician and changes in his diet and finally changing physicians, Miralax was a Miracle. I wish his first doctor would have mentioned this much sooner, as his constipation started at 8 mos. He's still on it and I give it to him every other morning, mixed in juice or milk.	M	4	2 years		5/20/2009
5	Severe & lifelong constipation prob	It will cause gas UNTIL you go, but never have any problems after.	I have tried, literally, EVERYTHING. More fiber, more fiber, more fiber. I was on ZELNORM (ugh) for a long time, too. And you know what?? MIRALAX WORKS BETTER THAN ZELNORM EVER DID. NONE of the pain, either. It is truly the only thing that has really worked, LONG TERM, for me. I take it almost every day. I mix the suggested dose into 1/2 Cup of Fiber One, 1/2 container Miralax, and milk. It is a miracle concoction, as far as regularity is concerned!! I love this stuff & hope there are no long term bad side effects to it. I've been on it nearly 2 years so far & have had no problems yet.	F	29	2 years		6/27/2009 Email
5	daughter has chronic constipation	Miralax has worked so great! My daughter is 6 years old and has taken it for 2 years! The only thing is that her stool is close to diahria, but every time I lower her dose even a little she get horrible stomach pains and constipation. We haven't been able to find that exact dosage yet!		F	6	2 years		4/24/2008
5	colitis	I have to take this med when I first get up before I eat or it will cause cramping. I've also learned not to be careless about measuring the 17 gms or I will get dirrahea. I take it once a day.	I for one am grateful for it because I can't take fiber supplements due to an allergy to wheat. I was in a lot of pain, enough to make me break out in cold sweats and vomit. now I'm regular and I don't have to hurt.	F	65	2 years		12/24/2008 Email
5	Chronic and lifelong constipation	Pooping	On a more serious note, it did cause some bloating and because it made my stool softer, it was difficult to get clean without using a baby wipe. Being able to actually poop was totally worth it, though!	F	33	2 years		1/30/2009
4	chronic constipation from meds	None except can never get "clean" after a BM. I wipe and wipe, and there is still poop left, even with a moist wipe, getting all the poop from the area is extremely difficult.	Difficult clean up is the main issue. I don't like to go, unless it's before my shower and I know I clean for the day. Little "seed" like particles get stuck in the folds of my rectum. So no amount of wiping seems to fully work. I wonder is I am completing the BM. But I can't push anymore out... Does this happen to anyone else?, Any tips? Otherwise, this product is great. I used to get impacted, not go for 5 day, then poop something the size and feel of a small walnut. Ouch....thank goodness for Miralax.	F	43	2 years		2/16/2009 Email
4	withholding/constipation	No real side effects. Our only complaint is that it is very difficult to find the "magical" dose. If we give too much it is impossible for him to control bowels. If we give too little he can't go. We need to play with the dose everyday.	Our son started on Miralax 2 1/2 years ago (he started at age 1). At that time he was having a very difficult time going to the bathroon. When he was able to go it was dry and he would tear his rectum. We went to two different GI specialist. One at Hasbro Childrens Hospital and one at Boston Childrens Hospital. They both assured us that it was a safe drug for children and for long term use. They suggested that we keep him on it until he is potty-trained. So far so good. He is well on his way there!!!!	M	3	2 years		9/30/2005 Email
4	constipation b/c kinked colon	My son has abdominal pain from time to time due to gas and terribly hard stools if the dosage is not perfect or he eats too many		M	4	2 years		9/7/2004
3	idiopathic constipation	sever gas, sometimes doesn't work and requires a three full dose day to restart her system	my daughter has had consitpation since a week old we went through everything, from changing her food,no milk and higher fiber, low salt and high in fruits. To every medication for a baby/toddler and those that aren't for children. Miralax is the only thing that doesn't make her pain worse when she takes it.	F	4	2 years 1/2 a dose 1X D		7/28/2010
3	Chronic constipation	At first some rumbling in the tummy and sometimes hard to get to the bathroom in time, but I don't complain about that after my 79 years of little action from the intestines.	I have been taking Miralax for about two years and it was a godsend after years and years of trouble with constipation. Now it doesn't seem to work nearly as well. I wonder if they have changed the formula or is it` just me. I hope someone can answer if they have changed the makeup of Miralax or not.	F	79	2 years		7/18/2007 Email
3	ibs	severe painful gas and bloading but, I stopped eating dairy products and all those symptoms had disapeared.	Be careful using this product long term. The package does says not to use for more than 7 days but, who reads packages? right? But after two years of using this product in my coffee every morning, I now had develop an involuntary bowl movement problem where my stool is so soft that I can't feel the urge to go and, suddenly I feel something wet and that how I realized that I had a bowl movement. I do not take this anymore and I found that by eating the peel of three red apples (do a chunky peel, do not eat the apple) first thing in the morning, works great for constispation to the point that I go everyday once a day and I control when I go and I'm doing this naturally.	F	39	2 years		6/12/2009
3	narcotic-induced constipation	as noted by others, bloated feeling, never felt bowels completely emptied, irritation from repeated elimination and then wiping off poop that was not completely evacuated and left a residual smear on toilet paper and in panties. Unique side effect was worsening of gastroesophogeal reflux spasms but cannot tell if that was miralax or narcotic doing it since taking both simultaneously. wish there were a synthetic narcotic that does not stop up the bowels.	tastes like plastic because it has a main ingredient of plastic. it is a polymer based on ethylene, same as plastic bags and cheap bicycle water bottles. awful taste, can barely choke it down. surprising it is reported as protecting from colon cancer since many polymers are carcinogenic but maybe not as carcinogenic as an industrialized poop stream is.	F	47	2 years		4/18/2009
2	IBS	Bouts of diarrea, swelling, pain which seems to be inside near rectum at night, not being able to go "all the way", accidents	I thought it was working great - doctor recommened instead of fiber therapy. I have now realized that it causes more problems than it is worth and fiber therapy only had one negative side effect - bloating. I was worried about the chemicals anyway. The pain I have been feeling cannot be normal.	F	31	2 years		3/10/2008
5	Chronic Constipation	The first day I had horrible cramps, but that was only because I was so backed up.	My bowel movements were about once every two weeks, and they were HUGE (I mean in mass) and usually caused bleeding. When I rarely had the urge to have a movement, it was painful. Very painful. Miralax has erased that, I go every day with no pain. I have had no cramps or any bad side effect.	F	34	1.5 years		3/5/2009
5	chronic constipation	no side effects!	Miralax = Miracle! I recommend this to anyone that has constipation. I feel so much better every day. I have a regular bm almost every morning. My husband just recently started having constipation now he drinks when needed. It takes maybe 2-3 days to work, but once its in your system your good to go. I don't notice a change if I don't drink one day, but if I go 2 or more days without it the constipation returns. Was told by the dr. Miralax can be taken forever - I just hope they keep manufacturing it forever!	F	45	1.5 years		7/24/2007
3	constipation/hard stool	it does work but i get really bad sharp pains in my intestines/colon area.		F	14	1.5 years		4/2/2009
5	constipation/diverticulitis	None	After years of severe abdominal pain attacks, I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis. When I had these attacks, I would try all kinds of fiber supplements to move matter through my system. Each had side effects - UNTIL, prior to surgery, the surgeon recommended Miralax, along with eliminating all seeds & nuts from my diet. She said that Miralax is gentle & has no side effects, which has proven absolutely true for me. It feels wonderful to have my system working normally again, and because of Miralax & eliminating seeds & nuts from my diet, I've been spared surgery!	F	63	1 years		3/8/2009
5	chronic constipation	none	I love this product. I found taking the entire recommended dosage to be too much, so I started using only 1/2 the dose and found that to work well. After being regular for several months, I now only take about a 1/4 of dosage amount daily in my coffee. I plan to continue on this indefinitely. It has made a wonderful difference in my life.	F	49	1 years		3/20/2008
5	Preschooler holding her poop	Excellent. Has done wonders for my daughter	My daughter has been on Miralax since her 3rd b-day. She had been holding her poop and only going every 4th or 5th day. She would then only go in the middle of the night, when I'm assuming her muscles were more relaxed. (She was potty trained, but used a pull up at night) The doc put her on miralax. It worked wonders. The only tricky thing is finding the perfect dose. Too much and she gets stomach aches and poop that is like pudding. Too little and it gets hard and she reverts to holding it.	F	3	1 years		12/10/2009
5	chronic constipation	None	I had gastric bypass, have had several small bowel obstructions, and very slow small bowel transit time. I take Miralax twice daily (as recommended by my surgeon) and it has SAVED MY LIFE. Have not had to take a stimulant laxative since starting this. I am unable to tolerate any kind of fiber due to little motility in my bowels, and this is the only way I can survive. It's expensive, but sure is worth it!	F	46	1 years		10/7/2009
5	chronic constipation	she really has had no side effects so fare.	Miralax has been a wonderful medicine for my 2 1/2 year old. She had such a hard time having a bowl movment and now she never has a hard time as long as she has the med every morning.	F	2	1 years		7/24/2006
4	constipation causing aspiration	I rated this a 2 originally, but found out it was other medicine causing the stomach aches. I now really like this medicine for my daughter. It really helps her. I would recommend this product.		F	6	1 years		2/5/2006
4	Constipation	Rash on arms, chest. Couldn't figure out why since diet had not changed and there were no new environmental exposures to make me itch. I take no other medications. I'm healthy, with a healthy diet and I run 3 miles almost everyday. Bumps starting getting larger & itching more. I went online and found that others had had a rash/hives itching from Miralax. So yes, it works great but beware!	The rash only developed after using Miralax as prescribed 1 x daily (on & off, but most days) for about a year. Perhaps it's possible to develop an adverse reaction from long-term use!	F	63	1 years		6/6/2008
2	Impaction caused by constipation	Vomitting; Bowel that is watery or "snakes" as my son calls it; anal leakage	At first I thought it was working until X-rays later, it showed he still has an impaction and is now back in pull-ups and starts kindergarden in 1 month. Was told he would have to take it for sometime after he was regulated. Am now going to a wholistic nurse instead of GI specialist at Yale. Try Rhubarb - much more natural!!!	M	5	18 months		6/29/2009
5	constipation/anal fissure	Almost none.	This medicine helps. I had a chronic anal fissure for which I had to go through a surgery. While Miralax could not cure the fissure, it is helping me to keep the stool soft so that there there is no future recurrence of fissure. I take a little over half the recommended dose (about 10g I think). I do drink about 3 liter of water every day, eat enough fiber from natural food and exercise 3 times per week. So far so good and I plan to continue Miralax for the rest of my life and my colorectal specialist is fine with that.	M	36	15 months		10/31/2007
5	IBS with constipation	A bit of bloating when I began taking it twice a day but my body has begun to get used to it.	There is no cramping with this drug and I have never had to deal with the type of diarreah that OTC drugs caused.	F	37	15 months		4/2/2005
1	constipation		Toxic stuff. Causes kidney damage.	M	4	14 months		3/29/2007
4	Chronic Constipation/Encopresis	Gassiness has been been increased. This is a wonderous improvement and daily joy for a ten year old who never was able to pass gas due to an impacted colon. Other side effects have been loose stool but this was desired by the GI doctor.	Still taking high doses to maintain a clean colon. The colon usually needs about 18 months to shrink back to normal size to retain original elasticity and control.	M	10	13 months		8/4/2004
4	Life-long constipation	Occasional gas	Since the time I was an infant, I have had chronic constipation due to IBS. My mother actually had to put MOM in my bottles! After developing hemorrhoids from childbirth, and after having chemotherapy which shut down my colon completely, my PCP urgently prescribed MiraLax for me. Where have you been all my life! PCP tells me it is safe for adults and children, and is safe to take very long-term...what a relief!	F	43	12 months		1/15/2008 Email
4	constipation	No side effects so far. But I am not very sure about the long term effects on children.	My little daughter was almost 3 when she started Miralax. We tried so many things and they were not this helpful. This is a miracle. She is fine, I am happy and no hard stools any more if you use it continuously. The only thing I am worried about is the side effects that we may not know right now.	F	4	11 months		9/28/2006
5	constipation due to anti-dpressants	none	I am 62 and never had trouble with constipation my whole life until last year. I always had one or more BMs a day until I was put on Zoloft and Wellbutrin, which resulted in constipation. Now whenever I go 2 days without a BM I take Miaralax (1 dose AM and 1 dose PM) which always corrects the problem in a day or at most 2. Best part is no diarrhea or watery BM, which can be embarrasing and keep you home from work.This stuff is GREAT. One curious thing: Miralax has absolutely no taste or smell (as the vast majority of the posters on this board will attest). Why are some people complaining of an unpleasant taste? Are they sure they're taking Miralax and not something else?	M	62	10 months one capful 1X AN		2/17/2010 Email
4	Hard Stools	REALLY stinky farts; pooping more than once a day	Does soften the stools....	M	55	10 months		11/13/2008
5	chronic constipation after Cipro	Absolutely no bad side effects! It truly is a miracle for me.	Within 3 days I was having trouble free bowel movements after 11 months of absolute agony and a 25 lb weight loss which developed after being perscribed Ciprofoxacin for a sinus infection. The Cipro really tore me up, with bloody diarhea and severe pain and cramping. When I called my GP Dr.'s office, they encouraged me to stay on it for the full 10 days. I wish I had listened to myself and not the DR. Because of my continuing symptoms, I had every diagnostic and blood test known to man, and my GI Dr. could find nothing wrong so he diagnosed IBS. I developed hemmorhoids, horrible smelling bowel movements and a redundant colon from the straining, and severe upper GI pains and excruciating shincter contractions. I thought I was going to die. I've been on Miralax for 9 months and have gradually reduced the dose to approx. 1/3 a capful successfully. From being afraid to eat and looking emaciated I am eating EVERYTHING again without worry and have regained the lost weight. I've experienced	F	56	9 months		6/30/2008
5	long term constipation	None	Back in '07 I had a colostomy due to a emergency colon surgery. after 5 months they performed a reversal to put everything back in it's place and remove the colostomy. since then I've had chronic constipation I guess due to the removal of part of my colon and the lack of water being absorbed into my stool. Miralax was used to clean out my colon prior to my surgery. after further research I started using this daily. since then I have not needed to use any other medications, enemas etc. Miralax is a miracle medicine for me anyway. I mix it in my coffee every morning and by the next day 15 minutes after I get up I have a bowel movement and then maybe one or two more during the late morning with full control. Best part is that Miralax is NOT habit forming because it does not work with your muscles. It works by pulling water into your stool to soften it up.	M	52	9 months 1X D		5/5/2010
5	Slow motility due to CREST syndrome	None	I love this stuff. I drink it in 8oz of water and it is tasteless. I move daily and have not felt this good in years. My concern...L-T use...any one have any ideas on daily L-T useage?	F		9 months		1/30/2007 Email
5	many years of chronic constipation	I have not noticed any side effects from the Miralax.	It is wonderful! After many years of chronic constipation which had become worse, a colonoscopy revealed diverticulosis of the colon. Adding extra fiber to my diet did not help; it only created gas. My doctor prescribed polyetheylene glycol (the generic form of Miralax) and it saved me. I take 1 tablespoon in a glass of orange juice every evening, and have normal BM's every morning. No more constipation. It does not give me diarrhea or gas. I take no fiber supplements, and keep the fiber foods moderated, because fiber gives me gas. I also take simethicone regularly, to keep that under control. This stuff is truly a godsend for me, and my doctor says I can take it forever. I believe this will keep me from ever having serious colon problems like diverticulitis. I have the pockets in my colon, but I believe they are healing. This just might have saved my life. Amen!	F	56	8 months		1/23/2008 Email
4	2 year old no BMs	We've had our son on Miralax for almost 8 months and been very happy. Most recently, when we had his prescription refilled, were given a generic and since then (about 3 weeks) he has shown severe bloating and general malaise. Also, an interesting crusty rash on his hand. All of these are "possible" side effects listed on the generic he is taking. We are stopping it immediately and requesting the brand MIRALAX only.		M	3	8 months		2/7/2007 Email
5	IBS, chronic constipation.	No side effects whatsoever and my only small complaint would be that it seems to cause the stools to have a very strong odor.	Since childhood I have had IBS, but it wasn't until I was 60 that I discovered it was due to lactose intollerance and by then a lot of damage had been done to the lower GI, resulting in severe diverticulitis, constipation, and very difficult bowel movements. In fact, the force needed to empty the rectum resulted in a pelvic floor collapse. By the time I was 70 I was at my wit's end. Like others, I had taken a fiber supplement, drunk lots water, and complained to Drs. who really do believe fiber is a cure-all but, as I found out, it can be very constipating. I ended up with an excrutiating fissure, and severe internal hemorrhoids. To his great credit, an Urgent Care doctor recommended Miralax, and now, seven months later, the fissure has healed, the hemorrhoids are calm, and I am gradually relaxing at the need to have a bowel movement for the first time in so, so many years. Miralax has been wonderful for me, and I appreciate and relate so much to all the others who have shared their st	F	70	7 months		4/16/2007
5	chronic constipation	No side effects, works great.	Help! I have been taking miralax for several months because my antidepressant (the one which works best for me) causes severe constipation. It has been great! No sice effects and less than full dosage keeps me regular and comfortable every day....a great sense health, finally! Now my GP says to get off the miralax or I will become dependent. After a week of almost no bowel movements (pebbles, excuse me) I have started taking it again and hope I get better soon. What is the REAL word on long-term use?? It has really improved my quality of life and I want to continue taking it.	F	59	7 months		6/6/2009
2	chronic constipation	bloating, terrible belly aches.	Not sure what to do. 6 yr. old daughter can't eat because everytime she does she gets a stomach ache. We believe it is the miralax. She did better when she took it every other day. We are trying that again.	F	6	7 months		10/2/2005
5	chronic constipation	occasional diarrhea	It works -- 17 grams daily, mixed into any liquid results in soft stools on a regular basis. I have reduced motility due to bowel resection, plus constipation from the narcotic pain relievers I'm taking to control rectal pain. A very hellish cycle, but Miralax keeps me from screaming.	M	58	6 months		10/29/2006
5	Irritable Bowel Syndrome	Gas, light cramps	The side effects are so minor compared to the painful problems of irritable bowel syndrome. I will probably use Miralax for the rest of my life.	F		6 months		2/10/2005
5	chronic constipation	occassionally I feel like I should go more or have a gas bubble that won't pass. If I eat something it tends to speed things along.	I really do like it and would recommend anyone to try it. It works best for me when taken at night before bed. I also take 2 doses of generic metamucil daily. Don't overdrink water, eat low fat and low sugar diet. Over all has changed my life for the better, happier now!	F	49	6 months		10/16/2007
5	chronic constip. due to bipolar med	no side effects-	I wish I had found out about this medication earlier! It really really helps. My gastroenterologist plans on keeping me on it long term. Take 17g 2X daily	F	36	6 months		11/6/2006
5	long term chronic constipation	none	I have had constipation for over 20 years despite eating high fiber, plenty of water and regular exercise. I had a colonoscopy in my early 20's with nothing found other than a fissure from straining. Without taking anything, I will go a week with no BM and of course hemorrhoids. I was taking a senna based colon cleanse product daily (low dose) then switched to Miralax 6 months ago, per Dr. recommendation. Works great! I go 1 time per day, no side effects so far. It's very gentle and seems to work well with my body. I keep checking for any long term side effects as I plan to continue taking it daily.	F	39	6 months 17 g 1X D		3/11/2010
5	8 year old encoperesis	none but recently had pale stool	has been a life saver for my daughter who has been having severe constipation with stool impaction. Whenever we skip a few days, she immediately is constipated again. She takes is without an issue in a glass of water, juice or tea. No taste whatsoever	F	8	6 months		11/6/2009
5	Less time in bathroom	None	It's a great product and my wife an RN works in a GI unit said that doctors have been telling patients to take it "forever" as a stool softner, especially now that it is OTC. Before starting it, I would be regular (three times a day) but BM had some pain and straining even with a relatively soft BM. Fiber supplements and more water made no difference. Nor did conventional stool softeners with docuate sodium (which also contains some version of e-glycol). I take a half a cap of Miralax in the evening and my system just runs more smoothy. I do not go more often but can go more quickly and with less pain before and straining. If my system slows down, I take a full capful for a few days. It produces more consitently soft BMs without any diaharea or anything like it in my case.	M	60	6 months		9/15/2007
4	impaction	gas,gas,gas and mo gas.	works wonderfully once you figure out what your personal dose is. worried about becoming dependant on it.	F		6 months		6/21/2009
4				F	59	6 months 1X D		6/6/2010
4	CC		Wondering if the Generic can still be prescribed?			6 months		7/4/2007
3	Post-Colon resection/Diverticulitis	Ever since less than week after taking Miralax I developed very painful spasms in my neck and shoulders. I was unable to stop taking it because it's the only thing that makes me able to have a BM. I have had diverticulitis, part of my colon removed, and still unable to function. I stopped taking Miralax two weeks ago and switched to Lactulose - pain in neck, etc, decreased dramatically but didn't fully resolve. I returned to Miralax three days ago out of total desperation and muscle spasms have never been worse. Pain dramatically increased an hour or two after taking it. I am now nearly paralyzed with severe pain in neck, upper back, tendons. I've read that certain drugs can trigger an autoimmune disease that causes tendonitis and never goes away. I'm starting to wonder if Miralax can cause the same problem.	Otherwise.....I thought Miralax was the best laxative I've ever used. It's amazing stuff, if you don't have sensitivity issues with it. Had I found Miralax before I had part of my colon removed, I probably never would have done it.	M	51	6 months		12/15/2009
5	IBS C&D, Hemorrhoids	Minor gas issues.	I've had IBS for quite a few years and also recently got hemorrhoids. IBS had me constipated for 3 to 4 days then I'd have a large amount of diarrhea which would constantly cause my hemorrhoids to flare. After suffereing for a while my doctor recommended this and it's been great. My issue with IBS has almost disappeared and when it does happen the symptoms and cramping aren't as severe as they used to be. It has given me my life back. I don't get flare ups anymore unless I stop taking it for too long.	M	24	5 months		4/9/2008
5	Constipation due to medication	Occasional gas. Stool too soft at times (switch to half a dose).	I take this daily for constipation due to another medication and it works great. It is safe for long term use if it is not your diet that is causing you to be constipated. If you aren't on any medications that make you constipated change your diet first and check with a doctor if you feel you need to use this long term. Also, if my stools are getting too soft I switch to half a dose. Be wary of the generics. Kroger Miralax was not as effective for me and tastes awful. It also doesn't dissolve very well. Dulcolax Balance (same compound) works extremely well and almost has less taste than the Miralax. I am assuming this is due to small differences in the manufacturing process. So for decreasing solubility and tastelessness Dulcolax Balance > Miralax > Generics. I have only noticed a difference in effectiveness between generics vs. brand but no difference between Dulcolax Balance and Miralax.	F	20	5 months 9-17 g 1X D		5/13/2010

1  2 3 
Average rating for drug: 4.0. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

Askapatient Drug Database Enter Drug Name:

.