As a type of osmotic laxative, MiraLAX
® (
polyethylene glycol 3350) is approved to help treat occasional
constipation in adults. The active ingredient is polyethylene glycol 3350 (sometimes abbreviated as
PEG-3350), which works by drawing water into the
colon, making the stool soft, and increasing the number of bowel movements.
This laxative comes as a powder, which should be dissolved in four to eight ounces of liquid (such as water, juice, or tea) and swallowed by mouth. It is typically used once a day. MiraLAX will usually cause a bowel movement in one to three days.
Originally, this medicine was only available with a prescription. In fact, a generic version of MiraLAX is still available as a prescription medication. The prescription version is exactly the same as the over-the-counter (OTC) version, but is more likely to be covered by insurance.
(If you want more information on using this laxative, click MiraLAX. This in-depth article offers a complete overview of how this medication works, possible side effects, and safety precautions to be aware of before starting treatment.)
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