One of the key ingredients of Miralax is polyethylene glycol; it is a widely-used laxative – taken through over-the-counter route. This drug treats spells of constipation or difficulties faced while passing stools. Main chemicals of this med help in drawing water into your bowels. This action softens stools, and also helps in bowel-related movements. It helps to know miralax dosage for adults and how to measure it in tablespoons.
Constipation is a condition wherein your bowel-movements tend to turn irregular. When your experience bowel-movements less than three times in a week’s time, it is termed as constipation. This is however a common problem. In the US, more than 2 million individuals visit their physician’s office every year owing to this condition.
The time interval in between bowel-movements varies from one individual to another. A few people may see such movements twice per day; many people witness them several times each week. The typical signs of constipation include discharge of hardened stool, no or very few bowel-movements, bloating of your abdomen.
In this milieu, what is miralax?
This med belongs to a genre called osmotic-laxatives. It draws bodily fluids (essentially, water) into your intestinal tract. This leads to bowel-movements and thus makes you go with ease. It is quite popular as it uses water content of your body to resolve constipation. Also, this med can treat difficulties to pass stools without causing cramps or flatulence; you also tend to go with ease, with no urgency.
Miralax dosage for adults
Normal dosage of miralax for adults is 17 grams, taken as a single dose per day. This is measured with the cap of the dispenser. The cap has markings to help know the dosage level. You are advised to fill the bottle-cap till a white section; this equals 17 grams (gms). Now add 5 to 7 ounces water or fruit juice(s).
You are advised to take the mix immediately; ensure powder gets dissolved fully prior to consumption. If you find clumps, refrain from drinking the mix. Dosage of miralax can be taken at any part of the day.
Miralax dosage in tablespoon
A deeper understanding of miralax dosage in tablespoons is useful – especially to people preferring to measure at home. You need to know one (1) gram (g) of miralax is ~ 0.035 ounces (oz), and 17 g of Miralax is ~ 0.595 ounces (oz), and 0.595 ounces (oz) is ~ 1.2 tablespoons. This means you can take 1.2 tablespoons of miralax powder to consume a dose of 17 g.
In order to get most out of each miralax dosage, you are advised to take miralax at the same timeslot every day; have ample amount of liquids in order to help this med work more effectively; take a fiber-rich diet to enable regular bowel-movement; follow all instructions printed on pack or those suggested by your treating physician.
Beware of a few side effects doses of miralax can cause. These include discharge of loose stools. Hence, taking an optimal dose helps normalize stool flow. Bloating is another adverse effect; this occurs due to an enhanced supply of water onto bowels. A few users people have complained of cramps or pains in their abdomen.
What are the side effects of Miralax Miralax, a common laxative used to treat constipation, may cause side effects like bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Less commonly, it can trigger severe allergic reactions, diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. Always consult with a healthcare provider if side effects persist or worsen after taking Miralax.
If you are pregnant or nursing and infant, your doctor need to know of your medical condition. Those who are hypersensitive to polyethylene-glycol or related chemicals must stay away from taking miralax. Also, if you are diagnosed of renal conditions, your caregiving team must stay aware of such problems.
This laxative may work adversely with a few other drugs. For example, drugs that alter electrolyte-levels can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes. Also, those already using a prescription-based laxative, must take their doctor’s advice prior to using miralax.
Doses of miralax offer an easier way-out to difficulties faced in passing stools. It is always a safe thing to consult with a caregiver prior to using this laxative.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.