How Does Miralax Work?

Posted on Wed, 7 Dec 2016

Question: went to my Gastrointestinal doctor. wanted a Colonoscopy, but he is making me wait till my 3 yr anniversary appointment in Feb. 2017. My complaint is I have been getting gas & bloating attacks about 3 this year alone. He took me off soluble fiber and wants me on miralax. I also get diarrhea with this but these attacks last about 4 to 5 days, my whole gut hurts on palpation, like it's sore to the touch. He wants me to take the Miralax once a day and go back in one month. He said something about the Miralax will absorb water in gut. He doesn't speak English too well so I didn't understand what he was telling me. I thought Miralax was just for Constipation....thank you

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
as explained in details.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/70 - gases and bloating attacks - 3 this year - went to GI - wanted colonoscopy - making you wait till 3 year anniversary appointment in Feb 2017 - He took you off soluble fibers and asked to take Miralax - gets diarrhea with this - last for about 4-5 days - tender gut - sore to touch - advised Miralax once a day - and go back in one month said about Miralax will absorb water in gut - you thought Miralax was only for constipation ...

Miralax contains Polyethylene Glycol 3350. It draws water into the colon - activates water to work in 3 ways - by hydrating, easing and softening - to unblock your system naturally. Hence this is for constipation.

But if your symptoms do not respond well with Miralax, you may need further investigations. to decide the cause of your symptoms or as directed by your Gastroenterologist

I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is gap of communication.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee