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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Long-term Use Of Miralax Cause Digestion Problems?

Can the use of miralax over time stop the stomach , intestines and colon from working properly and prevent them from being able to digest food? I have a coworker who weighs only 148 pounds and is still loosing weight, but he has used miralax since he was 12 years old with irritable bowl. The doctors can not tell him what is wrong. He is surviving on a liquid diet .
Wed, 7 Aug 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
hi,
thank you for your query.

Miralax is polyethylene glycol
This medication is used to treat occasional constipation. It works by holding water in the stool to soften the stool and increases the number of bowel movements. It is known as an osmotic-type laxative.

Extended use or overuse may result in dependence on laxatives and chronic constipation. Overuse may cause diarrhea, excess loss of body water (dehydration), and mineral imbalance (e.g., low sodium).

hence i would advise him to stop miralax as it would worsen the IBS.
and rather take fiber containing laxatives.

these will help with his IBS symptoms too.

thank you,
wishing you good health
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Can Long-term Use Of Miralax Cause Digestion Problems?

hi, thank you for your query. Miralax is polyethylene glycol This medication is used to treat occasional constipation. It works by holding water in the stool to soften the stool and increases the number of bowel movements. It is known as an osmotic-type laxative. Extended use or overuse may result in dependence on laxatives and chronic constipation. Overuse may cause diarrhea, excess loss of body water (dehydration), and mineral imbalance (e.g., low sodium). hence i would advise him to stop miralax as it would worsen the IBS. and rather take fiber containing laxatives. these will help with his IBS symptoms too. thank you, wishing you good health