Polyethylene glycol 3350 is a product used to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements.

This medicine is in a class of drugs called osmotic laxatives. It works by increasing the amount of water in the intestinal tract.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is available without a prescription, under the brand name MiraLax.

It’s best to talk with your physician or a nutritionist before taking MiraLax or using it for long periods.

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, or if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have any of these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from polyethylene glycol 3350.

People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain;
ulcerative colitis;
irritable bowel syndrome;
kidney disease; or
if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe or bloody diarrhea;
rectal bleeding;
blood in your stools; or
severe and worsening stomach pain.

Common side effects may include:

bloating, gas, upset stomach;
dizziness; or
increased sweating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350)?

Use Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

To use the powder form of this medicine, measure your dose with the medicine cap on the bottle. This cap should contain dose marks on the inside of it. Pour the powder into 4 to 8 ounces of a cold or hot beverage such as water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea. Stir this mixture and drink it right away. Do not save for later use.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using the medication. Polyethylene glycol 3350 normally causes loose or even watery stools.

Do not use polyethylene glycol 3350 more than once per day. Call your doctor if you are still constipated or irregular after using this medication for 7 days in a row.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.