Can You Take Miralax And Fiber At The Same Time?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Miralax and Benefiber can be taken at the same time.
Can I give my 6-year-old daughter Miralax and Benefiber at the same time?
Jul 28, 2022- Yes, you can take Miralax and fiber together since there is no interaction between them. Fiber is typically tried first for constipation, but Miralax can be added if needed. If you use both products, Miralax is usually stopped once your constipation improves and fiber alone keeps things under control.
Answer
Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350) and fiber can be used together at the same time as there is no interaction between the two. Ideally, fiber and dietary changes are the first line of treatment for constipation but Miralax can certainly be added on if needed.
Fiber Products
There are a variety of fiber products available over the counter including Citrucel, Metamucil, and Benefiber. All are classified as soluble fiber. These fiber products are useful for bulking up the stool as well as hastening foods through our digestive tract and are typically used as a first-line option for constipation. If you take medication, fiber should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after other medications are taken by mouth. Also, be sure to drink a good amount of water with your dose and after your dose.
Miralax
Miralax is the brand name for polyethylene glycol 3350. Polyethylene glycol is known as an osmotic laxative. It increases the fluid in the GI tract by binding water and causes this water to be retained in the stool. Polyethylene glycol is not absorbed into your body, it just moves through your GI tract. In terms of side effects, it sometimes can cause diarrhea, increase how often you go to the bathroom, and flatulence. Typically, doses of 17 grams or less don't cause too many problems.
Taking Fiber With Miralax
While both fiber products and Miralax can be taken regularly, fiber is generally considered a first-line option for constipation and can be taken daily as a supplement. Miralax can be taken daily as well, but usually only for chronic constipation. In cases where both Miralax and a fiber product (such as Benefiber) are used, the Miralax is discontinued when constipation symptoms are controlled.
If constipation remains under control with fiber and diet solely, Miralax can be used simply as needed for more severe symptoms as they come up.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Polyethylene Glycol 3350
- The active ingredient in Miralax that works by drawing water into the stool to make bowel movements easier.
- Soluble fiber
- A type of fiber that dissolves in water and helps bulk up stool while moving food through the digestive system.
- Osmotic laxative
- A medication that works by pulling water into the intestines to soften stool and promote bowel movements.
- GI tract
- The gastrointestinal system, which includes the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine where food is digested.
- Flatulence
- Gas in the digestive system that is passed from the body, sometimes experienced as a side effect of fiber or laxative use.
- Chronic constipation
- Persistent difficulty having bowel movements that occurs regularly over a long period of time.
- First-line option
- The initial or preferred treatment choice that doctors typically recommend before trying other treatments.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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