Brand Name(s): Glycolax, Miralax
Generic Name Polyethylene Glycol 3350
What is polyethylene glycol powder?
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 3350 powder (MiraLax®) is a laxative for treating constipation. Polyethylene glycol helps increase the water content of the stool. Bowel movements become easier and more frequent. Generic polyethylene glycol 3350 powder is not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•a history of blockage of the stomach or intestine
•current abdomen distension or pain
•difficulty swallowing
•diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or other chronic bowel disease
•phenylketonuria
•an unusual or allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol, other medicines, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take polyethylene glycol by mouth. The bottle has a measuring cap that is marked with a line. Pour the powder into the cap up to the marked line (the dose is about 1 heaping tablespoon). Add the powder in the cap to a full glass (4—8 ounces or 120—240 ml) of water, juice, soda, coffee or tea. Mix the powder well. Drink the solution. Take exactly as directed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the normal schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with polyethylene glycol 3350?
No drug interactions have been reported. However, if you regularly take other medications, check with your prescriber before taking this laxative on a regular basis.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Tell your prescriber or health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking polyethylene glycol 3350?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•diarrhea
•difficulty breathing (rare)
•itching of the skin, hives, or skin rash (rare)
•severe bloating, pain, or distension of the stomach
•vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•bloating
•lower abdominal discomfort or cramps
•nausea
•passing gas
What should I watch for while taking polyethylene glycol 3350?
Do not use for more than 2 weeks without advice from your prescriber or health care professional. It can take 2—4 days to have a bowel movement and to experience improvement in constipation. See your healthcare professional for any changes in bowel habits, including constipation, that are severe or last longer than three weeks.
Always take this laxative with plenty of water.
Do not inhale dust from the laxative powder. This can make breathing difficult or may cause sneezing or an allergic-type reaction.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:08/11/2004 |
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