Can You Use Miralax When Pregnant

October 19, 2021

Can I Take Miralax While Pregnant

Natural alternatives to Miralax and other laxatives

Only a small amount of the drug is absorbed by your body, so MiraLAX is considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy. Actually, MiraLAX is often a first choice for doctors for easing constipation during pregnancy, according to one source in American Family Physician.

What Is Milk Of Magnesia Used For During Pregnancy

Milk of magnesia is often used to treat short-term constipation, which is a fairly typical pregnancy symptom. Blame pregnancy hormones like progesterone, which can slow down the passage of food and cause a build-up of waste in the GI tract. Iron supplements are another cause of constipation in pregnant women.

In some cases, magnesium hydroxide can be paired with other medications and used as an antacid, which helps relieve symptoms like heartburn and indigestion.

When Should I Be Worried About Constipation During Pregnancy

If you have severe constipation thats accompanied by abdominal pain, alternates with diarrhea, or you pass mucus or blood, call your doctor or midwife immediately. Also, straining during a bowel movement or passing a hard stool can lead to or worsen hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectal area.

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Can I Take Miralax If Im 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.

Everything You Need To Know About Milk Of Magnesia And Pregnancy

Brian Levine, MD, MS, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

When to Call Your Doctor

When it comes to pregnancy, there are many over-the-counter medications that are off-limits. But, the good news is that for most pregnant women, milk of magnesia is not one of them. Although you should always check with your doctor first before taking anythingeven over-the-counter medicationsmost research indicates that short-term use of milk of magnesia is usually not harmful to you or your growing baby. The keywords, of course, are short-term use.

In fact, one study found that laxatives like milk of magnesia are poorly absorbed and their use has not been associated with adverse effects. However, researchers did indicate that expectant moms might experience bloating and flatulence when taking the medication. Additionally, they warn that prolonged use could lead to electrolyte imbalances.

Therefore, before you run out and purchase a bottle to treat your constipation, be sure to talk with your doctor first. Even though this over-the-counter medication is typically safe to use occasionally when you are pregnant, you may have special circumstances in which it is not recommended for you. In the meantime though, here is an overview of everything you need to know about milk of magnesia.

Is Taking Milk Of Magnesia During Pregnancy Safe

In general, milk of magnesia is considered safe to use during pregnancy, but you should always double-check with your doctor before taking it.

Its possible for the laxative to interact with medications youre currently using. It can also cause complications for people on magnesium-restricted diets and for those who have kidney disease.

Be sure to take milk of magnesia exactly as directed. Using too much of a laxative can cause side effects like abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, or, in very rare cases, coma or death.

And no one pregnant or not should take milk of magnesia for longer than a week unless theyve been told to do so by their doctor.

What Pregnancy Category Is Miralax

Polyethylene glycol 3350 Pregnancy Warnings

AU TGA pregnancy category B1: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed.

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What Is The Best Fast

A Fleet Saline Enema can produce a bowel movement as quickly as one to five minute. A Dulcolax suppository can produce a bowel movement in 15-60 minutes. A saline laxative, such as magnesium citrate, can produce a bowel movement in a half hour to 6 hours. Depending on your preference and your level of discomfort, you can choose one of these, and it should work very quickly.

What Is Constipation During Pregnancy

What to do about constipation during pregnancy

Constipation is a common complaint of women who are pregnant. It affects up to 38% of women at some point during their pregnancy. Constipation can be painful and negatively affect your quality of life. It can also lead to physical problems like hemorrhoids if you don’t treat it.

Symptoms of constipation during pregnancy

Symptoms of constipation can include any of the following:

Infrequent bowel movements

Hard, lumpy, or dry stool
A feeling like all of your stool hasn’t passed
Excessive straining to have a bowel movement

Causes of constipation during pregnancy

If you are experiencing constipation during pregnancy, it may be a result of one of the following potential causes:

Hormone changes in pregnancy

Not enough fiber in your diet

Who can get constipation during pregnancy?

Any woman who is pregnant can experience constipation, but the following factors may increase your risk:

Age over 35
Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index over 24

When To Seek Help

In some cases, constipation can be treated at home without needing to visit the vet. But, if any of these symptoms arise, you should contact your veterinarian:

Vomiting
Abnormal eating pattern

No bowel movement for two or more days

These can be symptoms of more severe conditions when coupled with constipation. They will, therefore, need to be addressed by a professional.

Can I Take Miralax With Fiber

Yes, you can take MiraLAX with fiber. Many people take fiber daily to prevent constipation and for general digestive health. Fiber products are usually a first choice for preventing and treating constipation.

When fiber isnt enough for preventing or treating constipation, MiraLAX may also be taken until constipation goes away.

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How To Use Miralax For Cats

The best way to unconstipate a cat is to figure out the reason why its constipated and treat this. A veterinarian can help you with this and recommend a course of treatment. This is why we recommend you should always contact a veterinarian if your cat is ill. This way, you can together make a plan.

The treatment that should solve the underlying problem and help shift the existing blockage in the intestines. This is where Miralax comes into the picture. Miralax is made for humans, but it works well for constipated cats as well. This is because its almost tasteless and easy to administer.

Miralax comes as a water-soluble powder. This means that it can either be dissolved into the cats drinking water or maybe its favorite wet food! Mixing it into the food is generally recommended to ensure that your cat receives the right dosage.

Miralax contains the active ingredient PEG 3350. The PEG molecules are hydrophilic . This means they bind to water molecules in the intestines, stopping the water from leaving the intestines. This causes the stool to become larger and softer. It also stimulates the motility in the gut, making it move and move its contents again.

Do Miralax And Breastfeeding Go Together

Many women suffer from constipation after giving birth. Constipation is defined as passing hard, dry stools less than three times each week. Several factors lead to constipation after delivery, including not drinking enough fluids, less physical activity, taking pain medications, and not getting enough fiber in the diet. The best solution is increased exercise and a healthier diet. Many women want to take Miralax for relief. But is Miralax safe while breastfeeding?

Talk With Your Doctor

While MiraLAX is a safe and effective option for treating constipation during pregnancy, you should talk to your doctor before using it. Consider asking your doctor these questions:

Should I take MiraLAX as a first treatment for constipation, or should I try lifestyle changes or other products first?
How much MiraLAX should I take, and how often?
How long should I use it for?

If I still have constipation while using MiraLAX, how long should I wait to call you?
Can I take MiraLAX with other laxatives?
Will MiraLAX interact with any other medications Im taking?

Last medically reviewed on August 23, 2016

Disturbing The Electrolyte Balance

The electrolyte balance is essential for many vital processes. Heart and brain require the passing of electricity to function. The difference in the composition of electrolyte across membranes gives rise to the potential gradient. When you have low sodium potassium plasma level, you can become unconscious and faint.

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Reduce Stress And Anxiety

Our small furry friends get stressed easily. This can be due to an obvious reason like a new pet in the house, moving, or new loud noises nearby. Sometimes its even smaller things! But most cats will need some time to adjust, and in this period, they can become constipated from the stress. Calming pheromones or supplements can, in this case, help your cat!

Medications To Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy

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If youve tried everything in the books, and you are still having difficulties in the bathroom, it may be time for some meds. Check with you doctor, but generally stool softeners are safe for pregnant women. Other OTC medications that are safe include Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber, or Milk of Magnesia.

Dont you just love talking about poop?? Dont worry, usually this constipation most women experience during pregnancy is temporary. Pregnancy is like a scary roller coaster ride for your body to go through, but eventually you get to the end and things go back to normal .

THERE IS HOWEVER a very scary poop you must face called the first postpartum poop, but that is a story for another day, and I wont scare you with alllll that.

Happy bathroom adventures!

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What Medications Should I Avoid

Always be sure to avoid polyethylene glycol and magnesium citrate while expecting, as these could possibly harm your baby.

Castor oil must also be avoided, as it can cause irregular and painful contractions, which can be stressful on mom and baby, and possibly even lead to labor. It may also cause your baby to pass meconium before delivery, which often leads to complications after birth .

Play It Safe

Miralax For Colonoscopy Prep

Your doctor may recommend MiraLAX for colonoscopy bowel preparation. This is a procedure thats used to clear out the contents of your gastrointestinal tract before you have a colonoscopy. For this purpose, MiraLAX is sometimes used by itself or in combination with other laxatives.

If your doctor would like you to use MiraLAX for bowel prep, theyll recommend a specific way to use it. Be sure to follow your doctors instructions. To give you an idea of what they might be like, heres an example of bowel prep instructions:

The day before your colonoscopy:

Begin a clear liquid diet.
At 12 pm , take two laxative tablets such as Dulcolax. Also at this time, mix 8.3 ounces of MiraLAX in 64 ounces of a liquid such as Gatorade. This mixture should be refrigerated.
At 5:00 pm, drink an 8-ounce glass of the MiraLAX-Gatorade mixture. Do this every 15 minutes until youve consumed a total of four 8-ounce glasses of the mixture .

The day of your colonoscopy:

Five hours before the procedure, drink the remaining 32 ounces of the MiraLAX-Gatorade mixture.
Two hours before the procedure, stop all eating and drinking.

Bowel prep procedures will cause diarrhea. Therefore, you should stay near a toilet as you conduct the procedure.

MiraLAX is classified as an osmotic laxative. This means that it works by drawing water into the colon. The water softens the stool and may naturally stimulate the colon to contract. These actions help ease bowel movements.

Can You Take Miralax Everyday

MiraLAX can be taken at any time of the day. However, it may be best to take it in the morning. That way, if it causes you to have a bowel movement, youll be able to go during the day rather than during the night. You should only take MiraLAX once a day, unless your doctor gives you different instructions.17 2019 .

What Constipation Remedies Are Okay To Use During Pregnancy

Theres no such thing as a medication thats 100 percent safe for pregnant women which is why its a good idea to try to treat your constipation by changing up your diet or exercise routine first.

If that doesn’t work, however, there are a few other laxatives available on the market that are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Talk to your practitioner before taking any of them.

In the meantime, heres what you can do to try to regulate your bowel movements while youre pregnant:

Avoid stimulant laxatives like Dulcolax or Senokot, which trigger the intestinal muscles to contract and can be harmful to pregnant women.

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Relieving Constipation In Pregnancy

With good reason, only a few medicines are licensed for the treatment of constipation in pregnancy. MICROLAX® Enema has established itself as a laxative for pregnant women over many years and is well tolerated, even by children under 3 years old. It takes effect locally in the rectum, so there is no fear of it having any effect on your unborn baby. A further benefit: MICROLAX® Enema acts within 30 minutes so your pregnancy can be a pleasurable experience untroubled by any tiresome discomfort.

Find out more here about the gentle mode of action of MICROLAX® Enema.

Dosage For Kids Toddlers And Infants

Before giving MiraLAX to your child, talk with your childs doctor. They can recommend the most appropriate dosage of MiraLAX for your child. The manufacturer of MiraLAX doesnt provide this information. They advise getting a doctors recommendation for childrens dosage.

Its also important to talk to your childs doctor because they may want to evaluate your child to determine the cause of constipation. Depending on the cause, other treatments may be needed.

Important Information About Miralax

You should not use MiraLAX 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 MiraLAX.

People with eating disorders should not use MiraLAX without the advice of a doctor.

Before taking MiraLAX, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney disease, nausea or vomiting with severe stomach pain, or if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer.

MiraLAX 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 MiraLAX 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.

How Should I Take Miralax

Miralax Preparation Instructions for Colonoscopy

Use MiraLAX exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

To use MiraLAX powder, 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.

MiraLAX 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 MiraLAX 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.

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Is Dulcolax Or Miralax Better

The two drugs have not been compared in clinical trials. You may want to consider the type of medication you prefer as well as how fast you would like to go to the bathroom. For example, if youâre uncomfortable and want to go to the bathroom fast, and donât mind inserting a rectal suppository, a Dulcolax suppository will have you in the bathroom within the hour.

Add More Litter Boxes

Cats are often particular about their litter boxes. They need to be a specific place, with the right level of cleanliness and much more. Often a cat will be unwilling to go to a dirty litter box even if its only a tiny bit. Thus, having more litter boxes can encourage it to relieve itself. A good rule of thumb is two litter boxes per cat in the household.

Miralax And Other Medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with MiraLAX. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with MiraLAX.

Different drug interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.

Before taking MiraLAX, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Diuretics

MiraLAX and other laxatives can sometimes cause electrolyte imbalances. Certain diuretics can also cause these problems. Taking laxatives with diuretics might increase the risk of serious side effects caused by electrolyte imbalances, such as muscle weakness and heart rhythm problems.

Examples of these diuretics include:

furosemide

torsemide

Drugs that prolong the QT interval

Certain medications prolong your QT interval, which means they might affect the rhythm of your heartbeat.

Although its not common, MiraLAX and other laxatives can cause electrolyte imbalances. These imbalances can increase the risk of a serious heart arrhythmia in people who have a prolonged QT interval. If you have electrolyte imbalances caused by MiraLAX or other laxatives, you should not take medications that prolong the QT interval.