What is the difference between MiraLAX and milk of magnesia?

MiraLAX is used for short-term treatment of constipation and long-term treatment of chronic constipation. It's also used for bowel prep before colonoscopy. Milk of magnesia is used for short-term treatment of constipation. It's not currently recommended for long-term treatment of chronic constipation.
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Do MiraLAX and Milk of Magnesia work the same way?

Miralax has been found to cause less gas and bloating than other osmotic laxatives. Lactulose increases the speed of intestinal contractions, stimulating bowel movements. Milk of Magnesia is no longer widely recommended because of the potential complications it may cause for patients with heart or kidney disease.
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Can you take MiraLAX and milk of magnesium together?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between Milk of Magnesia and MiraLAX.
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What's the difference between magnesium and MiraLAX?

Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) Treats constipation. Citrate Of Magnesia (Magnesium Citrate) works well if you need to really get things moving, but it's not a good medicine to manage chronic constipation.
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What is better than MiraLAX for constipation?

Instead, over-the-counter drugs such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax and generic), bisacodyl (Dulcolax laxative tablets and generic), or senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot, and generic) are a far better choice. They tend to work at least as well, often have more evidence for their safety, and are much cheaper.
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Top 3 Favorite Laxative | Getting rid of Constipation



Is Milk of Magnesia good for constipation?

Milk of magnesia is a common over-the-counter treatment for constipation. This liquid laxative is also called by its chemical name, magnesium hydroxide. It's often effective for short-term constipation relief, but it's not ideal for treating chronic constipation.
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Which laxative is best for impacted stool?

If stool softeners aren't providing enough help, the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or a generic version) is good next step. These products hold water in stool to soften it and increase bowel movements. Common side effects are gas, bloating, and nausea.
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What is Milk of Magnesia good for?

It is a laxative (osmotic-type) that is thought to work by drawing water into the intestines, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. This medication is also used to treat symptoms caused by too much stomach acid such as heartburn, upset stomach, or indigestion.
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What can I take instead of MiraLAX?

MiraLAX Alternatives Compared
  • Dulcolax.
  • Polyethylene glycol 3350.
  • Bisacodyl.
  • Linzess.
  • Dulcolax Stool Softener.
  • Milk of Magnesia.
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Does MiraLAX work for impacted stool?

To treat childhood fecal impaction, Youssef and coworkers recommend 1 to 1.5 g/kg/day of polyethylene glycol solution (PEG 3350, MiraLax).
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What is the best laxative for the elderly?

Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (brand name Miralax) are well-tolerated by most older adults, and can be used daily.
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Is it OK to take MiraLAX every day?

You should use MiraLAX® for no more than seven days. If you need to use a laxative for longer than one week, stop use and consult your doctor.
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What is better magnesium citrate or milk of magnesia?

Magnesium citrate has an average rating of 8.7 out of 10 from a total of 468 ratings on Drugs.com. 82% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 6% reported a negative effect. Milk of Magnesia has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 43 ratings on Drugs.com.
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Is MiraLAX or magnesium citrate better?

Magnesium citrate has an average rating of 8.7 out of 10 from a total of 468 ratings on Drugs.com. 82% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 6% reported a negative effect. MiraLAX has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 227 ratings on Drugs.com.
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How long does MiraLAX cleanout take?

A bowel movement will usually occur within an hour after the first glass of the Gatorade-Miralax mixture. Don't worry if this doesn't happen for three or four hours. Everyone is different. Bowel movements will occur that are watery and frequent until the bowel is fully cleansed.
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When should you not use MiraLAX?

Who should not take MIRALAX?
  1. low amount of calcium in the blood.
  2. low amount of sodium in the blood.
  3. low amount of potassium in the blood.
  4. severe ulcerative colitis.
  5. toxic megacolon.
  6. colon inflammation caused by toxic substance.
  7. blocked bowels with decreased peristaltic movement.
  8. blockage of the stomach or intestine.
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Is MiraLAX a stool softener or laxative?

MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative. That means it draws water into the colon, which softens the stool and may naturally stimulate the colon to contract. These actions help ease bowel movements. Metamucil is a psyllium fiber supplement that works as a bulk-forming laxative.
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Who should not take milk of magnesia?

The following people should also avoid taking the medication: people on a magnesium-restricted diet. people with symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain. people who experience sudden bowel changes that last longer than 14 days.
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Why can't I poop even after laxatives?

Just about everyone has trouble going to the bathroom at some point. If you're not having bowel movements as often as you used to, usually it's no cause for worry. Often, constipation will go away on its own within a few days or get better after you use laxatives or another constipation treatment.
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Has milk of magnesia been discontinued?

Milk of Magnesia, used to solve problems of indigestion, ulcers and upset stomachs, has been banned, as it contains too much sulphate. GlaxoSmithKline GSK stopped manufacturing the product last autumn but were allowed to sell their supplies, the Daily Express reported.
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What to do if you have poop stuck halfway out?

For constipation, you can also take a laxative or stool softener. Poop stuck halfway out isn't usually a medical emergency. But it may be an emergency in the case of a severe fecal impaction.
...
Start with home remedies like:
  1. moving around.
  2. drinking water.
  3. taking OTC suppositories or enemas.
  4. increasing your fiber.
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Why is my Miralax not working?

If you have waited more than 3 hours without a response, then it may not be working well. Be sure you are drinking enough fluid. If that doesn't work, drink the second part of your prep and continue to drink fluids. It should work eventually.
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Will impacted stool eventually come out?

It won't go away on its own, and it can lead to death if it's allowed to worsen. The most common treatment for a fecal impaction is an enema, which is special fluid that your doctor inserts into your rectum to soften your stool.
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What are the side effects of milk of magnesia?

What are the side effects of Milk Of Magnesia (Magnesium Hydroxide)?
  • severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
  • no bowel movement after using the medicine as a laxative;
  • rectal bleeding; or.
  • worsening symptoms.
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How fast does MiraLAX work?

Bowel movements usually begin within 1 hour of drinking the first dose, but it may take longer for some people. Don't worry if you don't start having bowel movements after drinking the first half of the MiraLAX. Continue to drink liquids and start the second half of the MiraLAX as instructed.
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