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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by BekkaH on December 15, 2002, at 5:39:07
I've read some posts in the archives on the use of Miralax/Movicol for constipation. The generic name is polyethylene glycol, which is used in making tires or something -- YIKES! Is this safe? I don't like to take laxatives at all, so I've been using ground flax seeds, which are healthy but not consistently helpful for me.
When I was a child and had constipation, I remember my parents giving me a product called Maltsupex, which tasted good and was safe and effective. Recently I asked for it at the pharmacy and discovered that one bottle of it is about $80.00. I can't imagine why it is so expensive. Perhaps it's made at Tiffany's. Regularity is important to me, but that price is a bit steep.
If anyone has any information on the use and safety of Miralax, I'd like to hear about it.
Thanks.
Bekka
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 15, 2002, at 10:57:25
In reply to Miralax - is it safe?, posted by BekkaH on December 15, 2002, at 5:39:07
> I've read some posts in the archives on the use of Miralax/Movicol for constipation. The generic name is polyethylene glycol, which is used in making tires or something -- YIKES! Is this safe?
Don't worry about what PEG is used for in industry. It's used for lots of things. I hope this study puts your mind at ease.
Am J Gastroenterol 2002 Jul;97(7):1776-9
Overnight efficacy of polyethylene glycol laxative.
Di Palma JA, Smith JR, Cleveland M.
Division of Gastroenterology, University of South Alabama, Mobile 36693, USA.
OBJECTIVES: Clinical studies in constipated adult patients have shown that a 17- or 34-g daily dose of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 (MiraLax) is safe and effective for the treatment of constipation, with the best efficacy seen in wk 2 of treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine an optimal dose of PEG to provide satisfactory relief of constipation within 24 h. METHODS: A total of 24 adult study subjects who met Rome II criteria for constipation were randomized in a double-blind, parallel pilot study to receive a single dose of placebo or PEG laxative at doses of 51, 68, or 85 g in 500 ml of flavored water. Over a 72-h period, subjects rated bowel movements (BM), completeness of evacuation, and satisfaction. RESULTS: The 68-g dose seemed to be most satisfactory. Five of six subjects had a BM within 24 h. The time to first BM was 14.8 h for 68 g versus 27.3 h for placebo (p = NS). The time to second BM was 19.2 h versus 47.2 h for 68 g and placebo, respectively (p = 0.003). Of the subjects receiving 68 g of PEG, 50% and 100% reported complete evacuation for the first and second BM, respectively. The average number of BMs in 24 h for placebo, 51 g, 68 g, and 84 g were 0.5, 2.2, 2.2, and 4.2, respectively (p = 0.004). There were no adverse reactions, and no patient reported incontinence or complained of cramps or diarrhea at any dose. There were no changes in measured electrolytes, calcium, glucose, BUN, creatinine, or serum osmolality. CONCLUSIONS: A 68-g dose of PEG laxative seems to provide safe and effective relief in constipated adults within a 24-h period.
>I don't like to take laxatives at all, so I've been using ground flax seeds, which are healthy but not consistently helpful for me.
>You might want to try psyllium, like in Metamucil.
> If anyone has any information on the use and safety of Miralax, I'd like to hear about it.
>
> Thanks.
> Bekka
Posted by BekkaH on December 15, 2002, at 15:04:09
In reply to Miralax - is it safe?, posted by BekkaH on December 15, 2002, at 5:39:07
Larry Hoover, thanks for the information. Do you know whether it requires a prescription?
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 15, 2002, at 17:32:03
In reply to Re: Miralax - is it safe? Larry Hoover, posted by BekkaH on December 15, 2002, at 15:04:09
> Larry Hoover, thanks for the information. Do you know whether it requires a prescription?
I can't imagine any reason it would need a prescription, but I don't know for sure.
Posted by BekkaH on December 21, 2002, at 20:59:10
In reply to Re: Miralax - is it safe? Larry Hoover, posted by Larry Hoover on December 15, 2002, at 17:32:03
> I can't imagine any reason it would need a prescription, but I don't know for sure.
>Today I asked a pharmacist about Miralax, and he said it does require a prescription.
This is the end of the thread.
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