MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) is a brand-name drug used for constipation in adults and certain children. MiraLAX comes as a dissolvable powder that’s typically taken once per day. It’s available over the counter.
MiraLAX belongs to a drug class called osmotic laxatives. MiraLAX is available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of MiraLAX, including its strength and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at MiraLAX, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages of MiraLAX provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking MiraLAX, always follow the instructions on the package or the dosage your doctor recommends.
The typically recommended dosage of MiraLAX is described below.
MiraLAX form
MiraLAX comes as a powder that you mix with water to form an oral solution. It’s available in bottles with a measuring cap or in single-use packets.
MiraLAX strength
MiraLAX comes in one strength of 17 grams (g) per packet or capful.
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly recommended in adults.
Dosage for constipation
Doctors may recommend MiraLAX to treat constipation.
The typically recommended dosage of MiraLAX for constipation is 17 g once per day for 7 days.
Do not take MiraLAX more than once per day for 7 days unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
If you have questions about the dosage of MiraLAX, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Children’s dosage
MiraLAX is approved to treat constipation in children ages 17 years and older.
The dosage is the same as the MiraLAX powder dosage for adults described above.
For children ages 16 years or younger, talk with your child’s doctor before using MiraLAX.
How to take MiraLAX
MiraLAX comes as a powder that you mix with water to form an oral solution.
Empty the contents of a packet or a capful of MiraLAX into a 4- to 8-ounce (oz) beverage and stir to dissolve the MiraLAX powder. Make sure there aren’t any clumps. Then, drink the entire beverage. The beverage can be hot, cold, or room temperature, which is between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
You can take MiraLAX at any time of day. It may be helpful to take MiraLAX around the same time each day. While there isn’t a recommended time of day for your MiraLAX dosage, some people prefer to take it in the morning.
You can take MiraLAX with or without food.
If you have questions about how to take MiraLAX, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Length of treatment
MiraLAX is used short term for constipation. The recommended dosage of MiraLAX for constipation is 7 days.
If your constipation lasts longer than 7 days, talk with your doctor. Do not take MiraLAX for more than 7 days in a row unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to take MiraLAX.
Below are some frequently asked questions about MiraLAX.
How much MiraLAX can I take for severe constipation?
The recommended dosage for constipation is 17 g once per day. You should not take more than this amount unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
This dosage should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days. If you don’t have a bowel movement within this timeframe, talk with your doctor. Do not use MiraLAX for more than 7 days in a row without talking to your doctor.
Find out how long constipation usually lasts and treatment options.
What is the MiraLAX dosage for adults in tablespoons or in teaspoons?
MiraLAX dosage isn’t measured in tablespoons or teaspoons. The powder comes in bottles with a cap that marks the dosage measurement. It also comes in single-dose packets. You’ll use one capful or one packet to make your MiraLAX dose. You can read more about this in the “How to take MiraLAX” section.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to measure MiraLAX.
Is there a MiraLAX dosage chart?
No, there isn’t a MiraLAX dosage chart. The recommended dosage of MiraLAX for both adults and children 17 years and older is 17 g once per day for no longer than 7 days.
Call your doctor if your constipation persists after 7 days of taking MiraLAX. Do not use MiraLAX in a child younger than 17 years without talking with your doctor first.
If you have questions about the dosage of MiraLAX, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting MiraLAX in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
It’s important that you do not take more MiraLAX than recommended. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of MiraLAX
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much MiraLAX. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.