Miralax not working

Posted by cvg50 @cvg50, Jul 3, 2021

I’m a 70-yr old male and started developing constipation Omer the past few months. Taking Miralax 1x day for 3 days—spacing it out over a few weeks— usually did the trick, but not this time. Suggestions! Thx

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@cvg50

Isn't it unusual that the Miralax, 72 hours after original dose and doubling the dose in ensuing days, hasn't worked?

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Hello @cvg50

Please forgive me for interrupting a discussion you have been having with @astaingegerdm, but I wanted to weigh in on this question. I also suffer from something called "slow transit constipation" most likely due to several surgeries of the upper digestive tract. The most important thing about using Miralax is consistency. For me, it needs to be used daily. I generally mix it in my morning coffee or other hot beverages.

Sometimes when Miralax alone is not working I'll add an extra dose in cold water and also add some Metamucil. This type of combined cocktail generally helps.

Just some ideas for you.

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Hello @hopeful33250. You are not interrupting, you're contributing! Thank you for comments and suggestions. My constipation is fairly recent (past few months) and until I get the colonoscopy I won't know the nature of the issue. Some of it is probably age, some may be genetics.

It's helpful to know that sometimes Miralax doesn't work occasionally. An ER doc suggested doubling the dosage (2/day) so I'm hopeful this will do the trick eventually.

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@astaingegerdm

@cvg50 - Welcome to Mayo Connect!
Constipation of varying degrees is common, however most people are not as bad as your recent experience, needing to go to ER.
It’s great that you have an appointment with a good GI doctor.
Don’t stop the Miralax so soon, but continue until your appointment. Miralax helps pull water into the intestines, making it easier to pass a stool.

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Thank you @astaingegerdm! Thank you for the suggestion on continuing the Miralax. After my recent experiment in not using it I'll keep to it until my appointment.

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@cvg50

Hello @hopeful33250. You are not interrupting, you're contributing! Thank you for comments and suggestions. My constipation is fairly recent (past few months) and until I get the colonoscopy I won't know the nature of the issue. Some of it is probably age, some may be genetics.

It's helpful to know that sometimes Miralax doesn't work occasionally. An ER doc suggested doubling the dosage (2/day) so I'm hopeful this will do the trick eventually.

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Yes, @cvg50, doubling the dose is fine! I once had a GI specialist tell me I could take as many doses as needed. You just need to stay near the house if you are going to do that in case it works before you realize it. 😊

You might ask your doctor for a "recipe" for bowel cleansing when you are severely constipated if your doctor thinks it is safe for you. It is like a colonoscopy prep where for one day. you just have a liquid diet and take as much Miralax as needed until your stool is running clear. While it doesn't make for a fun day, it does work.

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Again, thank you! I'm just surprised that Miralax is slow-working, but I guess that's the point. As for a "recipe", I'll ask the GI doc about this.

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@cvg50 - you got some very good advice from @hopeful33250 !
I suffer from very slow transit. As a matter of fact, I have to prep for a colonoscopy this Friday with 2 days of clear liquids plus the prep liquids. I was going to have one 2 weeks ago, but the prep had not worked well. I’m not happy about it at all!

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@astaingegerdm So sorry to hear that you have to go through this! I guess if you have time find a good book or something to occupy your mind. Your experience of two weeks ago is my fear when time comes.

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@cvg50

@astaingegerdm So sorry to hear that you have to go through this! I guess if you have time find a good book or something to occupy your mind. Your experience of two weeks ago is my fear when time comes.

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@cvg50 - Don’t worry too much! Most people don’t have any problems!
On the plus side- I might lose a pound or so! 2 days of clear liquids before the procedure.

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Increase your fiber intake. 25 grams is recommended daily. Along with the miralax this has brought me back to normal bowel movements,

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@hopeful33250

Hello @cvg50

Please forgive me for interrupting a discussion you have been having with @astaingegerdm, but I wanted to weigh in on this question. I also suffer from something called "slow transit constipation" most likely due to several surgeries of the upper digestive tract. The most important thing about using Miralax is consistency. For me, it needs to be used daily. I generally mix it in my morning coffee or other hot beverages.

Sometimes when Miralax alone is not working I'll add an extra dose in cold water and also add some Metamucil. This type of combined cocktail generally helps.

Just some ideas for you.

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Yes I add a extra mild like senakog natural laxative with Miralax.i found floor exercise for easy bowlmovements help. And actuall I bought a small trampoline with a hold bar to get those stomach muscles woke up. Try this.

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