Miralax can be dangerous

[jmiller]

Miralax is indicated for the treatment of occasional constipation and
according to the packaging, for 7 days or less. I'm a pharmacist and I've
noticed that Miralax is becoming very popular and I've also noticed that
a lot of people are using it on a regular basis for an indefinite period of
time. This has the potential to be dangerous. Miralax is polyethylene
glycol and used according to packaging instructions has been proven
safe and effective. However, some of the polyethylene glycol is converted
to ethylene glycol in your body and over longer periods of time this can
accumulate. Ethylene glycol is automotive antifreeze and a known poison.
It can potentially cause neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, urticaria as well as
many other things. Please be careful and monitor for any related effects
like mental status changes.

 

[FrozenGirl]

Of course I would say monitor for changes no matter what med you are on but that said labelling doesn't mean it's not safe, it means he drug company hasn't done studies to prove it. Be cautious but not necessarily afraid is what I would say. Here's an article discussing a 1 years study in which the found miralax was generally safe and effective.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/552646

 

[CrohnsFighter]

I've read some other bad posts about it as well. I've been on it daily for around 5 years now I think with no end in sight. Is there a non stimulant that you would recommend in lieu of miralax for long term use? If not, then I don't have a choice. It is better and more efficient than the mineral oil I used to take... that's for sure.