Can Miralax Be Taken Long Term To Manage Chronic Constipation?

Posted on Sun, 1 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 1 Apr 2018 Answered on

Fri, 2 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I have chronic constipation. I have been taking Miralax for several years because it seems to be the only thing I have found that works for me. I took a senna drug for several years on the recommendation of a doctor until I was needing more and more and it no longer worked. Then I took Konsyl for several years until it no longer worked either. Is it okay to take Miralax long term?

Answered by Dr. Varinder (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No long term

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Miralax should not be taken for long. It is drug for occasional use.

* You should decrease fatty foods.
* Go for morning or evening walk.
* Increase fluid intake.
* Avoid sedentary lifestyle.
* Avoid smoking.

You can try TRIPHALA churan to be taken 1 or 2 tsp with warm water at night. Otherwise, tab Amlodipine also causes constipation in some so consult with your doctor to change it to Losartan or Telmisartan.

I hope you do not have low thyroid.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Varinder Joshi
General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Varinder (4 days later)

I took PerDiem (a senna laxative, I think) for about 15 years on the recommendation of a specialist starting in about 1985. I have been told that, with continued use of a laxative, a person's digestive system becomes dependent on the laxative. I believe that is what happened to me, and my system is now dependent. Miralax probably meets this dependency. So I have two questions: what are the long-term effects of Miralax (I have been using it for about 10 years with no obvious effects)?, and what can be done to remove this dependency? As I mentioned, I do the things Dr. Yoshi recommended, and they do not solve the problem. (I have not tried Triphala. What is it? Is it a prescription or over the counter?)
I first has trouble with constipation back in the middle 60s when I had an ulcer. At that time, I was treated with Digel, an antacid which also helped the constipation. This may have been the beginning of making my system dependent on something to help constipation.

Answered by Dr. Varinder (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I understand.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Please see that it is standard advise that any laxative should not be taken more than a certain time as it causes abuse potential or dependence.

All drugs do not give all side effects in all patients. As an example some patients get gastritis with two day painkiller therapy but some do not develop gastritis after a month long.

Miralax causes diarrhea or flatulence or nausea or cramps in some but not necessarily all.

It is good that you did not have any problem since long. Triphala is over the counter product. You can purchase it online. It is ayurvedic herbal product, quite safe and popular.

Good products are organic. I have seen many people taking this product since long without any problem. It is to be taken 1 or 2 tsp with warm water at night.

I hope you are satisfied now. Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Varinder Joshi
General & Family Physician

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad