Miralax for kids Constipation affects about 30 percent of children; when they have it, children can get irritable, frustrated, and unhappy. For years, Mirlax has been helping children with constipation. It is easy to take, has few side effects, and works quickly, things that health professionals and children appreciate because it is so easy to carry. However, there have been many reports that it’s doing more harm than good recently.
What is Miralax?
The main element in Miralax is Polyethylene glycol 3350, PEG for petite. Laxatives based on polyethylene glycol (newer laxatives presented in the year 2000) such as these. Miralax is available as a powder that you mix with drinks, such as water or juice, and drink. Moreover, it comforts constipation with a demulcent stool and makes it go down more quickly. It does this because it pulls the digestive tract inwards to drain more water into it, drawing more water into the stool.
What is it used to treat?
It is used to treat constipation. Kids and adults can all suffer from constipation, which can last up to a week or even years. Constipation in kids can be caused by any number of things, such as Holding their stool (caused by stress from potty training), Certain medications, and Not eating enough fiber. Not drinking enough water causes some health conditions in kids, making it challenging to move stool.
How long does Miralax take to work?
An easy-to-use measuring cap marks the appropriate dose for adults, and Miralax comes with special packets that make administering this medication easy. But kids may require a different dose. The dose your child should receive is dependent on your healthcare provider. Typically, it starts to work in 24 to 48 hours.
Are there any severe side effects of Miralax?
Miralax can cause some side effects. They are primarily abdominal-related and include:
- Bloating
- Stomach cramping
- Gas
- Nausea
There are many groups of parents who are reporting that Miralax is causing more serious side effects. These parents are reporting behavior changes in their children and think it’s due to Miralax. Some of these side effects include:
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Anger
- Abnormal behavior
The FDA study should be able to answer if Miralax is causing these symptoms. But in the meantime, many parents are choosing to avoid Miralax.
What are some alternatives to Miralax for kids?
If Miralax doesn’t complete like the correct excellent for your child, there are other things you can try to get things moving. Think of Miralax as something that works by adding more water to the stool and gastric tract. Protection of your child from drinking enough is a vital first step.
The foods your child is eating can also cause constipation. Some foods that might worsen things include chips, fast food, and processed foods.
Eating foods that are good sources of fiber can help make things better:
Pears
Apples
Oatmeal
Lentils
Carrots
Physical activity is also important for keeping regular bowel habits. Make sure your child is getting enough movement every day.
If your child has constipation from withholding stool, try to set up a toilet schedule. This can help kids get into a healthy rhythm so they don’t continue to hold back their stool.
If these natural options don’t work, milk of magnesia or mineral oil are examples of other laxatives that can be used in children.
Neither of these medications has FDA approval for use in children long term. They also cause some unpleasant side effects — like bloating, gas, and stomach pain. Young children can associate this stomach pain with using the bathroom and withhold their stool even more. These options also don’t taste very good, so getting kids to take them isn’t easy