Maya Ellison
Miralax is an over-the-counter laxative used to treat constipation in both adults and children. Its active ingredient, polyethylene glycol (PEG), works by drawing water into the intestines to soften stool. While Miralax is generally considered safe for short-term use in adults, it has been the subject of controversy due to its potential side effects, especially in children. As PEG is a polymer made of repeating units of ethylene glycol, it can be considered a type of plastic. This raises questions about the safety of using plastic-derived substances like Miralax as a treatment for constipation, especially in vulnerable populations such as children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Polyethylene glycol |
| Polyethylene glycol structure | Made of repeating units of ethylene glycol |
| Polyethylene glycol uses | Preserving waterlogged wood, skin creams, personal lubricants, toothpaste, liquid body armour, tattoos to monitor diabetes, elastomeric fibres, foam cushions, ink solvent and lubricant, anti-foaming agent in food and drinks |
| Safety | The FDA regards polyethylene glycol as biologically inert and safe, but a 2015 study detected anti-PEG antibodies in 72% of random blood plasma samples |
| Side effects | Neuropsychiatric side effects such as anxiety, aggression, and paranoia |
| Dosage | Adults: 17 grams (about 1 heaping tablespoon) of powder per day. Children: determined by a healthcare provider |
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What You'll Learn
Polyethylene glycol is the active ingredient in Miralax
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the active ingredient in Miralax. It is a polymer-based laxative formula commonly used to treat occasional constipation in adults and children. PEG works by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. This mechanism of action is known as osmosis.
PEG is typically consumed in powder form, mixed with water or juice. The standard dosage for adults is 17 grams (about one heaping tablespoon) of powder per day, while a healthcare provider generally determines the dosage for children. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed one dose per day, as this can lead to side effects such as diarrhea.
While Miralax is generally considered safe for short-term use in adults, it can cause side effects such as nausea, bloating, and passing gas. In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as rectal bleeding. It is important to consult a healthcare provider if these side effects persist or become severe.
One of the most concerning aspects of PEG use is its potential impact on children. The FDA has not approved Miralax for use in children under 17 years old, and there have been reports of adverse events, including neuropsychiatric side effects such as anxiety, aggression, and paranoia. Parents must be aware of these potential risks and discuss them with a healthcare provider before giving Miralax to their children.
Pregnant individuals should also consult a healthcare provider before taking Miralax, as it may affect their water-electrolyte balance over time. While it is generally considered safe during pregnancy, constipation is common, and healthcare providers usually recommend diet and lifestyle changes before resorting to laxatives.
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PEG is used in many edible products
Miralax is an over-the-counter laxative used to treat constipation in adults and children. Its active ingredient is polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350). PEG is a synthetic polymer that, when consumed, passes through the digestive system without being absorbed into the bloodstream. While Miralax is generally considered safe for short-term use in adults, it has been associated with various side effects in children, including behavioural and emotional changes.
PEG is a versatile compound with applications in numerous industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and manufacturing. In the food industry, PEG is used as a food stabilizer, thickener, emulsifier, texturizer, and anticaking agent. It helps improve the texture, taste, and "mouthfeel" of food products, preventing them from drying out and extending their shelf life. PEG is commonly found in processed foods such as drink mixes, dressings, dried soups, cake mixes, soft drinks, popcorn, food colouring, fast food, bread, and dairy products. It is also used as a carrier or solvent for other additives, such as flavours or colours.
The versatility of PEG extends beyond the food industry. In pharmaceuticals, PEG serves as an excipient in oral, topical, and parenteral dosage forms. It is the basis for several laxatives, including Miralax, and is used for bowel preparation before surgery or colonoscopy. In cosmetics, PEG is utilized as a moisturizer and solvent, while in manufacturing, it finds applications in industrial processes, such as reducing foaming in separation equipment and acting as a binder in technical ceramics.
While PEG is biologically inert and considered safe by regulatory organizations like the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are growing concerns about hypersensitive reactions. Studies have detected anti-PEG antibodies in a significant percentage of blood plasma samples, indicating a potential allergic response. Additionally, PEG degradation products can be toxic to mammalian cells, underscoring the importance of assessing potential degradation to ensure product safety.
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The FDA has not approved Miralax for children under 17
Miralax is an over-the-counter laxative used to treat constipation in adults and children. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is the active ingredient in Miralax, which works by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool, and facilitating bowel movements. While Miralax is generally considered safe for short-term use in adults, it has been the subject of controversy regarding its use in children.
The FDA has not approved Miralax for use in children under 17, and its use in this age group is considered "off-label." Despite this, Miralax has been prescribed off-label to children for years, and many doctors believe it is safe and effective. However, there have been reports of adverse events and side effects in children who have used Miralax, including neuropsychiatric and behavioural issues such as anxiety, aggression, and paranoia. These reports have raised concerns about the medication's safety profile in children and prompted further scrutiny and research.
The American Academy of Family Physicians estimates that constipation affects up to 30% of children worldwide, and pediatricians often turn to Miralax as a first-line treatment due to its ease of use and effectiveness. While some healthcare providers continue to recommend Miralax for children, acknowledging its benefits and considering it relatively safe, others emphasize the potential risks. Some parents have reported concerning behavioural changes and adverse side effects in their children after using Miralax.
It is important for parents to be aware of the controversies and potential risks associated with Miralax use in children. While it may be prescribed off-label by healthcare providers, parents should carefully consider the benefits and risks, discuss any concerns with their child's healthcare provider, and explore alternative treatments if they feel wary of using Miralax. Some suggested alternatives include diet changes, physical activity, toilet scheduling, milk of magnesia, mineral oil, and other laxatives.
In summary, while Miralax is widely used and recommended by healthcare providers for treating constipation in children, the FDA has not approved it for this age group. Parents should be well-informed, cautious, and proactive in exploring alternative treatments if they have concerns about the safety of Miralax for their children.
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Miralax may cause neuropsychiatric side effects in children
Miralax is an over-the-counter laxative used to treat constipation in adults and children. It contains polyethylene glycol 3350, which works by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. While Miralax is generally considered safe for short-term use in adults, there have been concerns about its use in children and potential neuropsychiatric side effects.
The FDA has not approved Miralax for use in children under 17 years old, and using it in this age group is considered "off-label". Despite this, Miralax is commonly prescribed for children suffering from constipation, which affects up to 30% of children worldwide. This has led to concerns from parents and healthcare professionals about the potential side effects of the medication in this vulnerable population.
Several parents have reported alarming behavioral and mood changes in their children after taking Miralax, including depression, anger, anxiety, paranoia, mood swings, aggression, and rage. These reports have prompted researchers from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to investigate the safety of Miralax, specifically its active ingredient, polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350).
In 2014, the FDA reported 167 adverse side effects in children who had taken Miralax, 37 of which included neurological or psychiatric responses. While the agency concluded that there was insufficient evidence to change the drug's labeling, they acknowledged the concerns and funded research to better understand the benefits and risks associated with using Miralax in children. The ongoing study at CHOP aims to address the knowledge gap and examine the long-term effects of Miralax exposure in children.
It is important to note that the definitive causal link between polyethylene glycol and neuropsychiatric side effects has not been established. However, the reports have increased scrutiny of the medication's safety profile in children. Parents are advised to be aware of these controversies and discuss Miralax's potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before starting treatment. In some cases, addressing the root cause of constipation through lifestyle changes and drug-free interventions may be a safer and more effective approach.
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PEG is used to preserve waterlogged archaeological artefacts
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a common treatment for waterlogged archaeological artefacts, particularly wooden objects. Waterlogged wood is a wooden object that has been submerged or partially submerged in water, altering its original purpose, look, and composition. Artefacts made of wood that have been excavated provide insights into past human cultural behaviour, including the development of woodworking techniques and artistic endeavours.
PEG is used to treat waterlogged wood to prevent cell wall collapse, which causes shrinking, cracking, and further damage to the wood while drying. It is a consolidant that removes water from the wood while simultaneously bulking the deteriorated wood cells. PEG is often used because it is relatively inexpensive, stable, and reversible. However, it does make objects heavy, with a dark and waxy appearance, and it is corrosive to metal.
The treatment process involves impregnating artefacts with natural or synthetic products, which penetrate the objects through diffusion and permeation processes. The Vasa, a Swedish ship from 1628, was sprayed with a PEG solution for 17 years, followed by a period of drying. Another example is the vessel Mary Rose, which underwent a three-phased conservation treatment, including being sprayed with low-molecular-weight PEG to replace the water in the cellular structure of the wood.
While PEG is a popular treatment for waterlogged archaeological artefacts, it is important to note that microbial colonisation can occur on the surface layers of archaeological wood during treatment with PEG, sugars, or other nutrient-rich compounds. This may affect the penetration of the conservation agent into the wood matrix, but it usually does not endanger the integrity of the treated artefact.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Miralax contains polyethylene glycol, a type of plastic. Polyethylene glycol is the active ingredient in Miralax and is used to treat constipation.
Polyethylene glycol works by drawing water into the intestines, softening the stool, and making it easier to pass. It works through osmosis, pulling water into the bowel and increasing the water content of the stool.
While polyethylene glycol is generally considered safe for short-term use in adults, it can cause side effects, especially in children. The FDA has received reports of adverse events in children who have used Miralax, including neuropsychiatric effects such as anxiety, aggression, and paranoia. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking Miralax or giving it to children.
The most common side effects of polyethylene glycol include mild gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and flatulence. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as behavioural changes, skin irritation, and allergic reactions may occur. If you experience any concerning side effects, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
