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Drug Info

Can you take MiraLAX every day?

It’s safe to take daily, but only for a limited time
Jennifer Larson writer headshot
By | Aug. 30, 2024 Medically reviewed by Madeline Remelius, Pharm.D., BCPS
A roll of toilet paper and a calendar | Can you take MiraLAX every day?

Key takeaways

  • MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative that is intended to treat occasional constipation for up to seven days.

  • Some people may be able to safely use it for longer periods under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

  • If MiraLAX isn’t right for you, other types of laxatives and lifestyle changes can help.

In this article:

If you feel like you need to go but just…can’t, you might be dealing with constipation. It’s a common problem—about 4 million people in the U.S. experience it regularly. While lifestyle modifications are the first line of treatment, several over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can help, too. MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) is a popular osmotic laxative that works by bringing water into the bowel to make stools easier to pass. It’s branded as a product for “occasional constipation.” The manufacturer’s instructions specify that you can take MiraLAX safely once a day for up to seven days. But beyond that, you should check with a healthcare provider. Here’s what you know if you use MiraLAX more regularly.

Can you take MiraLAX every day?

Typical recommendations say that you can take MiraLAX once a day for up to seven days. After that, the packaging instructions recommend that you stop using it and seek medical advice from a healthcare professional. However, according to research, it’s safe to use MiraLAX daily for two months in children and up to six months in adults to treat chronic constipation under the supervision of a provider.

“It’s absolutely fine to take a product like MiraLAX every day,” says Steven Kaplan, MD, a gastroenterologist with HCA Florida Healthcare.

So why the one-week warning on the package? It’s a reminder that chronic constipation could be a symptom of a larger health issue. The manufacturer is “trying to tell the patient that this works, but if you want to take it longer than 14 days, it is not just episodic constipation,” says Dr. Kaplan. “This is a chronic problem, and they want [you] to make sure there is no cancer or tumor or stricture or disease there.”

What are the risks of taking MiraLAX daily?

Chronic constipation that lasts longer than three weeks could be a sign of a more serious health issue. If you take MiraLAX for a long period without consulting with a healthcare provider, it could delay finding and treating that issue, such as:

  • Endocrine problems, including thyroid issues or diabetes
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Diverticulitis
  • Bowel obstruction

Additionally, long-term use of MiraLAX can increase your risk of side effects, says Kenneth Brown, MD, a gastroenterologist in Plano, Texas. The most common side effects of MiraLAX are gastrointestinal symptoms like cramping, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and abdominal fullness. Using it over a longer period can cause severe electrolyte imbalances or raise your risk of heart arrhythmias, seizures, and other adverse events.

Even though they are sold over the counter, laxatives like MiraLAX aren’t safe for everyone. For example, if you have kidney disease, liver problems, or congestive heart failure, this medication may not be right for you. You should consult with a healthcare provider about taking MiraLAX if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Before starting any new medication or dietary supplement, consult with your healthcare team to rule out any other issues or potential drug interactions to make sure the treatment is safe for you.

How much MiraLAX can I take a day?

The recommended daily dose of MiraLAX for adults is 17 grams mixed into 8 ounces of liquid once a day. 

The bottle top is a measuring device that is marked with a line to measure 17 grams. The measuring device should be utilized to make sure you’re taking the correct amount.

Alternatives for daily laxative use

If MiraLAX doesn’t work for you, speak with your healthcare provider, as there are other options for the treatment of constipation.

Over-the-counter laxatives

MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative. There are several other types of laxatives, including:

Your doctor can recommend the best laxative for daily maintenance. Dr. Brown says that bulk-forming laxatives that use natural fiber to induce a bowel movement (such as Metamucil or Citrucel) are the safest option and least likely to cause side effects. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t cutting it, prescription-strength options are available, such as Amitiza (lubiprostone), Linzess (linaclotide), and Trulance (plecanatide).

Lifestyle changes

Additionally, modifying your daily routine can make things a little more regular in the bathroom with strategies such as:

  • Staying hydrated: Take advantage of the wild popularity of reusable water bottles to drink more fluids. “Without enough water, you can’t absorb or move poop through the tubes!” says Kelly Sadauckas, DPT, a physical therapist certified in orthopedics and pelvic health.
  • Eating more fiber: Boost your fiber intake. Eating more foods containing soluble fiber has been shown to improve constipation, even among sedentary people. Dr. Sadauckas suggests aiming for about 10 grams of fiber per meal. You could try eating an avocado, which has 10 grams of fiber, or a half-cup of shelled edamame, with 9 grams. You could also try adding flax seeds, chia seeds, or prunes to your daily diet for an extra blast of fiber. (And watch out for foods that may contribute to constipation, too, like salty or fried foods.)
  • Drinking caffeine: Hot, caffeinated beverages can stimulate a bowel movement. Just be sure to drink lots of other fluids since caffeine is a diuretic.
  • Exercising: Some research suggests that exercise can be helpful in treating constipation.

The bottom line

Is it okay to take MiraLAX every day? It depends on your medical history and whether you’re dealing with mild or severe constipation. MiraLAX is safe for most people to take daily for up to one week. If you have certain medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney problems, you should not take MiraLAX. If MiraLAX isn’t right for you, there are several alternatives, including other types of laxatives and lifestyle changes.

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