DrugLib.com — Drug Information Portal

Rx drug information, pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, news, and more

Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Powder) - Summary

 
 



MIRALAX SUMMARY

MiraLax (polyethylene glycol 3350, NF powder for solution) is a synthetic polyglycol having an average molecular weight of 3350.

For the treatment of occasional constipation. This product should be used for 2 weeks or less or as directed by a physician.


See all Miralax indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350)

A randomised, double-blind study of polyethylene glycol 4000 and lactulose in the treatment of constipation in children. [2014]
treatment of chronic constipation in young children... CONCLUSIONS: PEG 4000 has superior efficacy to lactulose for the treatment of

Reduced cathartic bowel preparation for CT colonography: prospective comparison of 2-L polyethylene glycol and magnesium citrate. [2011.10]
PURPOSE: To prospectively compare adequacy of colonic cleansing, adequacy of solid stool and fluid tagging, and patient acceptance by using reduced-volume, 2-L polyethylene glycol (PEG) versus magnesium citrate bowel preparations for CT colonography... CONCLUSION: Reduced-volume PEG and magnesium citrate bowel preparations demonstrated adequate cleansing effectiveness for CT colonography, with better tagging and shorter interpretation time observed in the PEG group. Adequate polyp detection was maintained but requires further validation because of the small number of clinically important polyps. (c) RSNA, 2011.

Effect of bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol on quality of capsule endoscopy. [2011.06]
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has the problem that lumen visualization is impaired by bubbles, bile, and debris. The benefits of bowel preparation are still controversial and the best method remains to be determined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the method of bowel preparation on the quality of visualization and on transit time... CONCLUSIONS: Bowel preparation with PEG resulted in better image quality than fasting alone. No significant difference was observed between 2 and 4 l. PEG 2 l rather than 4 l may be a useful method of preparation for CE.

MiraLAX is not as effective as GoLytely in bowel cleansing before screening colonoscopies. [2011.04]
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Successful colonoscopies require good bowel preparations-poor bowel preparations can increase medical costs, rates of missed lesions, and procedure duration. The combination of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 without electrolytes (MiraLAX; Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc, Kenilworth, NJ) and 64 oz of Gatorade (PepsiCo, Inc, Purchase, NY) has gained popularity as a bowel preparation regimen. However, the efficacy and tolerability of this approach has not been compared with standard bowel preparations in clinical trials. We compared split-dose (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes (GoLytely; Braintree Laboratories, Inc, Braintree, MA) with split-dose MiraLAX alone and in combination with pretreatment medications (bisacodyl or lubiprostone) to determine the efficacy and patient tolerability of MiraLAX as an agent for bowel preparation... CONCLUSIONS: Split-dose MiraLAX in 64 oz of Gatorade is not as effective as 4 L split-dose GoLytely in bowel cleansing for screening colonoscopies. Copyright (c) 2011 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Low-volume bowel preparation is inferior to standard 4 1 polyethylene glycol. [2011.03]
BACKGROUND: Four liters or more of orally taken polyethylene glycol solution (PEG) has proved to be an effective large-bowel cleansing method prior to colonoscopy. The problem has been the large volume of fluid and its taste, which is unacceptable to some examinees. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of 2 l PEG combined with senna compared with 4 l PEG for bowel preparation... CONCLUSIONS: 4 l PEG treatment is better than 36 mg senna and 2 l PEG as routine colonic cleansing before colonoscopy because of fewer failures.

more studies >>

Clinical Trials Related to Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350)

MiraLAX Versus Placebo to Prevent Constipation Following Urogynecologic Surgery [Completed]
A. Purpose To compare MiraLAX versus placebo for preventing constipation in the immediate postoperative period following pelvic reconstructive surgery in women taking routine docusate sodium. B. Objectives 1. Specific Aims Specific Aim 1: To compare time to first bowel movement (BM) between MiraLAX versus placebo in women receiving routine docusate sodium after pelvic reconstructive surgery. Specific Aim 2: To compare patient reported outcomes of BM quality and associated gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms between MiraLAX versus placebo using the Bristol stool scale and the validated Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom Questionnaire (PAC-SYM) in women receiving routine docusate sodium after pelvic reconstructive surgery. Specific Aim 3: To evaluate GI-related quality of life between MiraLAX versus placebo utilizing the validated Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (PAC-QOL) in women receiving routine docusate sodium after pelvic reconstructive surgery. 2. Hypotheses The investigators hypothesize that MiraLAX will optimally prevent constipation following pelvic reconstructive surgery by decreasing time to first BM, decreasing GI symptoms associated with constipation, and increasing measures of GI-related quality of life, while minimizing the bothersome side effects associated with stimulant laxatives.

Miralax (PEG 3350) vs. Golytely as Bowel Preparation for Screening Colonoscopy [Completed]
A major limitation to the widespread acceptance of colonoscopy as a procedure to screen for colorectal cancer is the laxative preparation. Phosphate-based preps (e. g. Fleets Phosphosoda) are now used on a limited basis because of their known association with renal injury. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) mixed with a balanced electrolyte solution (e. g. Golytely) has been used for over two decades for colon cleansing. The mixture is not very palatable due to the electrolyte additives which include sodium sulfate. To overcome the limitation of existing preps, gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons worldwide have been using PEG powder alone (same quantity as found in Golytely prep) not mixed with electrolytes (Glycolax or Miralax) and dissolving this into 64 ounces of Gatorade. Conservatively, we estimate that 25% of colonoscopies in the US are being done with this prep. Anecdotally there have been reports (case series) that it is far more palatable and the prep is equally efficacious. The active ingredient, PEG, is not changed and therefore this is not surprising. The issue at present is that there has never been a blinded study to confirm these claims. This study will compare the efficacy of the two preps. There is no funding. The

investigators will charge insurance companies for the prep - this is our current practice.

The procedures will be done on healthy individuals referred for colon cancer screening and the exam will be billed to their insurance. There will be no patient honorarium. The investigators will check electrolytes to be sure patients do not develop hypokalemia with the Gatorade prep.

A Trial Comparing Bowel Preparation and Patient Tolerability of Miralax Versus Golytely [Not yet recruiting]
Prior to colonoscopies, the colon is cleansed using a laxative. Golytely is approved by the FDA for this purpose. Another laxative, called MiraLax, is approved by the FDA to relieve constipation, but it is not approved specifically for preparation for a colonoscopy. Nonetheless, it is commonly used in clinical practice for this purpose, just as is Golytely. The purpose of this study is to compare Golytely and MiraLax in two ways: to see whether one is better tolerated by patients than the other and to see whether one more effectively cleanses the bowel than the other. The investigators' hypothesis is that these 2 bowel preparation methods are equally effective in bowel cleansing, but that patients prefer Miralax to Golytely.

Gatorade/Miralax With or Without Bisacodyl Versus NuLytely for Colonoscopy Preparation [Completed]
The purpose of this study is to compare Nulytely (or Trilyte) with a Gatorade and Miralax combination for cleaning out the colon before colonoscopy. A laxative pill called Bisacodyl may also be used with the Gatorade and Miralax to see if it helps with the clean out process. We are trying to find out if either of these methods is more acceptable to the patient and does a better job cleaning out the colon for a colonoscopy.

A Comparison of 5 Low Volume Bowel Preparations [Recruiting]
The purpose of this investigation is to compare 3 versions of MiraLAX/Gatorade, MoviPrep and SUPREP to see which preparation cleanses the colon best and which preparation is best tolerated.

more trials >>

Reports of Suspected Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol 3350) Side Effects

Drug Ineffective (81)Incorrect Drug Administration Duration (76)Overdose (51)Diarrhoea (32)Drug Administered TO Patient of Inappropriate AGE (23)OFF Label USE (22)Drug Effect Decreased (17)Flatulence (16)Abdominal Distension (16)Dysgeusia (16)more >>


PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Based on a total of 1 ratings/reviews, Miralax has an overall score of 8. The effectiveness score is 8 and the side effect score is 10. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst.
 

Miralax review by 45 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   No Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   irritable bowel syndrome
Dosage & duration:   1 capful taken once a day for the period of Three consecutive days
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   Helped ease constipation without causing discomfort. I have tried many different types of laxatives, fibers, etc to help reduce my problems with constipation. Many laxatives cause extreme cramping and work only the one time. The next day, the problem returns. With Miralax, I took it for the three consecutive days and it worked slowly, but without cramping, and without and discomfort at all. The effects lasted for several weeks -- that is, I had a bowel movement every day, easily. After about three weeks I needed to take it again, but it was only for the three days and then it had the same effect. I have been doing this now for almost a year. I feel significantly better.
Side effects:   None
Comments:   I take Miralax in the evening, mixing it with a cup of warm water. After about three days, it starts to work. It does not "clean out" my stomach -- just helps me to have easy and regular bowel movements. I have to repeat the three-day program every three weeks or so. When I notice I have not had a bowel movement for a few days, then I take it again. For me, this is a great help.

See all Miralax reviews / ratings >>

Page last updated: 2015-08-10

-- advertisement -- The American Red Cross
 
Home | About Us | Contact Us | Site usage policy | Privacy policy

All Rights reserved - Copyright DrugLib.com, 2006-2017