Does Miralax cause gas? (+1 helpful tip)

Does Miralax cause gas? 

Miralax may cause gas and bloating in some individuals. Miralax is a laxative, which may make some people gassy when they first start the medication. 

However, it doesn’t stay for long. You will soon start adjusting to this medication within a few days. However, Miralax may not work well for every other individual and may not suit everyone. 

What does research suggest?

Research suggests that gas is a possible adverse reaction to Miralax. However, the incidence of gas with Miralax can vary among individuals. While Miralax is generally well tolerated, some people may experience gas as a side effect.

The mechanism behind this side effect is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in the digestive system, including an increase in intestinal gas production or alterations in bowel movements (1,2). 

In some cases, people take Miralax along with fibre supplements that may contribute to gas and bloating. Typically, human bodies take time to adjust to a high amount of fibre and an upset stomach is quite common until the body adjusts. 

What to do if Miralax causes gas? 

If Miralax causes gas and bloating, try to give your body some time to adjust to the medication. Your symptoms will most likely go away within a few days. 

However, if they persist, talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor will determine if Miralax is the right choice of laxative for you. There are plenty of other constipation meds that can easily replace Miralax. 

Medications work differently in different individuals. This is why it’s best to discontinue the drug that affects the quality of your life and stick to those which suit your body. 

Home remedies to relieve flatulence

Some helpful remedies to relieve flatulence or gas include (3):

  • Drinking peppermint tea can help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and alleviate gas.
  • Consuming ginger in various forms such as ginger tea, ginger candies, or adding ginger to your meals can aid in digestion and reduce gas.
  • Chew on a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals to promote digestion and reduce gas.
  • Chamomile tea has calming properties that can help soothe the digestive system and relieve gas.
  • Apply a warm compress or heating pad to your abdomen to help relax the muscles and alleviate gas.
  • Identify and avoid foods that tend to cause excessive gas, such as beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, onions, carbonated drinks, and certain artificial sweeteners.
  • Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
  • Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day can help maintain proper digestion and prevent constipation, which can contribute to gas.
  • Engage in light physical activity such as walking or yoga to help stimulate digestion and relieve gas.

Final words

To sum up, Miralax can cause gas in some individuals. However, this side effect begins to fade away as you continue taking the medication and as your body adjusts to it. 

Meanwhile, there are several home remedies and OTC medications that you can try to alleviate gas and related symptoms. If it persists or causes severe stomach pain, please reach out to your healthcare provider. 

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References

1.-

Dabaja A, Dabaja A, Abbas M. Polyethylene Glycol. 2023 May 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32491584. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557652

2.-

McGraw T. Polyethylene glycol 3350 in occasional constipation: A one-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. 2016 May 6;7(2):274-82. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v7.i2.274. PMID: 27158544; PMCID: PMC4848251. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848251/

3.-

Hasler WL. Gas and Bloating. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2006 Sep;2(9):654-662. PMID: 28316536; PMCID: PMC5350578. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5350578/