Miralax and Citrucel are sold as laxative and fiber supplement respectively and it say pretty much about the product. However, they are different from similar laxative which often cause sudden urge to the bathroom and cause a heavy pain in our stomach because they are working naturally and prominently with the water in our body to help the easy bowel movement. Laxatives are usually flavored powder or tablet but Miralax is in plain powder and while this is surprising since the solution often comes in a bottle, the inside is indeed powder and the cap itself is used as a measurement on how much we should use at once.
Similarly, Citrucel is also coming in powder form in both orange and sugar free orange flavor but, if you want to be more convenient, this solution is also available in tablet form such as the one in our sample picture above. Miralax has no taste and we are free to combine the laxative with any beverages including regular plain water or even iced coffee and coconut water or smoothie while on the other hand Citrucel has this refreshing orange flavor.
This is a class of medication called as osmotic laxatives and also often given to children. In adults, it is believed that this medication is very little absorbed into the intestines but there is no data yet as for the use in children. On the other hand, Citrcucel is made with a common soluble fiber called methylcellulose which as the name suggests, is made from cellulose or the important structure in plants.
Different from other similar soluble fibers like Psyllium that you can check on our Dextrin Vs Psyllium , this one is non-fermentable and it means there will be less risks of getting bloating or excessive gas from consuming the fiber. Benefiber and Metamucil are two popular options, but which is best? Benefiber and Metamucil are fiber supplements designed to relieve constipation. The two brands work in very similar ways, but they may have slightly different effects on the body. In this article, we look at the similarities and differences between Benefiber and Metamucil for constipation and other medical conditions, and alternative products, such as Miralax and Citrucel.
Benefiber and Metamucil are both over-the-counter OTC soluble fiber supplements. They work in a very similar way. Both products contain a high concentration of fiber. This is because it contains psyllium. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition tested the effects of Metamucil on 72 people who were overweight or obese. They found that adding this fiber supplement improved cholesterol and insulin levels.
The researchers recommend eating a healthful, fiber-rich diet in addition to taking fiber supplements. It is unclear whether Benefiber would have similar effects. Benefiber contains wheat, but the manufacturers consider it gluten-free because it contains less than 20 parts per million ppm of gluten.
However, they say that people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should not use Benefiber unless directed by a doctor. Benefiber contains fewer additional ingredients than Metamucil. Benefiber contains only wheat germ, which may make it a more natural choice. There is also a more natural version of Metamucil available, though the familiar orange-flavored forms of Metamucil often contain sweeteners, colorants, and other additives, which may make it more pleasant to drink.
People can increase their fiber by eating more high-fiber foods or introducing fiber supplements. Keeping the bowels moving regularly can improve gut health and relieve the symptoms of digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS and diverticulosis. The manufacturers of fiber supplements, such as Benefiber and Metamucil, state that they are heart-healthy products.
A systematic review published in BMJ found that higher fiber intake might lower the risk of both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Some weight loss products, programs, and healthcare professionals recommend consuming fiber as a way to make the body feel fuller for longer. However, OTC fiber supplements, such as Metamucil or Benefiber, are not approved as weight loss products and are not likely to have a direct impact on weight loss.
This product can cause high magnesium levels in the body, which can cause dangerous side effects such as:. Products that contain magnesium hydroxide, such as PediaLax, are recommended as second-choice options. Another difference between the two products is how long they take to work. PediaLax, on the other hand, usually causes a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours. They may want to evaluate your child to determine the cause of constipation. Drinking alcohol, especially excessive drinking, can cause stomach problems and might worsen side effects caused by MiraLAX, such as:.
MiraLAX can interact with several other medications. You may also wonder how it might interact with fiber and certain foods. Below is a list of medications that can interact with MiraLAX. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with MiraLAX. Different drug interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects. Before taking MiraLAX, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take.
Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. MiraLAX and other laxatives can sometimes cause electrolyte imbalances. Certain diuretics can also cause these problems. Taking laxatives with diuretics might increase the risk of serious side effects caused by electrolyte imbalances, such as muscle weakness and heart rhythm problems.
Certain medications prolong your QT interval, which means they might affect the rhythm of your heartbeat. These imbalances can increase the risk of a serious heart arrhythmia in people who have a prolonged QT interval. If you have electrolyte imbalances caused by MiraLAX or other laxatives, you should not take medications that prolong the QT interval.
MiraLAX bowel prep procedures may decrease the amount of these drugs that your body absorbs. Many people take daily fiber products to prevent constipation or for general digestive health. Fiber products are usually a first choice for preventing and treating constipation.
MiraLAX powder should be added to four to eight ounces of water or other liquids. These other liquids can include milk or coffee. MiraLAX can be mixed with and consumed in milk. Be sure to mix it with at least four to eight ounces of milk. MiraLAX can be mixed with and consumed in coffee. Be sure to mix it with at least four to eight ounces of coffee. MiraLAX is classified as an osmotic laxative, not a stool softener. However, both products do soften the stool. Osmotic laxatives do this by drawing water into the colon large intestine.
Stool softeners do it by drawing water into the stool itself. Yes, MiraLAX is a laxative. This means it works by drawing water into the colon. Yes, you can take MiraLAX with fiber. Many people take fiber daily to prevent constipation and for general digestive health.
Over-the-counter MiraLAX and other laxatives are usually only recommended for short-term use, up to a week. If your constipation lasts longer than a week, you should see your doctor. Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend long-term use of MiraLAX or other treatments. MiraLAX is not available in prescription form.
Similar products such as GoLytely are available by prescription from a doctor. MiraLAX is sometimes used after surgery to prevent and treat constipation. Your doctor may want to evaluate the cause of your symptoms. Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend MiraLAX or other treatments. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Before taking MiraLAX, talk with your doctor about your health history.
MiraLAX may not be appropriate for you if you have certain medical conditions. Each MiraLAX package is given an expiration date by the manufacturer of the product. This date is printed on the package. The purpose of the expiration date is to guarantee the effectiveness of the medication during this time.
However, an FDA study showed that many medications may still be good beyond the expiration date listed on the bottle. How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where the medication is stored. MiraLAX should be stored at room temperature in its original container. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk to your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it. In the gastrointestinal tract, it retains water in the colon and within the stool.
The increased water in the colon may also naturally stimulate contraction. MiraLAX increases stool weight, softens the stool, and increases stool frequency. When taken orally, less than 0. The remainder of the oral dose is recovered in the stool. MiraLAX is not fermented or metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract.
MiraLAX should be stored at room temperature, 68 degrees F to 77 degrees F, in its original container. Milk of magnesia is a common over-the-counter medication for constipation relief. Learn about the uses, dosage, risks, and interactions here. We look at some possible natural alternatives to laxatives for people looking to have a bowel movement. We also look at when to see a doctor. Laxatives occasionally taken for constipation can help people have bowel movements. They work in several different ways, which we explain here….
Constipation can be distressing, uncomfortable, and even painful. Castor oil might be an affordable, short-term natural remedy for this common…. Drinking juices can help relieve constipation due to their fiber, water, and nutrient content.
In this article, we look at the best fruit juices for…. MiraLAX polyethylene glycol What is MiraLAX? MiraLAX generic. MiraLAX for kids and babies. Additional testing can lead to better therapy and rule out any possible serious malfunctions. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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