Miralax to use with pain meds

[injured betty]

My doctor wants to move me from Bextra and Ultraset to narcotics. I have always stayed away from them as they are highly constipating. He offered me Miralax. Has anyone here tried this?

Does it work? Side effects?

[sgibson]

Wow Betty,

We usually hear about people whose docs won't use narcotics and they are having trouble getting the pain relief they need. It's refreshing to know there are still docs out there who are trying to help their patients. Have you tried the narcotics before? I have to be really careful about not getting constipated due to a history of intestinal blockages but can honestly say I don't have too much trouble with it. But when I do, oh boy! I don't know anything about the Bextra but I wish you the best of luck. I'm sure someone will be along who can tell you something about it. Take care.

God Bless,
Sherry

[twisten]

Hi Betty. I have never tried Miralax so I can't help you with that. I have one by script that is called lactulose. It works well for me. Its a very sweet clear liquid, almost sickenly so, so I don't use it unless I absolutely have to. I think Shoreline is familiar with the miralax though. I'm sure he'll be along soon to answer the questions for you.

[Shoreline]

Hey Twist and betty, I haven't tried miralx but it works on the same principle of Kristalose. They cause water "moisture" to go to the bowels and soften things up which greatly helps, The longer something stays in side you the drier and harder to move it becomes.

As fa as Kristolose Twist, The powdered 10 or 15 gram packets can be mixed to any concentratipon, you get the same amount of med but it can be diluted and works fine, You don't have to drink the surupy stuff, of you can cut it with water and the added water just prevent dehydration from losss of too much fluids in the process, That's never been a factor, Even on bhigh dose I usually have to use a packet for 2 days and then wait untill things slow down again, there are faster ways , stimulants but much harsher that can double you over if everything is too dry, You need a softener irt off and the stim if softening doesn't help.

Although Ultracet may work for some people, but if it was working it wouldn't make sense to change , the next step is opiates, Hydro, oxy, morphine, patches or meth.
The synthetics like hydro and oxy tend to have less harsh side effects than opioids like morphine and codeine. Hydro or Oxy or even low dose Morphine may not even cause a problem.

You can even dilute miralax and still receive evry mg of med and evbry benefit of the med. The more water the softer things will move.

Don't worry about side effects that haven't happened yet would be my modo, If you read the complete side effect profile nobody with any sense would take a prescription med, But it's a trade of function Vs side effects, If and when side effects become bothersome then it's time to worry, But no point n worring about the few hundred side effects that may only occur in less than 2% of the ppulation. Reading a side effect profile may be a bit too much information unless you find yourself having some bizarre side effect that you have never heard of.

Hang in there, Give it a shot and see what happens, If you feel you can live without opiates and live with the old meds then you have the right to make your own decisions and if you decide to stick it out with more pain, less side effects nobody can fault you and I aplaud your strength.
Good luck,We can all help you deal with side effects that may occur, but the ultimate decision to take a med and roll the side effect dice is yours.
Take care, Dave

[wolfrider]

Betty, I have had to use Miralax for quite a few years now due to IBS and also med.s for my back pain. Dave is the resident Dr. (he is so knowledgeable) but I have the Miralax info from my bottle so I thought I would scan it for you an others who need it . I will use 2 to post to dispay it. The first is a short version and the 2nd. is the detailed. BTW it has no taste to it so thats a plus. If you have other ?'s I'ed be happy to try an answer them for you. I think you will find you have come to a great board filled with knowledge an experience. deb

PATIENT INFORMATION
MiraLaxTM (Polyethylene Glycol 3350, NF Powder for Solution) is a prescription only laxative which has been prescribed by your physician to treat constipation. This product should only be used by the person for whom it was prescribed. How to take
The dose is 17 grams each day or as directed by physician. It should always be taken by mouth. Measure the dose using the measuring cap (or use one heapin tablespoon of powder), stir and dissolve in a glass (8 oz) of water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea. Taking more than the prescribed dose may cause loss of fluid dUi to severe diarrhea.
How will it work
MiraLax softens the stool and increases the frequency of bowel movements by retaining water in the stool. Your first bowel movement will usually happen in two to four days, although results may vary for individual patients.
How long should I take it
MiraLax achieves its best results when used between one and two weeks. You may discontinue taking the drug after you have had several satisfactory bowel movements:-Should unusual cramps, bloating, or diarrhea occur,-consult your physician. MiraLax is intended for up to a two week course of therapy. You should not use for a longer time unless directed by your physician.
Next Steps
After successfully completing the MiraLax therapy (usually between one and two, weeks) please discuss with your physician lifestyle changes which may producd more regular bowel habits (adequate dietary and fluid intake, regular exercise). Who Should NOT take MiraLax
MiraLax should not be used by children. It should not be used by pregnant women unless prescribed by a physician.
Side Effects/Drug Reactions
Occasionally, MiraLax may cause nausea, stomach fullness, cramping, diarrhea and/or gas. Do not take if you have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or distention, which may be due to bowel obstruction. On rare occasions hives and skin rashes have been reported which are suggestive of ar allergic reaction. If you get an allergic reaction you should discontinue the med cation and call your physician.
If vou are allergic to polyethylene glycol, do not use this drug.