Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Metamucil?What Is Miralax?Which Is More Effective?Advantages of EachDisadvantages of EachAlternativesSide EffectsPrecautionsWho Should Not Take Them?InteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Metamucil?
What Is Miralax?
Which Is More Effective?
Advantages of Each
Disadvantages of Each
Alternatives
Side Effects
Precautions
Who Should Not Take Them?
Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
MetamucilandMiralaxare bothover-the-counter (OTC) medicinesused to treatconstipation. However, Metamucil and Miralax work differently and have different side effects and safety profiles.
The following is a comparison of these medications.
Warning About Miralax in ChildrenThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received several reports of adverse events in children taking polyethylene glycol (PEG) products, such as Miralax. The FDA has conducted a review that documented several reports of neurological and psychiatric events associated with chronic (long-term) use of these medicines in children. Some of these children received an adult dose of PEG (17 grams) for an extended period.The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) recommends that parents discuss Miralax use with their child’s healthcare provider, who can weigh the risks and benefits of treatment with Miralax and give personalized medical advice.
Warning About Miralax in Children
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received several reports of adverse events in children taking polyethylene glycol (PEG) products, such as Miralax. The FDA has conducted a review that documented several reports of neurological and psychiatric events associated with chronic (long-term) use of these medicines in children. Some of these children received an adult dose of PEG (17 grams) for an extended period.The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) recommends that parents discuss Miralax use with their child’s healthcare provider, who can weigh the risks and benefits of treatment with Miralax and give personalized medical advice.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received several reports of adverse events in children taking polyethylene glycol (PEG) products, such as Miralax. The FDA has conducted a review that documented several reports of neurological and psychiatric events associated with chronic (long-term) use of these medicines in children. Some of these children received an adult dose of PEG (17 grams) for an extended period.
The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) recommends that parents discuss Miralax use with their child’s healthcare provider, who can weigh the risks and benefits of treatment with Miralax and give personalized medical advice.
Metamucil is a fiber laxative. The active ingredient is calledpsylliumhusk powder. Its primary use is to relieve occasionalconstipation(irregularity). A dose of Metamucil usually produces a bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours.It can also be afiber supplementto maintain regular bowel movements.
Metamucil may also reduce the following:
Additionally, some studies show that taken regularly, Metamucil may help lower the following:
Metamucil is available over the counter in brand-name and generic products, and it’s sold in various forms like powders, granules, capsules, liquids, and wafers.
Miralax is classified as anosmotic laxative. The active ingredient is calledpolyethylene glycol(PEG) 3350.
Miralax generally produces a bowel movement in one to three days.It is sometimes used in people with fecal impaction (stool stuck in the colon or rectum).
Some healthcare providers recommend Miralax as abowel-cleansingagent before a procedure like acolonoscopy.
In some cases, healthcare providers also recommend Miralax for people with the following:
Miralax is available over the counter in brand-name and generic products. It comes in a powder form; the powder is mixed with liquids, and the individual drinks it.
Miralax is available in the following:
Miralax bottle.Smith Collection/Gado / Getty Images
Smith Collection/Gado / Getty Images
Is Metamucil or Miralax More Effective?
Both OTC medications can be effective at treating constipation.
The medications have not been studied directly against each other in clinical trials.
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons' Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Constipation recommends initially managing constipation with dietary modifications, includingfibersupplements like Metamucil.
The guidelines also state that an osmotic laxative like Miralax is a safe and appropriate treatment for chronic (ongoing) constipation.
Check with your healthcare provider for medical advice on whether Metamucil or Miralax would be more appropriate for you.
What Are Some Advantages of Metamucil vs. Miralax?
Advantages of Metamucil include the following:
Advantages of Miralax include the following:
What Are Some Disadvantages of Metamucil vs. Miralax?
Disadvantages of Metamucil include the following:
Disadvantages of Miralax include the following:
Alternatives to Manage Constipation
There are some lifestyle changes you can try to help improve constipation symptoms, such as:
Some research supports the use of probiotics,
Talk to your healthcare provider about other options to help with constipation.
Consult aregistered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)who can help you or your child find ways to incorporate more fiber into the diet.
Common side effects of Metamucil include the following:
Common side effects of Miralax include the following:
Report Side Effects
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Precautions for Metamucil or Miralax medications should be considered.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using Metamucil or Miralax.
Metamucil Precautions
Metamucil precautions include the following:
Miralax Precautions
Miralax precautions include the following:
Who Should Avoid Metamucil or Miralax?
You should not take Metamucil if:
Avoid Miralax in the following circumstances:
Interactions for Metamucil and Miralax
Metamucil
Metamucil may affect how other medications are absorbed. Therefore, take Metamucil at least two hours before or after any other oral medications.
Miralax
Miralax may affect how other medicines are absorbed. Therefore, take Miralax at least one hour before or after any other oral medications.
Drug InteractionsConsult with your healthcare provider for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you.
Drug Interactions
Consult with your healthcare provider for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you.
Summary
Metamucil and Miralax are over-the-counter medications used to relieve constipation. Metamucil is a bulk-forming laxative that contains psyllium, a soluble fiber. It helps constipation and, taken regularly, may have other benefits, such as lowering blood sugar and cholesterol. Miralax is an osmotic laxative that contains polyethylene glycol.
If you have any questions or concerns or are unsure if one of these medications is appropriate for you, reach out to your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked QuestionsProbably not. Although these medications do not chemically interact, it’s best to check with a healthcare provider before taking more than one medication that treats constipation.Learn MoreConstipation: Causes, Symptoms, and ReliefMetamucil and Miralax have several differences. For example, Metamucil is available in many dosage forms. It is a bulk-forming laxative that contains a fiber called psyllium. Miralax is a powder that can be dissolved in any beverage. It’s an osmotic laxative that contains polyethylene glycol.Learn MoreHow Laxatives Treat ConstipationNo. Although they both treat constipation, Metamucil and Miralax are not the same. They are different types of laxatives, work differently, and have different safety profiles.
Probably not. Although these medications do not chemically interact, it’s best to check with a healthcare provider before taking more than one medication that treats constipation.Learn MoreConstipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief
Probably not. Although these medications do not chemically interact, it’s best to check with a healthcare provider before taking more than one medication that treats constipation.
Learn MoreConstipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief
Metamucil and Miralax have several differences. For example, Metamucil is available in many dosage forms. It is a bulk-forming laxative that contains a fiber called psyllium. Miralax is a powder that can be dissolved in any beverage. It’s an osmotic laxative that contains polyethylene glycol.Learn MoreHow Laxatives Treat Constipation
Metamucil and Miralax have several differences. For example, Metamucil is available in many dosage forms. It is a bulk-forming laxative that contains a fiber called psyllium. Miralax is a powder that can be dissolved in any beverage. It’s an osmotic laxative that contains polyethylene glycol.
Learn MoreHow Laxatives Treat Constipation
No. Although they both treat constipation, Metamucil and Miralax are not the same. They are different types of laxatives, work differently, and have different safety profiles.
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18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Department of Health and Human Services.The use of polyethylene glycol in the pediatric population.North American Society For Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition.FDA regulations.DailyMed.Metamucil therapy for regularity- psyllium husk powder.Epocrates.Metamucil.Garg P.Hemorrhoid treatment needs a relook: more room for conservative management even in advanced grades of hemorrhoids.Indian J Surg. 2017 Dec;79(6):578-579. doi:10.1007/s12262-017-1664-5Brum JM, Gibb RD, Peters JC, Mattes RD.Satiety effects of psyllium in healthy volunteers.Appetite. 2016 Oct 1;105:27-36. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2016.04.041Abutair AS, Naser IA, Hamed AT.Soluble fibers from psyllium improve glycemic response and body weight among diabetes type 2 patients (randomized control trial).Nutr J. 2016 Oct 12;15(1):86. doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0207-4Clark CCT, Salek M, Aghabagheri E, Jafarnejad S.The effect of psyllium supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Korean J Intern Med. 2020 Nov;35(6):1385-1399. doi:10.3904/kjim.2019.049Anderson JW, Davidson MH, Blonde L, Brown WV, Howard WJ, Ginsberg H, Allgood LD, Weingand KW.Long-term cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium as an adjunct to diet therapy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jun;71(6):1433-8. doi:10.1093/ajcn/71.6.1433MedlinePlus.Psyllium.MedlinePlus.Polyethylene glycol 3350.Obokhare I.Fecal impaction: a cause for concern?Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012 Mar;25(1):53-8. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301760Gu P, Lew D, Oh SJ, Vipani A, Ko J, Hsu K, Mirakhor E, Pattisapu V, Bullen T, Fuller G, Spiegel BMR, Almario CV.Comparing the real-world effectiveness of competing colonoscopy preparations: results of a prospective trial.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019 Feb;114(2):305-314. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000057Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Polyethylene glycol 3350 - drug summary.The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons.The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons’ clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and management of constipation.DailyMed.Miralax- polyethylene glycol 3350 powder, for solution.Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Nutrition tips for relieving constipation.Epocrates.Miralax.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Department of Health and Human Services.The use of polyethylene glycol in the pediatric population.North American Society For Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition.FDA regulations.DailyMed.Metamucil therapy for regularity- psyllium husk powder.Epocrates.Metamucil.Garg P.Hemorrhoid treatment needs a relook: more room for conservative management even in advanced grades of hemorrhoids.Indian J Surg. 2017 Dec;79(6):578-579. doi:10.1007/s12262-017-1664-5Brum JM, Gibb RD, Peters JC, Mattes RD.Satiety effects of psyllium in healthy volunteers.Appetite. 2016 Oct 1;105:27-36. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2016.04.041Abutair AS, Naser IA, Hamed AT.Soluble fibers from psyllium improve glycemic response and body weight among diabetes type 2 patients (randomized control trial).Nutr J. 2016 Oct 12;15(1):86. doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0207-4Clark CCT, Salek M, Aghabagheri E, Jafarnejad S.The effect of psyllium supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Korean J Intern Med. 2020 Nov;35(6):1385-1399. doi:10.3904/kjim.2019.049Anderson JW, Davidson MH, Blonde L, Brown WV, Howard WJ, Ginsberg H, Allgood LD, Weingand KW.Long-term cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium as an adjunct to diet therapy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jun;71(6):1433-8. doi:10.1093/ajcn/71.6.1433MedlinePlus.Psyllium.MedlinePlus.Polyethylene glycol 3350.Obokhare I.Fecal impaction: a cause for concern?Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012 Mar;25(1):53-8. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301760Gu P, Lew D, Oh SJ, Vipani A, Ko J, Hsu K, Mirakhor E, Pattisapu V, Bullen T, Fuller G, Spiegel BMR, Almario CV.Comparing the real-world effectiveness of competing colonoscopy preparations: results of a prospective trial.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019 Feb;114(2):305-314. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000057Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Polyethylene glycol 3350 - drug summary.The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons.The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons’ clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and management of constipation.DailyMed.Miralax- polyethylene glycol 3350 powder, for solution.Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Nutrition tips for relieving constipation.Epocrates.Miralax.
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North American Society For Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition.FDA regulations.
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Garg P.Hemorrhoid treatment needs a relook: more room for conservative management even in advanced grades of hemorrhoids.Indian J Surg. 2017 Dec;79(6):578-579. doi:10.1007/s12262-017-1664-5
Brum JM, Gibb RD, Peters JC, Mattes RD.Satiety effects of psyllium in healthy volunteers.Appetite. 2016 Oct 1;105:27-36. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2016.04.041
Abutair AS, Naser IA, Hamed AT.Soluble fibers from psyllium improve glycemic response and body weight among diabetes type 2 patients (randomized control trial).Nutr J. 2016 Oct 12;15(1):86. doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0207-4
Clark CCT, Salek M, Aghabagheri E, Jafarnejad S.The effect of psyllium supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Korean J Intern Med. 2020 Nov;35(6):1385-1399. doi:10.3904/kjim.2019.049
Anderson JW, Davidson MH, Blonde L, Brown WV, Howard WJ, Ginsberg H, Allgood LD, Weingand KW.Long-term cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium as an adjunct to diet therapy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jun;71(6):1433-8. doi:10.1093/ajcn/71.6.1433
MedlinePlus.Psyllium.
MedlinePlus.Polyethylene glycol 3350.
Obokhare I.Fecal impaction: a cause for concern?Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012 Mar;25(1):53-8. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1301760
Gu P, Lew D, Oh SJ, Vipani A, Ko J, Hsu K, Mirakhor E, Pattisapu V, Bullen T, Fuller G, Spiegel BMR, Almario CV.Comparing the real-world effectiveness of competing colonoscopy preparations: results of a prospective trial.Am J Gastroenterol. 2019 Feb;114(2):305-314. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000057
Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Polyethylene glycol 3350 - drug summary.
The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons.The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons’ clinical practice guideline for the evaluation and management of constipation.
DailyMed.Miralax- polyethylene glycol 3350 powder, for solution.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.Nutrition tips for relieving constipation.
Epocrates.Miralax.
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