MiraLAX is a popular laxative that helps with constipation. It works by bringing water into your colon, making stool softer and easier to pass.
If you take MiraLAX, you might notice more gas and bloating. This happens because the extra water in your intestines can make bacteria ferment carbs, producing gas.
Don’t worry, it’s usually mild and temporary, but some people do experience it after taking MiraLAX.
Miralax, also known as polyethylene glycol 3350, is an osmotic laxative. It works by drawing water into the colon, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass. The active ingredient, polyethylene glycol, is not absorbed by the body and remains in the gastrointestinal tract.
When Miralax is ingested, it retains water in the bowel, increasing the water content in the stool.
This process results in softer stools and more frequent bowel movements. However, the increased water and the presence of undigested polyethylene glycol in the colon can lead to bacterial fermentation. This fermentation process produces gases such as hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide, which can cause bloating and flatulence.
In summary, Miralax causes increased gas production because the undigested polyethylene glycol in the colon is fermented by bacteria, leading to the production of gases.
Miralax’s main ingredient is polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350). When ingested, PEG 3350 works as an osmotic laxative by drawing water into the colon. This softens the stool and stimulates bowel movements.
The increased water in the colon can lead to more gas production as bacteria in the gut ferment the undigested carbohydrates, producing gases like hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide.
Additionally, the stimulation of bowel movements can cause the release of trapped gases in the intestines, leading to flatulence.
“I started taking Miralax for my constipation, and within a few hours, I noticed I was passing gas more than usual. It was quite embarrassing, especially at work,” shared Jane, a 42-year-old teacher.
“Ever since I began using Miralax, I’ve had to deal with a lot of bloating and gas. It’s uncomfortable and makes me feel self-conscious,” mentioned Mark, a 35-year-old software developer.
“I tried Miralax to help with my constipation, but the gas it caused was so bad that I had to stop taking it.
It was affecting my daily life,” said Emily, a 28-year-old nurse.
These experiences highlight how Miralax can lead to increased gas and bloating for some users.
Phase IV Clinical Study by eHealthMe: This study analyzed data from the FDA Adverse Effect Reporting System (AERS) and found that 2.07% of 80,819 people who reported side effects while taking Miralax experienced flatulence. The study noted that flatulence was more common in females, individuals over 60 years old, and those who had been taking the drug for less than a month.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Digestive Health Support Forum: Users on this forum reported experiencing increased gas and flatulence when taking Miralax. One user mentioned that the gas was particularly bad during the first month of use but decreased over time.
MedShun Article: This article discussed how Miralax, an osmotic laxative, works by drawing water into the colon, which can lead to softening of the stool and stimulation of bowel movements.
Some users reported experiencing foul-smelling gas as a side effect.
Mayo Clinic Study: This study investigated the potential for polyethylene glycol (the active ingredient in Miralax) to metabolize into toxic oxalate but did not specifically address gas production.
Systematic Review of OTC Laxatives: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that gastrointestinal events such as diarrhea, flatulence, and nausea occurred more frequently in subjects taking Miralax compared to placebo.
Why does Miralax make you fart? It’s because Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) works by drawing water into the intestines, which can lead to increased gas production as the gut bacteria break down the undigested polyethylene glycol. Here are some practical tips to minimize gas production while taking Miralax:
Start with a lower dose: Begin with a smaller dose of Miralax and gradually increase it as your body adjusts.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help the Miralax work effectively and reduce gas production.
Take it on an empty stomach: Avoid taking Miralax with meals or other medications to minimize interactions that can increase gas.
Avoid gas-producing foods: Reduce intake of foods known to cause gas, such as beans, broccoli, and carbonated drinks.
Consider over-the-counter gas relief: Use products like simethicone to help reduce gas and bloating.
By following these tips, you can help reduce the gas and bloating often associated with taking Miralax.
Miralax, an osmotic laxative, works by drawing water into the colon, which can lead to increased gas production as gut bacteria break down undigested polyethylene glycol. This is why Miralax makes you fart.
To minimize gas production while taking Miralax, start with a lower dose, stay hydrated, take it on an empty stomach, avoid gas-producing foods, and consider over-the-counter gas relief products. These tips can help reduce the side effect of bloating and flatulence associated with Miralax use.