Can you put Miralax in coffee?
If you’ve been suffering from painful bowel movements and constipation, usually accompanied by stomach pain, you may have been prescribed Miralax to ease your symptoms. Now not everyone enjoys the taste so if you’ve been wondering “Can I put MIRALAX in my coffee?”, then you’ve come to the right place!
What is Miralax?
In a nutshell, Miralax is an over-the-counter medication used to treat occasional episodes of constipation. Miralax is a brand of polyethylene glycol 3350 which works by retaining water in the stool. This is also known as an osmotic laxative, resulting in softer, easier to pass stools and increased frequency of bowel movements.
Can I take Miralax (polyethylene glycol) with hot coffee?
MIRALAX can be mixed into most beverages, hot, cold or room temperature, so the answer is yes, you can add MIRALAX to hot coffee or even cold coffee.
It is worth mentioning however that because of coffee’s possible laxative effect, adding MIRALAX could work more quickly than if it was added to water for example.
Coffee vs Miralax
A study conducted in 1998 showed that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee caused an increase in contractions of the colon with just one cup of coffee. But while coffee is known to stimulate bowel movements, it is not generally recommended as a replacement for laxatives in the event of constipation. As coffee is thought to be a diuretic, by consuming excessive amounts of coffee, it can cause dehydration, thereby exacerbating constipation.
In comparison, MIRALAX is an osmotic laxative which means that it draws water from the body to help soften stools. This is why it is important to drink 4 to 8 ounces of liquid with Miralax. Luckily though, it doesn’t necessarily have to be water. It can also be mixed with coffee and most other liquids, although do not mix it with carbonated beverages or alcohol.
Having mentioned all the above, if your constipation is not severe and you would like to try increasing your coffee intake by an extra cup to see if it eases your symptoms, then there should be no harm in doing so. But just remember that you would have to increase your water intake to counteract coffee’s diuretic effects.
Please remember that this is not medical advice and if this proves to be unsuccessful or you have other health issues to take into consideration then please consult your doctor first.
Miralax and Milk
Can I put Miralax in coffee with milk? You most certainly can, which is great news for coffee lovers who couldn’t do without milk in their coffee. The only time you should not mix Miralax with milk or any liquid other than water if you are taking it prior to a colonoscopy. Doctors require you to take the laxative with a clear liquid so they can see the colon clearly.
What is the best beverage to mix Miralax with?
The answer really does depend on your personal preference. Some don’t taste Miralax whilst others don’t enjoy the taste. So if you don’t want to mix this laxative with plain water, then try mixing it with any of the following:
- Coffee, including iced coffee
- Tea, including iced tea
- Milk, including plant based milks
- Hot or cold chocolate milk
- Orange juice
- Water with ice
- Coconut water
- Fruit smoothies
- Protein shakes
Just remember that if you are taking it to before a colonoscopy, then any clear liquid is best. This is to give the doctor the best chance to be able to see any blockages clearly.
What should Miralax NOT be mixed with?
The following should not be mixed with Miralax:
- Alcohol – It is not recommended that you take Miralax with alcohol. This is due to the fact that alcohol is a diuretic. By drinking alcohol whilst using Miralax, you could end up with exacerbating your original symptoms and stopping the laxative from doing what it’s supposed to be doing.
- Carbonated drinks – Mixing carbonated drinks with Miralax may cause them to bubble over which could also cause bloating when ingested. This is the reason carbonated drinks are best avoided when using Miralax.
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FAQ's:
How can I make Miralax taste better?
Miralax has a gritty texture and whilst some say it’s tasteless, others say it has an unpleasant taste. Many people find that mixing Miralax and then putting it in the fridge to cool, makes it more palatable.
Also, try mixing Miralax with your favourite soft drink (not carbonated) or fruit juice instead of water. Or how about mixing Miralax with coffee, an iced coffee or even better, a salted caramel mocha!
Can I put Miralax in milk for toddlers?
A word of caution when mixing Miralax with plain milk if intended for babies or young children. The consensus appears to be that it is safe to do so but also bear in mind that milk itself can be a common cause of constipation in babies.
Also, be aware that it has been reported that Miralax has been linked to concerning changes in young children. There have been reported side effects from behavioral issues and speech problems to anxiety, and depression.
Whilst studies are still ongoing regarding these issues, it is important to keep your child’s safety paramount when considering Miralax and consult your child’s doctor or paediatrician for dosage amounts and timing and whether they really do need medication. Foods such as prunes and other fruit can help with constipation and are usually a safer choice with virtually no risk of harmful side effects (unless allergic).
Can I give my dog Miralax
Yes you can give your dog Miralax but as with all medications, for both humans and animals, knowledge and caution are required. Vets sometimes prescribe or recommend Miralax for dogs with constipation issues, but you should always consult a professional before dosing your pet yourself. There may be a reason for the constipation and may require further investigation.
Vets will calculate the dosage required based on the size of the dog, the weight of the dog and the severity of the constipation. All these considerations need to be taken into account and the vet is the best qualified to make that decision.
Can I put Miralax in a smoothie?
Yes, you can definitely put Miralax in a smoothie. It can also be added to protein shakes however make sure you dissolve the powder in water first before adding it to shakes or smoothies.
Does Miralax work on impacted stools?
MIRALAX is an osmotic laxative. That means it draws water into the colon, which softens the stool and may naturally stimulate the colon to contract. These actions help ease bowel movements. Due to its water retention properties, Miralax should help with impacted stool.
How long does it take for Miralax to work?
MIRALAX generally produces a bowel movement in one to three days. Should it take longer you should consult your doctor.
In summary
In conclusion, the answer to “Can you put Miralax in coffee” is a definite yes. It is perfectly OK to mix the Miralax in coffee. It can be mixed into most beverages, hot, cold or those at room temperature. The only liquids that it should not be mixed with is alcohol and carbonated drinks.
Be aware that because of coffee’s possible laxative effect, adding MIRALAX could work more quickly than if it was added to water for example.
Why not try this recipe?
If all this talk of coffee has made you crave some, why not try one of these great recipes next:
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