MiraLAX is one of the most popular solutions for constipation. However, you can’t take it like other pills. Instead, you need to dissolve it in liquids.
The word “liquids” here is quite confusing because it includes many options, such as water, milk, or even coffee. We have received questions like “Can you put MiraLAX in coffee?” If you are curious, this article must be what you need.
We will explain if mixing MiraLAX in coffee is a good idea. You can also learn the best way to take this medicine. So let’s dig into the details!
What Is MiraLAX?
MiraLAX is an over-the-counter laxative. It contains the osmotic agent polyethylene glycol 3350, which can alleviate occasional constipation.
This kind of osmotic laxative works by drawing water into your colon and holding it there, as the name indicates.
Thanks to the water content, your stool will become softer, improving your bowel movements and relieving constipation.
Besides, MiraLAX performs the same task to help you to detox without causing any gastrointestinal issues.
All ages, including kids and the elderly, can safely take MiraLAX. It does not lead to dependence and tolerance like some other laxatives do.
How about long-term uses? The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) reported that MiraLAX helps with chronic idiopathic constipation.
Because it promotes healthy bowel movements, minimizes staining, and restores the usual consistency of feces, MiraLAX functions better than the placebo in this scenario.
MiraLAX reduces bloating, burping, abdominal pain, and flatulence when used often.
Can You Put MiraLAX In Coffee?
The answer is Yes. People who want to eliminate constipation sometimes mix MiraLAX in their coffee.
However, it is not advisable to use the medication in this manner; therefore, you should weigh the benefits and risks of doing so.
Benefits
MiraLAX and coffee make a home cure for constipation. The two substances together may soften stool and encourage bowel activities.
By ingesting polyethylene glycol 3350, MiraLAX produces a laxative effect. There is nothing to worry about, even if you don’t feel the difference after consuming the first cup of the mixture. The process may take four hours to go into effect.
You should use MiraLAX in your coffee for one to three days to induce bowel movements without experiencing any adverse side effects.
Drawbacks
Your coffee will change its flavor and taste when mixed with MiraLAX. In most cases, it can turn unpleasant to drink. Even if you don’t mind the taste, other risks may stop you from trying this mixture.
- Medical interactions: Polyethylene glycol, an ingredient in MiraLAX, may interact with several medicines and exacerbate their negative effects.
- Overuse: Dehydration and electrolyte disturbances may result from using MiraLAX excessively or consuming more than suggested.
- Allergy: Some people are allergic to the substances in this medicine. Symptoms of the allergy include hives, difficulty breathing, and itching.
- Dependence: Regularly overusing MiraLAX might develop a dependence on the medication for bowel movements.
In general, mixing MiraLAX in coffee and other beverages may worsen their side effects. Hence, it’s better to avoid this mixture.
Always adhere to the recommended dosage limits on the product label, and seek medical advice if you have any problems.
Can You Taste MiraLAX In Coffee?
Yes, if you blend MiraLAX in coffee, you can taste it. However, the taste is too gentle for you to notice sometimes because MiraLAX is an odorless, tasteless powder that can dissolve in liquids.
Some people claim they feel metallic and salty when adding MiraLAX to their coffee. Meanwhile, others pay more attention to the gritty texture because some powder particles can’t dissolve.
MiraLAX’s taste is not easy to detect. However, it will change the flavor and aroma of your java. So keep it in mind if you prioritize the coffee taste.
Can You Put MiraLAX In Milk?
Yes. As aforementioned, MiraLAX needs to dissolve in liquids to penetrate your body. Milk, as a liquid, can be a good option for those who don’t like the bitterness of coffee.
If you choose this method, follow the instructions on the package carefully and stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that MiraLAX powder can dissolve well.
For people who have trouble swallowing tablets or who can’t stand the powder’s flavor, mixing MiraLAX in a glass of milk can make it more palatable.
Moreover, calcium included in milk helps you absorb some medications better. Hence, MiraLAX may work better and alleviate constipation more quickly if you drink it with milk.
Unfortunately, some people can’t follow this way of taking MiraLAX because they are lactose intolerant and can’t consume dairy items.
Besides, some medications will conflict with dairy products. It’s essential to consider any potential interactions you may encounter.
Everyone is different. What works for others may not be suitable for you. Hence, always talk to a doctor or healthcare provider before taking any new medication.
How To Take MiraLAX With Coffee Safely?
MiraLAX is good for your constipation. However, the way you consume it matters here because it will affect your health. Here is what you should do.
Measure the dose carefully
The instructions on the package can tell the proper dose. You can use the lid of the MiraLAX bottle to measure it.
Once you’ve opened the MiraLAX bottle, check inside for a cap that reads “up to 17 grams.” 17 grams of the powder is the recommended dosage for single use.
You may also get a package of MiraLAX single-dose packs if you don’t like to measure the amount every time you take medicine.
Simply put the MiraLAX powder into the cap. You can shake or tap the top of the MiraLAX bottle to ensure the powder is level at the right measuring line.
Unless your physician asks you to, avoid changing your MiraLAX dose. Additionally, consult a physician before giving the medicine to a kid under the age of 17.
Put MiraLAX in liquids
MiraLAX can dissolve in hot, cold, and room-temperature liquids. You need 120ml of the liquid to mix with a dose of MiraLAX.
For the quickest result, consider putting MiraLAX in 240 ml of liquid, which is as much as an eight-ounce cup of water.
MiraLAX has no taste or odor. Hence, you can use it with many beverages, such as water, milk, coffee, tea, juice, coconut water, etc.
However, never mix this medicine with alcoholic beverages, carbonated drinks, and syrupy substances. Since the drink used with MiraLAX is essential, we will talk about it in detail in the sections below.
Drink it
After choosing the liquid and pouring MiraLAX into it, stir the mixture thoroughly until there are no more visible MiraLAX particles.
Then, drink it within 10 to 15 minutes. If you let it settle for longer, the mixture will become harder and thicker.
Remember to stir your mixture every time you sip it. This step ensures the powder doesn’t sink to the bottom and that what you drink is the medicine, not the beverage.
Extra tips
The tips below will help you use MiraLAX safely and correctly:
- Only take one dose of MiraLAX a day. Besides, you don’t have to drink it at the exact same time every day. And if you want to increase your dose, ask your doctor first.
- Do not take MiraLAX for longer than one week unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
- If it has been seven days since your previous visit to the bathroom, consult your doctor. Within three days, MiraLAX ought to assist your potty routines.
- Once you have normal bowel movements, you can stop taking MiraLAX.
- You can take medicine when you are hungry or full.
- Store MiraLAX at room temperature and keep it away from moisture and heat.
Please check this video to learn more tips and cautions when taking MiraLAX:
Things to Remember When Using MiraLAX
For MiraLAX to fully perform its function, you should stick to your doctor’s recommendations. They can include the following things:
Diet
Try to maintain a healthy, balanced diet when using MiraLAX, which includes a range of foods from various food groups.
High-fiber foods
Consuming high-fiber meals, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains, can promote regular bowel movements and combat constipation.
Lean protein
Lean protein will make you feel full and satisfied, lowering your risk of overeating. Your options are legumes, fish, and poultry.
Foods to avoid
Sugary and fatty foodstuffs, like fried foods and sweets, may cause constipation and slow down digestion. Then, they will exacerbate the laxative’s side effects.
Besides, gas-producing and spicy foods are terrible ideas for patients. They will worsen your digestive system and cause many issues, such as bloating and diarrhea.
Side effects
Like other medications, MiraLAX may cause side effects in some users. Check for these signs and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of them.
Stomach discomfort
Stomach discomforts, such as cramping or bloating, may happen to a few people. It’s because the laxative draws water into the intestines, softening the feces and increasing the bowel content.
Diarrhea
If you take more doses than recommended, you may experience diarrhea. Please remember that this laxative will increase the frequency of your bowel movements. If you take it too much, your feces will become much more watery.
Nausea
Nausea may happen because of the increased frequency of your bowel movements and higher volume of bowel contents.
Dehydration
This issue is common when you don’t drink enough water when taking MiraLAX. It will cause other symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness, thirst, and dry mouth.
Warnings
MiraLAX is not for everyone. It may cause electrolyte imbalances, which are not common. This problem is worse in those with kidney diseases.
Besides, if you have swallowing problems, MiraLAX will cause choking. So discuss it with your doctor to decide the best solution.
Which Beverage Can You Mix With MiraLAX?
Hydration is essential for intaking MiraLAX. Hence, you have to drink MiraLAX with fluids to ensure its effectiveness.
Aside from milk and coffee, you can dissolve MiraLAX powder in various beverages. We will recommend some right there. So choose your favorite to make MiraLAX consumption easier.
Water
Mixing MiraLAX with water is the most straightforward method. Water will dissolve the powder quickly and improve its effectiveness.
Juice
Juice can add flavor and make your laxative easier to drink. Your options include grape, cranberry, and apple juice.
However, please note that some juices have high sugar content. Hence, they are not ideal for people with high blood sugar levels.
Soda
Soda is a carbonated drink that adds bubbles and makes your MiraLAX more enjoyable. However, like juices, soda is rich in sugar.
Tea
However, some teas contain caffeine. They will cause dehydration and reduce the effectiveness of your MiraLAX. So talk with your doctor first about the impact of tea on the laxative.
Tea is a nonalcoholic drink that can work well with MiraLAX. Mixing it with MiraLAX will give you a flavorful beverage.
Sports drink
You will lose electrolytes through sweat and diarrhea, so replacing them with a sports drink will assist you in staying hydrated.
Nevertheless, certain sports drinks have added carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners, and other substances that might interfere with the laxative.
You should see your doctor if you are anxious about how a sports drink would affect MiraLAX’s performance.
Which Beverage Can’t You Mix With MiraLAX?
You can mix MiraLAX with many kinds of beverages. However, there are some exceptions.
Alcoholic beverages
Alcohol may reduce the laxative’s efficacy and raise the risk of dehydration. Hence, do not consume alcohol while taking medicine.
Alcohol can also aggravate diarrhea and raise the risk of other side effects, including vomiting and nausea.
Caffeine-containing beverages
Caffeine can induce dehydration and interfere with the effect of the laxative. Hence, use beverages containing caffeine with caution.
Even if you can drink more water to minimize the influence of caffeine in your body, it will raise your heart rate and make you feel nervous. These issues will exacerbate the laxative’s negative effects.
Drinks with added sugar
As aforementioned, soda and juices may have added sugars that will weaken the effectiveness of the laxative. They may also cause diarrhea and some digestive symptoms.
Keep in mind that these suggestions cannot apply to everyone because we have individual tolerance for specific beverages.
So, consult your doctor if you have any concerns about how a beverage may affect the use of MiraLAX.
How Long Does MiraLAX Take To Work?
MiraLAX typically takes about one to three days to produce a bowel movement. However, depending on several variables, the exact time required for MiraLAX to start working might differ from person to person.
Dose
The suggested starting dose is 17 grams of MiraLAX mixed with a cup of water, soda, coffee, or other beverages, per day. You can increase the dose to speed up the progress, but do not exceed 34 grams a day.
Medical conditions
The time it takes for MiraLAX to work also depends on some medical issues, including colonic inertia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These issues will make the medicine work more slowly.
Dehydration
Dehydration might make it harder for MiraLAX to perform as intended. To ensure that MiraLAX serves its purpose, drink enough fluids when taking the laxative.
Individual factors
Some people could feel MiraLAX’s effects sooner than others based on weight, fluid consumption, and food.
Can I Take MiraLAX Every Day?
Many people use MiraLAX to treat their occasional constipation. While short-term usage is generally safe, daily and long-term use will be problematic without the consultation of a healthcare professional.
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances may occur from using MiraLAX excessively or for long periods of time. These issues also cause dependence on medication.
Contact your doctor if you have severe constipation or other digestive problems so they can properly check your health and recommend the best treatment option.
Can Kids Take MiraLAX?
Yes. MiraLAX can treat constipation in kids, and it’s safe for children over the age of two. However, ensure that they take medicine under the supervision of a medical professional.
Besides, there are some things to bear in mind when giving MiraLAX to your kids:
- It’s crucial to stick to the dose guidance given on the packaging or by a healthcare professional.
- Children under the age of two should not take MiraLAX unless the doctor advises so.
- MiraLAX may interact with other medications. Hence, inform the doctor of any of the medications that your kids are taking.
- After letting your kids take MiraLAX, monitor for any side effects, such as cramping, pain, or bloating. Contact your doctor if they occur.
The suitable dose of MiraLAX for kids depends on their weight, age, and severity of constipation. The standard dosages are as follows:
- Kids from 6 months: 0.5 to 1.5 grams of MiraLAX per one kilogram of their body weight
- Kids from two years old: 1.5 grams of MiraLAX per one kilogram of their body weight
Often, pre-teens and teens can take a standard dose of 17 grams. If your kids are younger, take a half-dose.
However, please note that nothing is better than your doctor’s consultation. Your kid’s case can be different from others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix MiraLAX with milk?
Yes. Milk is sweet, making MiraLAX easier to consume. Moreover, the calcium content in milk can help your body absorb the medicine easier.
Which is the best time of the day to take MiraLAX?
The ideal time to take MiraLAX depends on the severity of constipation and your preference.
For most individuals, it’s best to take MiraLAX in the evening, before their bedtime. This practice allows the powder to act throughout the night and may result in a bowel movement the next day.
You can take MiraLAX in the morning, too. However, it won’t give you any relief until the end of the day.
How much Mirlax to put in coffee?
You need about 120ml of the liquid to mix one dose of MiraLAX. This formula applies to all liquids you use to take the laxative. MiraLAX simply requires enough liquid to dissolve.
Can I take MiraLAX on an empty stomach?
Yes. The powder can dissolve in water or another clear liquid. You can drink it immediately, with or without food, according to the suggested usage directions on the product label,
Does MiraLAX cause you to gain weight?
No. MiraLAX doesn’t have a long-term impact on body weight, although it may temporarily cause bloating or water retention.
When using MiraLAX, if you are anxious about weight gain or any other adverse effects, talk with your doctor for help.
Conclusion
Don’t worry about your constipation because MiraLAX can help you treat it effectively. Hydration is important for the treatment, so you must choose the right beverage to mix with MiraLAX.
Coffee is one of the common options for it. Besides, you can use other beverages, such as water, milk, or juice. However, asking your doctor before taking your medicine would be best.
Please also note that MiraLAX may cause side benefits. The beverage you use it with and how much you drink it will play an important role here.
Do you have any problems when using MiraLAX? Please feel free to ask us for help. We are always ready to assist you.
Thank you for reading!
