From the Guidelines
Yes, you can generally take Metamucil (psyllium fiber) and MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) together, as they work differently to relieve constipation, according to the most recent guideline from 2023 1. When taking both, separate them by at least 2 hours to prevent Metamucil from reducing MiraLAX's effectiveness.
- Start with the recommended doses: typically 1 tablespoon of Metamucil powder in 8 ounces of water 1-3 times daily, and 17 grams (about 1 tablespoon) of MiraLAX powder in 8 ounces of water once daily.
- Ensure you drink plenty of additional water throughout the day, as both medications require adequate hydration to work properly and prevent potential intestinal blockage. This combination may be particularly helpful for people with severe constipation or those who haven't responded well to either product alone, but consult your healthcare provider before combining these medications, especially if you have underlying digestive conditions or are taking other medications. It's worth noting that the 2023 guideline suggests the use of fiber supplementation, such as psyllium, as a first-line therapy for chronic idiopathic constipation, and recommends the use of PEG, like MiraLAX, as a strong recommendation for adults with CIC 1. However, the guideline also mentions that the certainty of evidence for fiber supplementation is low, and that PEG has a moderate certainty of evidence, which may affect the decision to combine these medications. In any case, it's essential to follow the recommended doses and to consult with a healthcare provider before starting or combining any medications, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, as stated in the 2010 study 1 and the 2013 study 1.
From the Research
Interaction between Metamucil and Miralax
- Metamucil is a fiber supplement that contains psyllium, a soluble fiber that can help promote regular bowel movements 2.
- Miralax is a laxative that contains polyethylene glycol (PEG), an osmotic laxative that can help increase the amount of water in the stool and make it easier to pass 3.
- There is evidence to suggest that combining fiber supplements like psyllium with osmotic laxatives like PEG can be an effective treatment for chronic constipation 4, 5.
- A study published in 2013 found that the combination of psyllium and PEG can combine the advantages of fiber and isotonic solutions and represent an important therapeutic option for patients suffering from chronic constipation 4.
- Another study published in 2021 found that there is good evidence to recommend PEG as a first-line laxative, and moderate evidence supporting fiber supplements like psyllium 5.
- However, it's worth noting that the efficacy and safety of combining Metamucil and Miralax specifically has not been extensively studied, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of this combination.
Potential Benefits and Risks
- The combination of Metamucil and Miralax may be beneficial for patients with chronic constipation who have not responded to other treatments 4, 5.
- However, patients should be aware of the potential risks of combining these two medications, including increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain 5, 2.
- Patients should also be aware of the potential for interactions with other medications, and should consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.
Dosage and Administration
- The optimal dosage and administration of Metamucil and Miralax has not been established, and patients should follow the instructions provided by their healthcare provider or the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Patients should start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed and under medical supervision to minimize the risk of side effects.