From the Guidelines
Yes, you can generally take MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) if you have diverticulosis, as it is considered safe for most people with this condition 1. MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the colon to soften stool and increase bowel movements, which can be beneficial for people with diverticulosis. The standard dose is 17 grams (about one capful) dissolved in 8 ounces of water once daily.
Key Considerations
- MiraLAX provides gentle relief without the harsh stimulant effects of some other laxatives, making it a suitable option for individuals with diverticulosis.
- Maintaining regular bowel movements is important to prevent stool from becoming trapped in the diverticula (small pouches in the colon), which could lead to inflammation or infection (diverticulitis) 1.
- A high-fiber diet or fiber supplementation is also recommended for patients with a history of acute diverticulitis, as it may help reduce the risk of recurrent diverticulitis 1.
- However, if you're experiencing symptoms of active diverticulitis such as severe abdominal pain, fever, or bloody stools, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking any laxatives, including MiraLAX, as they may worsen your condition during an acute flare-up.
Additional Factors to Consider
- Genetic factors play a significant role in determining the risk of diverticulitis, with approximately 50% of the risk attributable to genetic factors 1.
- A prudent dietary pattern, high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, and low in red meat and sweets, may help decrease the risk of incident diverticulitis 1.
- Regular physical activity, particularly vigorous exercise, may also decrease the risk of diverticulitis 1.
Recommendation
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking MiraLAX or any other laxative if you have diverticulosis, especially if you are experiencing symptoms of active diverticulitis. They can provide personalized guidance and help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
From the Research
Diverticulosis and Miralax
- Diverticulosis is a condition where small, bulging pouches (diverticula) develop in the digestive tract, and it can be associated with constipation, which may be treated with laxatives like Miralax (polyethylene glycol) 2.
- There is evidence that polyethylene glycol (PEG) is effective in treating constipation and fecal impaction, with a high response rate and low incidence of adverse events 3, 2.
- However, a case report suggests that patients with diverticulitis, a complication of diverticulosis, may be at risk of anaphylaxis when taking PEG-3350 (Colyte), a type of Miralax 4.
- The use of Miralax in patients with diverticulosis is not directly addressed in the available studies, but the evidence suggests that PEG is generally safe and effective for constipation treatment 3, 2.
- It is essential to consider the potential risks and benefits of using Miralax in patients with diverticulosis, particularly those with a history of diverticulitis, and to monitor for any adverse reactions 4.
Treatment Strategies for Diverticulitis
- The treatment of acute diverticulitis has evolved, and evidence-based strategies now include risk-adapted approaches and operative decision-making based on patient and disease factors 5.
- The use of antibiotics, percutaneous abscess drainage, and laparoscopic lavage are among the treatment options for acute diverticulitis, depending on the severity of the disease 5.
- However, the management of diverticulosis and the use of laxatives like Miralax are not directly addressed in the context of diverticulitis treatment 5.