MiraLAX Dosing for a 10-Year-Old Male Weighing 39.4 kg
For a 10-year-old male weighing 39.4 kg, the recommended dose of MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) is 17 grams (one capful or one packet) dissolved in 4-8 ounces of liquid once daily. 1
Standard Pediatric Dosing
- The FDA-approved dose for children and adults is 17 grams of polyethylene glycol 3350 per day, which can be administered as a single daily dose 1
- This patient weighs just under 40 kg, but at age 10 years, he falls into the standard pediatric dosing category where the adult dose of 17 grams daily is appropriate 2
- PEG 3350 acts as an osmotic laxative with dose-dependent efficacy, making it highly effective for treating functional constipation in children 2
Administration Guidelines
- Mix the 17-gram dose in 4-8 ounces of water, juice, coffee, or tea to improve palatability 3
- The medication should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time each day for consistency 4
- PEG 3350 can be used for both initial disimpaction and long-term maintenance treatment of constipation 2
Duration and Safety
- PEG 3350 is safe for chronic use in children, with studies demonstrating safety and efficacy for up to 12 months of continuous treatment 4
- The most common adverse effects are mild gastrointestinal complaints including diarrhea, loose stools, flatulence, and nausea 4
- In patients predisposed to water and electrolyte imbalances, monitoring of serum electrolytes should be considered, though clinically significant electrolyte disturbances are rare 2
- No evidence of tachyphylaxis (tolerance) develops with long-term use 4
Clinical Efficacy
- Studies show 80-88% of patients report successful treatment with PEG 3350 at the standard 17-gram daily dose 4
- PEG 3350 has become the laxative of first choice in international guidelines for treating functional constipation in children due to its excellent efficacy, safety profile, and patient acceptance 2, 5