MiraLAX Dosing for a 15.2 kg Child
For a child weighing 15.2 kg, administer approximately 12 grams of MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) daily, which equals roughly 3.5 to 4 leveled teaspoons or 1 leveled tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon.
Weight-Based Dosing Calculation
- The optimal maintenance dose for children with constipation is 0.78 g/kg/day based on clinical studies in infants and young children 1
- For a 15.2 kg child: 15.2 kg × 0.78 g/kg = 11.9 grams per day (approximately 12 grams) 1
- This dose falls within the safe and effective range of 0.26-1.26 g/kg/day established in pediatric studies 1
Practical Measurement Using Household Devices
Using standard measuring spoons (most practical for home use):
- 1 leveled teaspoon of MiraLAX = approximately 3.3 grams 2
- 1 leveled tablespoon = approximately 10 grams 2
- For 12 grams total: Use 1 leveled tablespoon (10 g) plus 1 leveled teaspoon (3.3 g) 2
- Alternative: 3.5 to 4 leveled teaspoons (3.5 teaspoons = 11.6 g; 4 teaspoons = 13.2 g) 2
Using the manufacturer's cap:
- The standard capful = 17 grams (adult dose) 2
- For this child, use approximately 2/3 to 3/4 of a capful, though this method has more measurement variability 2
Critical Dosing Considerations
- Always level the measuring device to improve consistency and reduce dose variability, which is particularly important for children sensitive to dosing changes 2
- Use one dedicated measuring device throughout treatment rather than switching between different spoons or caps 2
- A kitchen scale provides the most precise measurement (12 grams exactly), though most families will not have access to one 2
Administration Instructions
- Mix the powder with any liquid (water, juice, milk) as MiraLAX is tasteless and dissolves completely 3
- Administer once daily, typically in the morning 1
- No specific timing with meals is required 1
Dose Adjustment Strategy
- Start with the calculated dose of 12 grams daily 1
- If constipation persists after 3-5 days, the dose may be increased up to 1.26 g/kg/day (19 grams for this child) 1
- If diarrhea develops, reduce the dose by 25-50% and titrate upward more gradually 1
- The goal is 1-2 soft, formed bowel movements daily without straining 3
Safety Profile for This Age Group
- MiraLAX is safe and effective for children in this weight range with a 97.6% success rate in relieving constipation 1
- The most common side effect is transient diarrhea (14% of patients), which resolves with dose adjustment 1
- Increased gas may occur but is uncommon 1
- Long-term use is safe, with children in studies treated for an average of 6.2 months (range 3 weeks to 21 months) 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not use "heaping" or unleveled measurements, as heaping tablespoons can contain up to 15 grams versus 10 grams when leveled—a 50% increase that may cause diarrhea 2. Consistency in measurement technique is essential for predictable therapeutic effect.