Thursday, August 7, 2014

MiraLAX for Kids

MiraLAX is approved by the FDA for

  • over-the-counter use for occasional constipation
  • use in adults and children 17 and older
  • recommended for short term use up to 7 days.
MiraLAX is also known at Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (PEG 3350)

Lulu and many other kids receiving chemotherapy are prescribed PEG 3350 for constipation. Lulu was prescribed 17 grams in 8 oz. of water and to drink daily. After learning more about PEG 3350, we decided to stop giving it to her. I don't want her to get constipated, but I'm just tired of all these meds and SO IS SHE. I hear it daily.  I discussed with her doctor that we were having success keeping her regular with her diet and as long as she is not having constipation issues, she was fine with us using "as needed". Thankfully, we haven't needed to use it. 

I make sure she is drinking lots of water daily. In the hospital I make sure to order pears. She has the choice of eating pears or drinking medicine. Saying that usually does the trick and she'll eat a few bites for me. She use to enjoy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies from Oh She Glows. They work really well, but tastes buds change frequently and those haven't been requested lately. Lulu loves California Rolls & Shrimp Rolls from Hana Sushi. The seaweed is great for digestion. I just ordered the Sushezi to save a couple bucks & let her make rolls at home. 

Here is more information from the grant opportunity for The Use of Polyethylene Glycol in the Pediatric Population (R01)   It states in the background that Ethylene glycol is a precursor for synthesis and a degradation product of PEG. 
  • Ethylene glycol is known to be neurotoxic in children
    •  (alters the normal activity of the nervous system)
  • Ethylene glycol poisoning causes metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap. 
    • (when too much acid is produced or not enough bicarbonate produced)
If your child is prescribed MiraLAX or Polyethylene Glycol I encourage you to print off the grant information on the link above and discuss with your doctor. 


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