How Do I Pick the Right Laxative?
A laxative, along with simple diet and exercise solutions, can help relieve your constipation. A wide range of laxatives are available over the counter, including:

• Osmotic laxatives draw water back to the digestive tract, replacing lost water, enabling a normal, complete bowel movement. Through this process, MiraLAX^®, an osmatic laxative, relieves constipation without harsh side effects.
• Bulk-forming (Fiber) laxatives: add psyllium (insoluble) fiber to the stool. These can be used to supplement the fiber in your diet. However, they can sometimes ferment and cause gas.
• Stimulant laxatives stimulate the walls of the intestine, causing the muscles to contract and clear the bowel. They work quickly, but can sometimes cause cramps¹.
• Lubricants, such as mineral oil, lubricate the walls of the intestine so that stool can pass through more easily. They can sometimes interfere with vitamin and nutrient absorption².
• Saline laxatives work by pulling water into the intestine. These laxatives can remove electrolytes².

MiraLAX is The One

• The One clinically proven to relieve constipation with no harsh side effects.
• The One recommended by more doctors.
• The One brand hospitals use more often.

MiraLAX^® is the #1 Doctor and Pharmacist Recommended Laxative:
For constipation/irregularity, doctors and pharmacists prefer MiraLAX more than any other prescription drug or OTC laxative. Doctors recommend MiraLAX more than fibers, stimulants, stool softeners or mineral oils to relieve constipation.

¹National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Constipation. Available at http://digestive. niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/. Accessed October 7, 2006.
² Hsieh C. Treatment of constipation in older adults. Am Fam Physician. 2005;75:2277-2285