Talking to your patients

  • Patients often find it difficult to talk about constipation
  • They may be embarrassed about discussing their symptoms
  • Using the Bristol Scale may help facilitate conversations
  • The FAQs in this section may help facilitate a conversation with your patients about constipation
Download Bristol Scale PDF

If your patient would like more information about constipation, laxatives, and MiraLAX, download this brochure for them to take home.

DOWNLOAD MiraLAX BROCHURE PDF

Quick Reference

Questions your patients may have about constipation

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What is constipation?

Constipation is a subject few like to talk about, although it affects us all at one time or another. Constipation can be serious but even when it's not, it can be uncomfortable and frustrating.

Constipation or irregularity occurs when a person's bowel movements become difficult or when they happen less frequently than normal. Normal stools are soft and formed, and passed without straining. Normal frequency is, of course, different for everyone. Some people go once or twice a day, others three times a week — all completely normal if that number of trips to the bathroom is your regular routine.

You can experience a variety of symptoms beyond just difficulty going to the bathroom. Other symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, gas and bloating. You might also feel symptoms that may not seem to have anything to do with your digestive system, such as fatigue, achiness, and irritability.

How can I avoid constipation?
There are many things you can do to help prevent constipation. They include:
  • Eating more fruits, vegetables and grains, which are high in fiber
  • Drinking plenty of water and other liquids
  • Getting enough exercise
  • Taking time to have a bowel movement when you need to
  • Tell your doctor about the medicines you are taking. Some medications may cause constipation
Find Out More
What causes constipation?

Your digestive system is sensitive to changes in diet and lifestyle, so you should not be surprised or alarmed if, once in a while, your system slows down. Anyone can get constipated, and it does not necessarily mean that they are unhealthy or that they have an unhealthy lifestyle. There are many possible causes and certain times in our lives when we are more likely to become constipated.

Constipation/irregularity can happen to all of us.

Constipation can be caused by:
  • Changes in lifestyle, such as diet and not drinking enough fluids
  • Not enough physical activity
  • Some medical conditions, like pregnancy or diabetes
  • Travel
  • Stress or anxiety
    • Stress and a busy lifestyle can take their toll. During a hectic day, it is not unusual to either resist the urge to go or to miss the opportunity to use the bathroom entirely. Unfortunately, postponing a bowel movement until later may actually cause regularity problems
  • Certain medicines and nutritional supplements, including a surprising number of prescription and non-prescription drugs
How common is constipation?
Very common. In the United States, more than 65 million people — that's about 1 in 4 people — suffer the discomfort of constipation each year.
How often do most people have a bowel movement?
Normal frequency is different for everyone. Some people go once or twice a day, others three times a week — all completely normal if that number of trips to the bathroom is their regular routine.

Questions your patients may have about MiraLAX®

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What is MiraLAX?
MiraLAX laxative is an over-the-counter medication for occasional constipation. It is the #1 doctor and gastroenterologist recommended laxative that's clinically proven to relieve constipation and soften stool with no harsh side effects.
How does MiraLAX work?
MiraLAX laxative gently draws water into your colon, softening stool so it's easier to move through your system. This helps to produce a normal, easy, and complete bowel movement. MiraLAX provides more comfort and less straining without uncomfortable side effects. And there's no sudden urges, so you're in control.
Does MiraLAX cause any side effects?
No. The relief you get with MiraLAX laxative is a normal, easy and complete bowel movement. MiraLAX will not cause cramps, gas, bloating, or sudden urgency.
How do I take MiraLAX?

MiraLAX laxative is taken once a day. Use the bottle cap to measure one 17 g dose. Or you can buy a box of 10 packets of pre-measured doses. MiraLAX has no taste and no grit. It dissolves easily and completely in any 4 to 8 oz beverage, such as water, juice, coffee, or tea.

Taking more than the recommended 17 g dosage may result in diarrhea.

Do I need a prescription for MiraLAX?
No, not any more. It is sold over the counter, without a prescription.
Where can I find MiraLAX?
MiraLAX is easy to find in the laxative aisle at national drugstore chains, supermarkets, mass merchandisers, and club stores.
How is MiraLAX different from other things I've tried or heard of?
MiraLAX laxative is Polyethylene Glycol 3350. Clinical studies have shown that it relieves constipation and softens stool without harsh side effects. It won't cause the side effects that some laxatives do, because it works naturally with your body.

Download this brochure to help answer your patients' questions

Tell patients to visit the MiraLAX website for a coupon.

DOWNLOAD MiraLAX BROCHURE PDF