Constipation is a very normal and common problem that can happen to anyone. It can happen due to unhealthy eating, lack of physical activities, lack of water consumption, eating more dairy products, taking extra stress, and many other factors are responsible. Constipation can be treated at home by taking home remedies but if a person is facing the problem two medicines can help him which are Miralax and Metamucil.
These medicines are very helpful in providing relief but due to the same purpose of them they are considered the same but it is not so. In this article, I will help you with the main differences between Miralax and Metamucil, so that you can know their treatment process and side effects.
About Miralax
Miralax is an osmotic laxative used for curing constipation as it has polyethylene glycol 3350 which helps in offering easier bowel movement and relief from constipation. It is used for short-term treatment as it can start doing its work within 3 days of consumption. You can consume it in case of constipation but if there is no relief for more than three days of consuming it then immediate medical help should be taken. It can be used by everyone including adults, teenagers, children, etc. But the dosage depends on factors like the purpose of using the medicine and the age of the person who is consuming the medicine.
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There are disadvantages of this medicine as it can lead to some side effects like loose stools, gas, nausea, stomach ache, and bloating. These problems can be treated at home and do not need any medical attention unless it remains for more than one or two days. It also includes some serious side effects including dehydration in which you feel fatigued all the time with dry mouth and some allergic reactions like rash, itchy skin, runny nose, trouble breathing, swollen lips, tongue or throat, etc. In children, it can be more serious so it is always recommended to consult the doctor before consuming any medication.
About Metamucil
Metamucil is a medicine containing bulk-forming laxatives and helps cure constipation. It can be consumed by people of all ages and used for treating bowel movements. When you consume it with a proper diet, it can also result in lowering the cholesterol level but it can be allergic to some people. Therefore, it is always recommended to consume it after getting a prescription and taking it according to the instructions of the doctor. If you are facing problems like stomach ache or vomiting, feeling treble while swallowing, change in Bowling habits like in two weeks then you should share details of these problems with the doctor.
This medicine also contains sugar so it is sometimes not recommended for diabetic patients. If there is a lack of water in the body, it can also result in choking. Therefore, a proper amount of water should be consumed to make your body hydrated if you are taking the medicine. If you are taking it in a powder form then it has to be mixed with some liquid before as it should not be consumed directly. It produced the bowel movements in 12 hours but sometimes it can also take 72 hours maximum. It should be stored at room temperature and should be over consumed as it can worsen the situation like causing stomach ache to bloat etc. But if you have consumed the medicine and there are worsening symptoms or no relief then immediate medical help should be taken.
Main Differences between Miralax and Metamucil
If you are also facing the problem of constipation and are confused between the two for a better medication for yourself then you should know the main differences between Miralax and Metamucil before consuming it. The following are some differences between that two medicines:
- Both medicines form laxatives in the body which help in treating constipation but their process of forming and treating is different. Miralax is an osmotic laxative that treats constipation with help of the osmosis process while Metamucil is a bulk-forming laxative that leads to absorption of liquid in the intestine and treats constipation.
- Another difference between them is their active ingredient. Miralax contains polyethylene glycol 3350 which is a synthetic substance as its active ingredient while Metamucil contains psyllium husk which is fiber as its active ingredient which makes it more beneficial other than relief from constipation.
- Miralax makes bowel movement easier by retaining water in the colon while Metamucil results in making the bowel movement larger by swelling and absorbing the water or in short increasing the bulk of the colon contents.
- Miralax is helpful in the preparation of the bowel before the colonoscopy while Metamucil helps control blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels in the body because of its high fiber content.
- The disadvantage of consuming Miralax is that it can cause diseases like diarrhea, dehydration, and loss of electrolytes while the disadvantage of consuming Metamucil is that it can cause choking if not consumed with enough water and it can be harmful to a person with intestinal obstruction.
The Final Words
If a person is suffering from constipation, the above-mentioned medicines can be helpful but it is always recommended to take medicines from the doctor’s prescription. But if you are taking these medicines then you should know their ingredients, working process, disadvantages, and side effects. I hope this article was helpful and with the above-mentioned information, there won’t be any confusion between Miralax and Metamucil.