In pediatric studies, PEG 3350 has been shown to be more effective at improving the frequency of defecation in children with chronic constipation when compared with placebo and other agents, such as lactulose, Phillip’s Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide, Bayer) or mineral oil.
This hydrated PEG 3350 is then excreted by the patient and not retained in any form. When PEG 3350 is consumed, it remains in the gut and holds water. Theoretically, PEG 3350 is a polymer that is too big to be absorbed by the intestine. Pediatricians often have to exercise their professional judgement based on the best available research and anecdotal evidence to recommend medications that do not have FDA approval for use in children. There is lack of data to support this off-label use of PEG 3350 for the long-term management of childhood constipation because most studies have only measured short-term outcomes as such, the term ‘off-label’ does not imply an improper, illegal, contraindicated or investigational use. Although the FDA has not approved long-term use of PEG 3350 in children aged younger than 17 years of age, the laxative is used off-label widely in clinical practice. Polyethylene glycol or PEG 3350 - commonly known as MiraLAX - has been in the news during the past few years due to the concern for potential side effects in children, most notably undesirable behavioral changes. If you continue to have this issue please contact to Healio
