That bloated, backed-up feeling is the worst, isn’t it? You ate all the fiber, drank all the water, and still can’t get relief. before you reach for a stronger laxative, try good old Miralax. This gentle osmotic laxative eases constipation gradually and naturally. But how much will it actually make you poop?

Miralax isn’t some hardcore stimulant laxative. It works by drawing water into your poop, which softens things up. So you’ll notice loose, unformed stools starting in 1-3 days. Don’t worry if things get pretty watery – this shows it’s working! The goal is to relieve the constipation, even if you have diarrhea for a bit.

The exact amount and timing of poop depends on factors like the dose and your body’s response. But in general, expect mushy bowel movements within a day or two. And you can use Miralax daily, up to twice per day max. If no poop after 7 days, call your doctor.

Let me tell you more about timing, what to expect, dosing, and when to seek help. Getting the scoop on Miralax can help you use it safely and effectively. Time to get things moving again!

Day 1 to 3: Loose Stools

Within 1 to 3 days of starting Miralax, you’ll notice results. And that result will be loose poop!

The first bowel movements may be mushy or shapeless. As Miralax pulls fluid into your colon, it softens and loosens the stool.

Don’t be alarmed if stools get very watery, even diarrhea-like. This shows the medication is working to relieve your constipation.

During this initial loose stool phase, you may need to poop 4 to 6 times per day. So stay near a toilet!

Daily Dosing: 1 to 2 Capfuls

The standard dose of Miralax is one 17 gram capful per day, mixed into water or juice. You can take it every day.

If that’s not getting things moving within a few days, try two capfuls per day. But don’t exceed two doses in 24 hours.

Split the dose – one capful in the morning and one at night works well. Mix each capful in at least 4 ounces of fluid.

How Long to Use: 7 Days Max

You can use Miralax daily for up to 7 consecutive days safely. This allows enough time to fully relieve bloating and back-up.

If you don’t have a bowel movement after using Miralax for 7 days straight, call your doctor before continuing.

Long term use may be harmful, so your MD will want to re-evaluate if you still can’t poop after a week.

Timing for Colonoscopy Prep

Bowel prep for colonoscopies often includes Miralax. If so, you’ll take two capfuls every 10 minutes until the bottle is empty.

When paired with large amounts of fluids, Miralax preps the colon by causing rapid liquid stools. This flushes everything out before your scope.

You’ll poop A LOT in a short time. So don’t stray far from the bathroom during colonoscopy prep!

What’s Too Much Miralax?

Using more than directed can lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances from too much fluid loss. Danger signs include:

• Muscle cramping
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Rapid heart rate
• Dark urine

If you develop any of these, call your doctor. Too much Miralax can cause serious issues.

Stick with the recommended 1-2 capful dosing. And be patient – Miralax works gradually over a few days.

Is it Normal to Have Diarrhea from Miralax?

You started taking Miralax for constipation. But now you have the opposite problem – diarrhea! Is this normal?

Short answer: Yes, it’s very common to get diarrhea from Miralax at first. Here’s why:

It Softens Stool

Miralax pulls fluid into the intestines to soften and loosen stool. Softer stool is easier to pass.

But for many people, it softens things too much at first, leading to loose stools or diarrhea.

This is a sign the medication is working to relieve your constipation. Just give it time to regulate.

Your Body Adjusts

After a few days on Miralax, your body will adjust to the extra fluid and find the right balance.

Diarrhea is most common when first starting Miralax, or increasing the dose. It usually improves once your system adapts.

But if diarrhea persists beyond 5-7 days, call your doctor to adjust the dosage or switch medications.

Be Patient

It takes some trial and error to find the right Miralax dose for your body. Diarrhea means you need a little less.

Try lowering the dose to every other day. Or take just 3/4 capful daily instead of a full capful.

Each person needs a custom dose. Work with your doctor to tailor it to your needs.

Why It’s Effective

The diarrhea and watery stools mean Miralax is successfully moving stool through your colon.

Allowing looser stools for a few days can help “reset” your system after constipation.

So view diarrhea as a sign of progress! Just stay near a toilet until your body adjusts.

Tips to Reduce Miralax Diarrhea

Miralax works wonders for constipation. But the resulting diarrhea can be annoying (and messy!). Here are some tips to avoid loose stools:

Start Low and Go Slow

Begin with a low dose like 1/2 capful per day. Slowly increase by 1/4 capful every 3-4 days.

This allows your body to adapt without being overwhelmed with too much fluid too fast.

Split the Dose

Take half your daily Miralax in the morning, and half at night. Dividing the dose gives more even coverage.

Don’t take the full day’s dose all at once or diarrhea may follow.

Drink Less Fluid

Mix your Miralax in the minimum recommended amount of liquid – just 4 ounces.

Too much fluid dilutes it further and can lead to looser stools.

Also cut back on excess fluids like coffee, juice, and soda while taking Miralax.

Add Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber soaks up excess fluid in the colon. This firms up loose stools.

Try a little oatmeal, rice cereal, mashed potatoes, applesauce, or bananas each day.

But steer clear of insoluble fibers like veggies, wheat bran, and beans – these can make diarrhea worse.

Be Patient!

It takes 3-5 days for your body to adjust to Miralax’s effects. Diarrhea should improve with time.

Stick it out for a week before changing doses or medications. And give your MD a call if it persists.

When to See Your Doctor about Miralax Diarrhea

Annoying as diarrhea is, it’s often just a temporary side effect of Miralax. Drink enough fluids and ride it out.

But contact your doctor if you have:

• Diarrhea for more than 5-7 days on the same dose
• More than 8 watery stools per day
• Cramps or pain along with diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood or mucus in the stool
• Fever over 101°F

These symptoms could signal an infection, inflammation, or other complication requiring medical attention.

Also call your doctor if diarrhea is causing:

• Dehydration
• Dizziness
• Rapid weight loss
• Electrolyte issues

You may need IV fluids or hospital care to recover. Don’t try to tough it out.

The Takeaway: Diarrhea Means It’s Working!

Frustrating as it may be, diarrhea is a sign Miralax is doing its job – bringing relief from constipation.

Try lowering the dose, drinking less fluid, adding fiber, and being patient as your body adjusts.

Diarrhea should improve within 5-7 days on a given dose. If not, work with your doctor to modify the dose or try a different medication.

While annoying, view diarrhea as a good sign. It means Miralax is successfully softening and moving stool through your colon. Just stick close to a toilet until it settles down!