MiraLAX vs. Kristalose

• Are MiraLAX and Kristalose the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of MiraLAX?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Kristalose?
• What is MiraLAX?
• What is Kristalose?
• What Drugs Interact with MiraLAX?
• What Drugs Interact with Kristalose?
• How Should MiraLAX Be Taken?
• How Should Kristalose Be Taken?

MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) and Kristalose (lactulose) are laxatives indicated for the treatment of constipation.

A difference is Kristalose requires a prescription while MiraLAX is available over-the-counter and in generic form.

Common side effects of MiraLAX include:

• nausea,
• abdominal cramping,
• bloating,
• upset stomach,
• gas,
• dizziness, or
• increased sweating.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of MiraLAX including severe or bloody diarrhea, bleeding from your rectum, blood in your stools, or severe and worsening stomach pain, cramping, or bloating.

Common side effects of Kristalose include:

• gas,
• abdominal cramps,
• diarrhea,
• loss of fluids,
• low blood levels of potassium (hypokalemia),
• high blood levels of sodium (hypernatremia),
• nausea, and
• vomiting

MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) is used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements. MiraLAX is available over-the-counter and in generic form.

Kristalose (lactulose) For Oral Solution is a synthetic disaccharide indicated for the treatment of constipation.

Other drugs may interact with MiraLAX. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use.

Kristalose may interact with antacids. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

The usual dose of MiraLAX is 17 grams (about 1 heaping tablespoon) of powder per day (or as directed by physician) in 4 to 8 ounces of water.

The usual adult dosage of Kristalose is 10 g to 20 g of lactulose daily. The dose of Kristalose may be increased to 40 g daily if necessary. Twenty-four to 48 hours may be required to produce a normal bowel movement.