Pharmaceutical Name

Trade (marketing or proprietary) name: MiraLax

Generic (nonproprietary or active ingredient) name: Polyethylene glycol 3350

Indication and Usage

Reason the product has been approved for sale on the market.

FDA has approved this over-the-counter laxative for 17+ year olds to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements.

Manufacturer Insert

Ingredients

Polyethylene Glycol 3350, 17 g

Manufacturer-Listed Adverse Reactions

Per the CDC, adverse reactions are an undesirable medical condition that has been demonstrated to be caused by a vaccine. Evidence for the causal relation is usually obtained through randomized clinical trials, controlled epidemiologic studies, isolation of the vaccine strain from the pathogenic site, or recurrence of the condition with repeated vaccination (i.e., rechallenge); synonyms include side effect and adverse effect.

Bloating, Blood in stool, Severe or bloody diarrhea, Nausea, Stomach cramps/pain, Vomiting, Abdominal distension/pain, Borborygmi (rumbling noise produced by the movement of gas through the intestines), Flatulence, Abdominal cramping, Perianal (area around the anus) inflammation/soreness, Allergic reaction, Urticaria (hives), Excessive stool frequency, Rectal bleeding, Dizziness, Increased sweating

Analytical Deep Dive

Informed Consent Means Knowing All Your Options

Explore Natural and Holistic Alternatives That Support the Same Concern

You’ve seen what the pharmaceutical option contains: its ingredients, clinical background, and potential risks. But informed consent isn’t just about understanding what is offered. It is about knowing what else is available. Below, you’ll find research-worthy alternatives often used by families seeking holistic or non-pharmaceutical support. These are not prescriptions. They are starting points for deeper research and empowered decision-making from a seasoned pharmacist turned holistic health coach.

Disclaimer: Some of these resources may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, Just the Inserts may earn a commission.

Babies and Children:

Dr. Green Life Poo Motion

Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Baby Infant Probiotic Powder

Rowe Casa Organics Baby Tummy Oil

Adults

Perfect Supplements Magnesium Citrate If constipation is an issue during pregnancy, magnesium citrate is often also very good at preventing high blood pressure during pregnancy because of its ability to relax blood vessels.

Gaia Herbs Triphala Fruit Triphala is a staple of Ayurvedic medicine (and has been around for over 2000 years). It tends to be gentler than the synthetic over the counter laxatives, yet very effective.

For mild support of sluggish bowels:

Urban Farm Collection x Earthley Wellness Liver Love May not be an equal substitute for MiraLax, but is helpful for liver detoxification and mild constipation.

Perfect Supplements Perfect Chlorella Better for mild constipation.

Lifestyle

• An adequately hydrated body is less likely to be constipated. 
• Having enough fiber in the diet supports healthy elimination habits. Chia seeds, flaxseed, leafy greens, prunes, apples, pears, figs, sweet potatoes, legumes, and oat bran are just some options.
• Some foods are known to aggravate constipation, and avoiding them benefits digestion. These include foods high in gluten, processed dairy (not raw), processed foods, processed grains, and alcohol.
• Add in a daily source of probiotic from either a supplemental probiotic or consume probiotic rich foods. Ideally, choose a probiotic with 5-10 strains (varieties) of bacteria, with a daily dose (for adults) of 10+ billion colony forming units (CFU’s) per dose. In some individuals, it may be beneficial from even higher doses, particularly in times of stress or illness recovery.  Note: If someone is unaccustomed to probiotics, it may be necessary to gradually work up to higher doses.
• Establishing a regular bowel routine/rhythm. This is much like training for other health and lifestyle habits. Foremost, it requires an awareness that something about your own bowel habits needs improving, and a willingness to “do the things” to correct the problem. 
• Some tips to creating a regular bowel routine:
  • Identify what times of day you are most apt to have a bowel movement, and allow time to do so. Our bodies are biologically designed to best move stool in the morning, so this is a great time to start! 
  • Don’t suppress the urge to have a bowel movement. The subconscious is a powerful thing and I’ve heard many stories in my years as both a pharmacist and health coach from people who accidentally created an environment ripe for constipation problems because they trained their body to “hold on” to poo.
  • Use any combination of the suggestions included here, or perhaps you’ve found another holistic option that suits your body well. Your body will begin to recognize and appreciate the routine you create and reward your efforts! 
• Consider using a Squatty Potty to help the body perform more efficiently when having a bowel movement. Unkink your colon!
• Using 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils as an abdominal massage to aid in promoting gut motility (peppermint), enhance gastric emptying (ginger), and increase colonic activity and stool frequency (rosemary and fennel).
• Chiropractic care can help alleviate constipation by supporting and improving spinal alignment which enhances nervous system communication.
• Movement
  • Walking, (especially after meals) increases motility of the gut. 
  • Movements that encourage peristalsis (the wavelike movement which moves food and debris through the digestive system). Here are some yoga movements known to support healthy digestion:
    • “Wind-Relieving Pose”
    • “Squat Pose”
    • “Cobra Pose”
    • “Half Lord of the Fishes Pose”
    • “Reclined Twist”

Resources:

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5731839/
• https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2024/12/08/1856-resolution-of-constipation-following-chiropractic-care-to-reduce-vertebral-subluxation-in-an-infant-with-birth-trauma-a-case-study/
• https://chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/What_Effect_Does_Chiropractic_Treatment_Have.shtml
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0095454305700543?via%3Dihub
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30843436/
• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Shashirekha-H-K/publication/339167134_CONSTIPATION_CURE_AND_TREATMENT_THROUGH_DIET_YOGA_HOME_REMEDIES/links/5e4278e3299bf1cdb91f7fd4/CONSTIPATION-CURE-AND-TREATMENT-THROUGH-DIET-YOGA-HOME-REMEDIES.pdf

These alternatives are thoughtfully curated by a seasoned pharmacist turned holistic health coach. After spending 30 years behind the counter, she began exploring natural healing methods following her own health challenges. With a deep understanding of pharmacognosy, the original roots of pharmacy, she now helps others discover time-tested, nature-based ways to support wellness. To learn more about her services, click here.