How many tablespoons is a capful of MiraLAX?

MiraLAX is a popular over-the-counter laxative used to treat occasional constipation. It contains polyethylene glycol 3350, which works by drawing water into the intestines to soften stools and allow them to pass more easily.

MiraLAX is available in powder form and the instructions recommend mixing one capful into 8 ounces of water or juice once daily. But how many tablespoons are actually in one capful of MiraLAX?

What is MiraLAX?

MiraLAX is a brand name for polyethylene glycol 3350, which is an osmotic laxative. Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines from surrounding body tissues. This extra fluid softens and adds bulk to stools, stimulating bowel movements.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is not absorbed by the body. It passes through the gastrointestinal tract unchanged, allowing it to hold onto and pull in fluid through the entire length of the intestines.

In addition to treating constipation, MiraLAX is sometimes used to clean out the bowels before medical procedures or colonoscopies.

MiraLAX Benefits

  • Relieves occasional constipation
  • Softens and loosens stools
  • Increases frequency of bowel movements
  • Helps clean out the bowels before procedures
  • Tasteless and odorless when mixed with liquids

How MiraLAX Works

MiraLAX powder contains polyethylene glycol 3350, which is an osmotic laxative agent. It works in a few different ways:

  • Attracts water into the intestines and colon from surrounding body tissues.
  • Softens and loosens stool while increasing bulk.
  • Promotes bowel movements by triggering intestinal contractions.
  • Helps push stool through the intestines more easily.

The extra fluid and bulk help create softer, easier to pass stools. The intestinal contractions also propel the stool forward through the colon, allowing constipation relief.

MiraLAX Dosage

The recommended MiraLAX dosage for adults and children over 12 years old is:

  • 1 capful (17g) mixed into 8 ounces of water or juice once daily
  • May be taken up to 3 times daily as needed for constipation relief

For children ages 6-11 years old, the recommended MiraLAX dosage is:

  • 1/2 to 1 full capful (8g to 17g) in 4-8 ounces of liquid once daily

MiraLAX should not be used in children under 6 years old without first consulting a doctor. It is also not recommended for more than 7 days unless directed by a doctor.

How to Take MiraLAX

MiraLAX can be mixed into any non-carbonated drink. Here are some tips for taking it:

  • Empty 1 capful of powder into 8 ounces of water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea
  • Stir or shake until completely dissolved, usually takes 3-5 minutes
  • Drink the entire mixture right away, do not sip or save for later
  • Take on an empty stomach or at least 30 minutes before meals
  • Expect bowel movements to occur anywhere from 1 hour to 3 days after taking

MiraLAX does not have a flavor and is usually tasteless when mixed properly in liquids. It can be taken at any time of day, but taking it about the same time each day may promote more regular bowel movements.

How Many Tablespoons in a Capful of MiraLAX?

The manufacturer recommends using one 17 gram capful of MiraLAX powder per dose. But how does this convert into tablespoons?

One capful of MiraLAX contains approximately:

  • 17 grams
  • 3 level tablespoons
  • 4 rounded tablespoons

So one full cap from the MiraLAX bottle contains around 3-4 tablespoons of powder, depending on how you measure it.

Measuring MiraLAX in Tablespoons

To measure one capful of MiraLAX powder in tablespoons:

  • Use a standard measuring spoon meant for dry ingredients
  • Fill the tablespoon up to the top and level it off for an accurate level tablespoon
  • 3 level tablespoons = 1 capful of MiraLAX (17g)
  • 4 rounded tablespoons (heaping spoonfuls) = 1 capful of MiraLAX (17g)

When measuring MiraLAX, it’s best to use standard dry measuring spoons rather than silverware tablespoons from the kitchen. The dry measuring spoons are more accurate for getting the right MiraLAX dosage.

MiraLAX Measurement Conversion

Here is a quick overview of how to convert between grams, capfuls, and tablespoons of MiraLAX:

1 Capful 3 Level Tablespoons 4 Rounded Tablespoons 17 grams
1 Capful 3 Level Tablespoons 4 Rounded Tablespoons 17 grams

Comparing Other Laxatives to MiraLAX

How does MiraLAX compare to some other common over-the-counter laxatives in terms of active ingredients and dosage?

Milk of Magnesia

Active ingredient: Magnesium hydroxide

Dosage: 10-30ml (2-6 tsp) once or twice daily

Milk of magnesia contains magnesium hydroxide which acts as an osmotic laxative, similar to MiraLAX. However, it tends to cause more cramping or discomfort than polyethylene glycol products.

Dulcolax

Active ingredient: Bisacodyl

Dosage: 1-3 tablets (5-15mg) daily

Dulcolax stool softener contains the stimulant laxative bisacodyl. This works by directly stimulating contractions in the intestines. It is fast-acting but more likely to cause cramps or diarrhea compared to osmotic laxatives.

Correctol

Active ingredient: Bisacodyl

Dosage: 1-3 tablets (5-15mg) daily

Correctol is another stimulant laxative that contains bisacodyl. It provides fast relief but has more risks of side effects like abdominal pain than polyethylene glycol laxatives.

Ex-Lax

Active ingredient: Senna

Dosage: 2 tablets (24mg sennosides) daily

Ex-Lax uses the natural stimulant laxative senna. Like other stimulants, it rapidly increases muscle contractions in the colon but is more likely to cause dependency with prolonged use.

Fibercon

Active ingredient: Calcium polycarbophil

Dosage: 1-4 tablets daily

Fibercon is a fiber supplement used to relieve constipation. It contains no stimulant laxatives but works more slowly than osmotic laxatives like MiraLAX.

Colace

Active ingredient: Docusate sodium

Dosage: 50-300mg daily

Colace is a stool softener that contains the surfactant docusate sodium to wet and soften stools. It does not draw water into the intestines like MiraLAX.

The Best Way to Take MiraLAX

When taking MiraLAX, be sure to follow the dosage directions and mix it thoroughly in a glass of liquid. Here are some tips for getting the most effective use of MiraLAX:

  • Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water or juice to maximize its effects
  • Allow it to dissolve completely before drinking for best results
  • Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated
  • Increase fiber intake gradually to support regular bowel movements
  • Avoid overuse to prevent dehydration or electrolyte imbalances

MiraLAX generally produces a bowel movement within 1-3 days but can work more rapidly if taken on an empty stomach. Allow a few days for it to fully work before increasing your dosage.

Tips for Constipation Relief

In addition to taking MiraLAX, try these healthy ways to find constipation relief:

  • Drink plenty of water, around 8 glasses per day
  • Eat more high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, oats
  • Exercise regularly to stimulate the bowels
  • Limit dehydrating caffeinated or alcoholic drinks
  • Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, massage
  • Try probiotic foods like yogurt to improve gut health

MiraLAX Side Effects and Precautions

MiraLAX generally causes very few side effects when used as directed. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:

  • Nausea or stomach pain
  • Bloating and gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness or headaches
  • Allergic reactions

More serious side effects can include severe diarrhea leading to dehydration, electrolyte problems, or kidney impairment. If any severe symptoms occur, stop taking MiraLAX immediately.

Some precautions when taking MiraLAX include:

  • Avoid if allergic to polyethylene glycol
  • Use cautiously in people with kidney disease
  • Not recommended for children under 6 years old
  • Don’t exceed 7 days of use unless directed by doctor

Talk with a doctor before taking MiraLAX if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or health concerns. And discontinue use if you experience any severe bloating, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic reactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, one capful of MiraLAX contains approximately 3 level tablespoons or 4 rounded tablespoons of powder. This is equivalent to 17 grams of the active ingredient polyethylene glycol 3350.

MiraLAX works as an osmotic laxative by drawing water into the intestines to hydrate and soften stools, allowing them to pass more easily. It provides gentle, effective relief from occasional constipation with minimal side effects when used as directed.

For best results, mix one capful or 3-4 tablespoons of MiraLAX into 8 ounces of non-carbonated liquid and drink the entire mixture right away. Allow up to 3 days for it to produce bowel movements. MiraLAX offers an over-the-counter constipation relief option with no taste, odor, or cramping when used properly.

Leave a Comment